South Coastal Village Volunteers

Expanding Happiness

Being happy is an important key to a healthy lifestyle as well as to improving longevity. But what is happiness? Happiness is feeling joyful and inspired, peaceful and loved, playful and hopeful, and complete.

So many of us live with what are called limiting beliefs and social conditioning based on what someone has said or what society has taught us. The truth is, when we listen to our own internal signals—our true self—in embracing the unknown, we open up new opportunities for happiness. When we live in awe of every little thing around us, we radiate bliss and grace in our daily lives.

By being mindful and aware, we prioritize experiences that bring us joy. Looking back on each day with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment instead of focusing on what we didn't get done on our To Do list can be life enhancing. Maybe that should be the focus for anyone seeking more happiness in 2025.

It is also important to live in the present moment as opposed to the past or the future—a challenging but powerful habit to practice. As seniors, many of us are seeking purpose. We often find meaning in being kind to others and being of service to our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. It is through being creative, exploring health-enhancing activities, socializing, volunteering in the community, or learning something new that we spark our health and happiness. When we find new purpose, we feel fulfilled and overflow with gratitude.

Research demonstrates that we can nurture our happiness through our own actions. Let's start today.

Steuart Martens, president of the Village Volunteers board of directors, is a national health and wellness coach. He is certified as a nutrition health coach by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Martens also conducts healthy-eating workshops.

Information from Steuart Martens, an NBC-HWC/National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your physician before starting any diet, exercise, medication, or supplement program or if you suspect that you have a medical problem.

New Year, New Format

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2025—a new format for a new year. We will be sending news from SCVV via email

SCVV Continues a Steady Growth

This chart represents select performance figures tracked by the South Coastal Village Volunteers. Each line depicts the steady growth of a measurement by quarter since SCVV’s inception at the beginning of 2021.

Help Wanted

Volunteers with accounting and finance experience are needed on the SCVV Steering Committee’s Finance and Planning subcommittee. Please send your name and phone number to info@southcoastalvillagevolunteers.org and we will be in touch. Thank you.

Development Team Gears Up for 2025

The year 2024 was a busy and successful one for the Development Team working to further the work of the South Coastal Village Volunteers. Now 2025 is fully under way.

Holiday Events

Holiday Open House. SCVV Chair Chris Powers thanked Dr. Rush for his insight and invited members and volunteers to the open house to be held shortly before Christmas,

Remembering Helen

The South Coastal Village Volunteers received the note below from the family of Helen Elizabeth Rathburn, who died on December 5, 2024 at the age of 100.

Volunteer Spotlight: Clair Fox

“Some people say that they don’t have time to volunteer,” observes Clair Fox, one of the more than 170 volunteers working with the South Coastal Village Volunteers. “But what you get in return offers such pleasure and gratification.”

Connections

Much of the world is now online. Throughout the year, the South Coastal Village Volunteers offers means to sign up electronically for events and participate in various activities.

Expanding Happiness

Being happy is an important key to a healthy lifestyle as well as to improving longevity. But what is happiness?

AARP – Winter Update

AARP Delaware is ready to tackle the new year! We have a new governor, new leadership in the statehouse, and several new legislators to connect with.