“The six best doctors in the world are sun, rest, exercise, diet, self-respect, friends.”  Those words are attributed to Charlie Chaplin and they ring true.  Charlie was a self-made man who grew up in poverty.  He was born in 1889, but by 1918 was one of the world’s best-paid and best-known figures. His life was controversial in many ways, but he always insisted on artistic freedom which allowed him to develop his own creativity.  That creativity blessed the world.  In 1972 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences offered Chaplin an Honorary Award citing “the incalculable effect he has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century”.  He was given a 12-minute standing ovation which remains the longest in Academy Award History.  (Wikipedia, Charlie Chaplin) So, let’s talk about his doctors.

Dr. Sun.  Grandma Red loves nothing more than to sit in the sun on a warm day.  From spring to fall and sometimes even in the winter, she can be found on the patio with the sun at her back soaking in a few rays.  It makes her warm and happy.

Dr. Rest.  I like nothing more than to crawl into bed about 8:30 with a book or my phone.  I think about the day’s happenings, look at tomorrow’s schedule and ponder my plans.  I do a little reading or sudoku then turn out the lights and close my eyes.  I sleep well.

Dr. Exercise.  If Stephanie Francom must go more than a couple days without pickleball or some form of exercise she gets antsy and is lining up games somewhere.  It keeps her moving.

Dr. Diet.  While passing out candy canes and money to the Coloring Contest winners at the museum on Friday, Heidi Firth thanked us for the cash and declined the candy cane.  Oh, that we could all cut back on sugar.  That would keep us leaner.

Dr. Self-respect.  It’s hard to identify someone who exhibits self-respect without causing them some discomfort, but I think I’m safe in reminding us of Foster Ipsen.  He was a good one.  He enjoyed life, did a lot of good, and was friendly with everyone.  Laurence Sterne wrote, “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.”  I think Foster Ipsen understood that.

Dr. Friends.  I look forward to Saturday mornings.  Tam, Grandma Red and I have breakfast together then spend an hour or so discussing Malad’s news.  During the week, pickleball time is not just for exercise it is friend time. Family Home Evening with friends always makes me happy and Five Crown Mondays start the week off right.  

So, we might not all reach the pinnacle of worldly success Charlie Chaplin enjoyed, but I believe we can increase our own creativity by visiting his six doctors.  It is a Good Life when Sun, Rest, Exercise, Diet, Self-respect and Friends all come together to increase our capacity to be healthy and happy!  Happy Holidays to you all!