The OWH Memo
The Dominion Post
September 4, 2022
I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day Weekend choosing to do something fun that makes you happy.
In my previous job as a registered dental hygienist, one of the easiest ways I found to get to know a new patient was by asking this simple question; “What do you do for fun?” The answers ran the gamut from sleeping to skydiving and everything in between. One thing that did puzzle me was when someone said, “I don’t know”. I felt empathy for that answer and the deeper impact of not knowing what you do to enjoy this amazing thing we call life.
What do YOU do for fun? When is the last time you did it? In this busy world of crammed schedules, and outside demands from others, it can be easy to please everyone without trying to please yourself. I’m guilty of this myself, and there is absolutely no pride in being too busy to have fun, no matter how noble your cause may be. My husband and I are in the process of moving into a new home after leaving the place we have called home for the last 20 years. It’s A LOT of work, and there hasn’t been much time for fun. And we can feel it! Not making time for fun can have deleterious effects on you and your relationships. Find something small (quick and cheap) that is fun if you haven’t exercised your “fun muscles” in a while. Who knows where that little effort can lead you in the pursuit of happiness.
If you happen to be a veteran struggling in your pursuit of happiness and need someone to talk to, please consider reaching out to the caring staff at the Morgantown Vet Center. The Vet Center offers confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Their services include counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). They can also connect you with more support in VA and your community. They can be reached at 304-291-4303 or by visiting their office at 34 Commerce Drive, Suite 101 in Morgantown just off the Westover Exit (152) of I-79.
Upcoming Events:
October 5, OWH Veterans Golf Classic at The Pines. Visit www.veteransgolfclassicwv.com for information on sponsoring this sold-out event.
Good to know: Your life is worth it. Keep fighting and never give up. Every day, responders at the Veterans
Crisis Line help people going through a crisis. Call the new number—Dial 988 then Press 1—to
reach qualified, caring responders who are ready to listen.
Operation Welcome Home is here to serve veterans and their families in the greater Morgantown area. Let us know how we can assist you by visiting www.welcomehomewv.com or by calling 304-816-4854. See you all next month, and until then do something fun!