Drink down!

Back in 1731
(Painting by William Hogarth)

Whereas “Drink up!” used to be a common catchphrase among barroom buddies, “Drink down!” might be more indicative of current American trends.

Gallup recently reported that “only 54% of U.S. adults” are consuming alcohol, the lowest percentage of such that Gallup has ever noted.  Young adults have particularly cut down on alcohol, whereas marijuana consumption has remained largely stable within recent years.

Health warnings linking alcohol to “cancer and heart disease” may be somewhat responsible for this reduction.  “Johns Hopkins University emphasizes that no amount of alcohol consumption is safe, a message that seems to be resonating with the public.”

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2026-08-20-fewer-americans-drinking-alcohol/

Dolores had Hope

Dolores Hope in 1990
(Public Domain)

Although Dolores Hope had been greatly admired throughout her lifetime, many wondered how – and especially WHY – she so graciously fulfilled the role of Bob Hope’s wife for decades upon decades.

After all, it’s not as though Bob seemed to appreciate her steadfast devotion. To an outsider looking in, he seemed way more enamored with fans – the curvier the better - than with family.

The answer likely lies within the source of Dolores’ strength.  Her love was rooted more in Jesus than in any human being.  As a faithful Catholic, she viewed marriage as a holy sacrament - a relationship to be embraced not only with body and mind, but mainly with Soul.

Her lifelong devotion bore Fruits of the Spirit, not only for her, but also for Bob.  At the end of his long life, as the fanfare faded, he was inspired by Dolores to also embrace Catholicism.  The two of them are buried side by side within the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Resources

https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/dolores-hope-remembered-for-deep-catholic-faith?redirectedfrom=cna 

Bucket Half Full

(Photo by Wolfgang Sauber)

Although a glass half full seems optimistic, a bucket half full may feel even more so.

Many folks, especially within their elder years, begin focusing upon what they call a “bucket list.”  It consists of things they still wish to experience before kicking the proverbial one.

Not a bad idea, generally…  Yet when it becomes so consuming that the rest of life pales in comparison, some reverse bucketing might be in order.  While tipping life’s bucket backwards, one can begin to feel gratitude, and perhaps even joy, for what has already biographically occurred.  One’s cup may then feel more full than empty.

Psychiatrist Sue Varna therefore advises: “Grab a pen and paper and highlight the moments that [already] brought you joy and made you feel confident and seen.  It only takes 10 minutes.”

Resources

https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/reverse-bucket-list-psychiatrist-explains-rcna593097