EDITORIAL: Know what? Life is still pretty groovy

"What, me worry?" — Alfred E. Neuman

Recession hasn't disappeared, but it's on the run.

War rages in Ukraine, but the world is uniting against the aggressors. Not only will Russia not win; Ukraine's most striking victory may be its inspiration to lovers of freedom everywhere.

With too much help from humans, Mother Nature has unleashed massive wildfires, but steps are being taken to mitigate future disasters.

Fear is a potent weapon to motivate people to think and behave irrationally. Misinformation and disinformation burn so many otherwise responsible citizens wishing to keep up with current events that they disconnect from the hot stove of bad news, but embracing ignorance has never been a recipe for success.

Seeing all that's good around you and building upon that is a direct route to happiness — and isn't that ultimately the name of the game?

And, here in paradise, life is good. Summer has hit the homestretch; the North Idaho State Fair has finally arrived, an annual harvest of fun and flavor.

Then, before you know it, daylight will diminish, the leaves will turn and we'll all be reminded that change is not a man-made curse but a natural blessing.

When you do feel anxiety mounting, and we all do at times, focus on something good. Think outside yourself; turn off the fearmongering noise.

To boost perspective improvement, remember a stress-busting 1966 song by Paul Simon.

Feel free to hum along.

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

Slow down, you move too fast

You got to make the morning last

Just kicking down the cobblestones

Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy

Ba da da da da da da, feelin’ groovy

Hello, lamppost, what’cha knowin’?

I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’

Ain’t’cha got no rhymes for me?

Doot-in doo-doo, feelin’ groovy

Ba da da da da da da, feelin’ groovy

I got no deeds to do

No promises to keep

I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep

Let the morning time drop all its petals on me

Life, I love you

All is groovy