Recently it seems like every time we pick up a newspaper, turn on the TV or radio or hook up to the Internet, we are bombarded by news of another crime, financial crisis, tragedy, military action or devastating act of nature. Maybe this is normal and we just have better access to news from around the world, maybe not, but it seems that, in general, people are getting more frustrated, angrier and obviously more unhappy — just look at some of the letters to the editor!

We used to be, or at least feel, somewhat insulated out here on the peninsula, but over the past 10 to 15 years things have drastically changed.

Just 10 years ago (a relatively short period of time), when Sequim had only a couple stoplights, you would hear the complaints that there was nothing to do in town. If you wanted any quality shopping, food or entertainment you needed to head into the “city.”

Sequim has grown significantly over the past 20 years and, despite some of the growing pains, in my opinion it is still a great place to live.

One of the most positive signs of growth has been the increasing number of opportunities to participate in, and enjoy, the breadth of artistic and entertainment options available locally.

Now you must be asking yourself, “What do these two observations have to do with one another?” Let me explain. To paraphrase an old proverb, “If you have two loaves of bread for three persons, sell one and from the proceeds buy a hyacinth to feed the soul.” In other words, feeding our inner being is just as important to our wellness as feeding our stomach.

Your “hyacinth” may be found in a sense of community — participating in a positive way with others. It can also be found by taking advantage of a wide variety of creative options available right here is our community to relax, be entertained and experience a haven of diversion from our collective stress.

On the peninsula we have a wonderful variety of “creative diversions.” Almost every weekend we are offered music or comedians performing at local clubs, special presentations at churches, arts and craft shows, local community theater groups, readers theater, high school productions, concerts or special festivals and events. The sleepy town of Sequim of 20 years ago now is bustling with things to do year-round.

This is good! Variety is truly the spice of life!

So I encourage you to turn off the television and the Internet, put the paper down (even this one) and go looking for your own “hyacinth” — go looking for food for your inner being, your soul. Search out something that will make you smile, get you to think or maybe introduce you to something new. There are literally hundreds of your friends and neighbors who are creating beauty through their artwork or performance talents. I can guarantee you that they are happier for it.

You can be happier and healthier too if you take advantage of the wealth of artistic and entertainment opportunities we have right here on the peninsula.

Sharon DelaBarre is president of Olympic Theatre Arts.