New Year’s resolutions set me up for failure. I shudder at the number of times I made concrete plans to lose weight, exercise daily, declutter and any number of other wholesome activities, only to fail a few days later. I hate New Year’s resolutions and you can’t force me to make any! (Cue foot stamping…) I’m not keen on setting goals or all the other motivational exercises our society loves. I have no idea where I’ll be in five years. (Alive, I hope…) I don’t enjoy the stress and pressure all that puts on me.
However, neither do I want to become a couch potato who accomplishes nothing and has no purpose.
What to do?
I’ve discovered, as a retired elder, that certain tools help me move toward a healthier lifestyle, and the results are their own reward. In other words, what happens after I use these tools/systems/recommendations is that I feel better and want to continue. A resolution sets me up to fail; I fail; I feel guilty because I failed and often I get stuck there.
Normally, I write to support caregivers, and while some of this may apply to them, this month I want to focus on other elders and ways in which we can improve our lives without the pressure of resolutions and goals.
Here are my non-resolutions for 2023. Maybe you will find something among them which resonates with you.
Reduce Clutter
A few years ago, my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter lived with me. It was a wonderful, crowded, special time, and the picture of their U-Haul driving out of my townhouse complex when they moved still makes me cry.
When they moved, I could take an inventory of what I had, especially in the kitchen. I went through every drawer and cupboard and got rid of a ton of stuff. If I hadn’t used it for a long time, I probably wouldn’t. I re-organized. Serving trays which were only used once a year went in a high cupboard. I gave away multiple pans when I only needed one at this stage in my life. The most radical move I made was to give away my everyday dishes and make my good china what I used daily. That’s a move I’ve never regretted.
A year later, I did it again. To my amazement, I found several items I hadn’t used in the last year. I gave them away.
This fall, I had my kitchen renovated, and decided to clean and reorganize the cupboards again. Would you believe, I still found things I didn’t use or need? Now my kitchen is a joy to work in, not only because of the new cupboards, lighting and floor, but because all useless clutter is gone. When I bake, I can find what I need without having to dig behind other items.
I’ve since moved to the living room and replaced a couch and love seat, which overcrowded my small area, with a chair and love seat. The extra space gives the room an open, airy look. If I have a group of people in, I’ll use dining room chairs. It works.
I once heard a son talking to his mother who had moved to care. She had an overwhelming amount of “stuff” and found she couldn’t part with it, although her room was packed and 25 boxes sat outside, waiting for a home. “Mom,” he said, looking around, “where do you think all of this will go when you’re gone?” I saw a hard truth become reality for her. Except for a few mementoes, it would all be discarded.
By all means, keep the treasures that give you pleasure. I have a collection of about 25 unusual tea pots, and for now they stay. They give me joy. Maybe in a few years, after I’ve washed and dusted them again, I may feel differently.
Next week:
Live your best lifestyle
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