Okay, so we have been posting about emotional high/lows. Our packing. Our planning. Our preparations. We have been doing that for months. Now we are throwing in a mix of holiday preparations and plans. One quick comment from me, before I share the reason for this post.
I have mentioned before about feeling bi-polar. I dare not mention at work about our plans, so at home/off time we plan big - and it is a huge roller coaster of emotions. Now with Christmas and the holiday festivities, it has been quite different for me this year. Typically, I enjoy purchasing at least one new decoration or ornament, or add to the outdoor lights. Not this year, as my mind constantly goes to what will I do with this? Can I use this on the road? Truth be told, it has put a damper on my Christmas spirit. I am sentimental about many decorations that I don't want to part with. I dread going through many boxes in the basement that we used annually when the kids were home. Since the kids have grown and moved away, I do minimally around the house, as we travel for the holiday - and it is less work when we return home, and get back to the grind. Decisions, decisions! I am so very grateful my daughter will store as much as possible for us. Furniture is a whole different subject, and most likely out of the question. So, we struggle with decisions, trying to look at the big picture, amidst the piles, bags and boxes that are accumulating around us.
So, on a lighter note, this was shared by a friend of mine, and I thought you folks might enjoy it as much as I did. Consider it an early Christmas present! ;-)
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Try everything twice.
On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
"Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!"
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)
3. Keep learning:
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever...
Never let the brain get idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,
spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
6.. The tears happen:
Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever..
Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips..
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,
to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
I love you, my special friend.
11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance..
Remember! Lost time can never be found.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
-author unknown-
Personally, I thing RV-ers probably have learned these lessons better than most... but a gentle reminder is always a good thing, right? Merry Christmas! ~Marti
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I like 6 and 7. I've thought them many times in my life. I understand about the damper on the Xmas spirit. When you are not into things at this time of year, it can feel a tad bit empty. I like the Christmas spirit. I'm trying to find it outside of material things as much as possible but it ain't easy.
ReplyDeleteI worry often that soon-to-be fulltimers get rid of too much stuff, especially Christmas decorations. I am really into Christmas decorations, and admit to carrying around a tree and several boxes of ornaments. Now if your kids want them, okay. Otherwise store them until they do want them or your have a winter place where you can use them. I'm in Yuma now, where lots of snowbirders have many, many decorations on their RVs. Many story them in storage sheds on their lots until they return each winter.
ReplyDeletesounds like you are having a bit of a tough time..one box and one bag at a time is all you can do!..even though we have a few years left before we need to plan..we are already thinking when we make a purchase?..will this come with us?..and if the answer is yes..we buy it!..
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that you are dealing with #6 and #7 at the moment... and that is OK.
ReplyDeleteJust remember that you never give away your memories...just your stuff. I gave the most favorite decorations to my mother and children...the rest were sold...but the memories will be with me forever:o))
Hi Marti...Nancy Again...
ReplyDeleteI have an idea ;o)
As you go through your stuff and the memories come flooding in, get your camera and start snapping pictures. Your memories are already stored away in your head. It is seeing things that brings those memories back to the now.
Why not start a MEMORY ALBUM!!
Take pictures of everything and then once you are retired and have time, you can go through the photos and organize your memory pictures so you can walk down memory lane any time you want to. You can take everything with you in pictures ;o)))
Have a GREAT DAY!!