The 21st Century Illness
Most every individual and family is acutely aware of the substantial loss of free time since the late 1990’s. We call this the 21st century illness. Symptoms:
*Frantic overworked employees who believe this is the path to the true American dream. The offset: No time for much else, even participating in family events.
*The All-American family that must have everything and be everything. Primarily a mother’s activities, a non stop movement to keep the home looking great, the kids’ activities involving the mommy mobile, community organizations, schools, etc.
*Community activities have gotten completely out of control for many families in matters of time and financial commitments. Join one and the invitations become never ending. If you perform, you’ll be lucky enough to become a hard working volunteer member on the Board.
*Note on little league sports: Big problem, and lots of pressure on dad and mom to participate.
This may be just exactly what you want and represents an important ingredient in your work ethic and sense of self worth. Now what happens to the “lesser” to dos? OH MISS Concierge will gather those that you are less inclined to do and find the alternative solution. You are now on your way to finding the time for what is really important and can not be retrieved once gone.
Having experienced lives with little or no balance, we have become seriously aware of what we call the 21st century illness: the lack of time to recreate, to rest, to nap, to love and enjoy time with your family.
Let OH MISS manage lesser issues that don’t involve you in your fundamental careers or group activities. Take time to recharge your batteries-read a book, go on a cruise, take a week to visit your children or grandchildren.
OH MISS can arrange the most desirable transportation, watch your home by doing all the ancillary things such as bringing in the mail, newspapers, pay bills, care for pets by visiting during the day, assuring your home is secure and giving the appearance of being occupied.
Don’t Toss the Memories in the Trash
It may be that you are an adult child, who needs to help your parents downsize and move or you need to move from your large home to one that is smaller. Is it overwhelming to think about starting the process of downsizing and relocating? Wouldn’t it be easier to just toss it all out in the trash and start over again? Many seniors and their adult children are faced with the task of downsizing and relocating to a smaller home, apartment, or retirement community. Instead of throwing all of your precious memories in the trash, make a plan to start the process.
If you have several years of accumulation, it can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. Remember when you moved in and thought I could never fill all this space? Now it is an attic, garage or basement that hasn’t been emptied for decades. This can be a daunting task. It is an issue facing many seniors, baby boomers, and healthcare providers. Adult children may be geographically distant or part of the sandwich generation that area overwhelmed with trying to manage their own lives while raising children and managing careers. As much as they would like to help their parents, they may not be able.
Consider these points when starting the process of downsizing and moving on:
• A good way to start is to get someone to help you through the
downsizing process because it can be overwhelming. You need help and support.
• Think about starting now, even if you don’t plan on moving for a while. It can take some time to sort things out of your attic, basement, garage, and the rest of the house.
• Consider the amount of space you will have in your new home.
this will help eliminate moving items that will not physically fit.
Think about what you will really need. Will you place settings for 12 or will 6 or 8 maybe work? Do you really need 3 turkey roasters? When was the last time you made Thanksgiving dinner?
• Why not give pieces of furniture or other possessions to family
or friends who have admired them for years? If your granddaughter has admired your china hutch for years, why not give it to her now and see the joy and happiness that it brings her today.
• Adult children need to pick up their stuff, whether you have it in a spare bedroom, attic or garage. The days of rental storage business is over unless you have decided at this time to go in to that line of business. Again, the kids need to get their stuff out of your home. Set a time frame and stick to it.
• If you feel overwhelmed looking at a pile of papers that you need to sort through, start with just 15 minutes. Set a timer for 15 minutes, sort through the pile, and then stop working when the timer rings. Remember every item you own requires your time, energy, maintenance, and money. Decide if the item is worth keeping.
While downsizing can be emotionally and physically overwhelming, the process can be achieved through planning and organization. Taking it one step at a time can not only make the downsizing process easier but rewarding as well as you move to your new home.