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It's Healthy To Hold Our Own Plans Lightly

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Lyn and Bill Roche

Published: January 4, 2008

Reflecting on the old and making plans for the new. That's how we spent the last week of 2007. Not a bad thing — perhaps.

We actually took the entire week off. After celebrating Christmas with a number of our children, we parked ourselves on Fort Myers Beach for the week. Alternating with hours of sheer relaxation just gazing at a clear blue sky, we read two books, shared our thoughts and dreams with each other, and listed our goals for the New Year.

Although neither one of us is big on making New Year's resolutions, what we did last week felt good. In fact, we're seriously considering taking off the last week of every year.

Of course, vacation days don't last forever. And, that's probably a good thing. We're fond of the saying, "Life is what happens while you're busy making plans." Reality set in again the moment we returned home and began unpacking.

We were quickly reminded that precious gifts can be found in the unexpected things that happen every day. Yet, we can only recognize and enjoy them if we manage to hold our own plans lightly. There can be delight in spontaneity.

Things we may first view as extreme inconveniences or even as tragedies may hold some hidden blessings. Of course, we must be flexible enough not to break under stress brought about by unforeseen changes in our plans or our lives.

As we grow older, many "life changes" occur. Some, we cannot control. However, we can control our attitude, our flexibility, and the way we treat the people we encounter every day.

Much has been said about the pros and cons of making New Year's resolutions. Are they healthy? It would seem the healthiest are the ones we make about our relationships with others. Some people believe human children and human seniors are selfish. As we age, we need to guard against our personal worlds growing too small or self-centered.

Resolution lists that include declarations regarding relationships are healthy in many ways. Resolving to make a difference in the lives of others by perhaps being a better listener, a better spouse, a better friend, a better neighbor, or a better co-worker — all involve flexibility, selflessness, and a good attitude toward life.

We read the bummed-out-boomer's latest Boomer eZine titled "Practice Uncommon Appreciation." It's author, Amy Sherman, referred mainly to appreciating people.

She wrote, "The people who make a difference in your life aren't the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They're the ones who care. If you want to be remembered for being important in someone's life, make them feel appreciated. It makes sense to show gratitude for the people around you and for the blessings they represent. The year 2008 can be filled with special moments of appreciation if you do your part, be good examples for your families and for others closest to you."

After we read Amy's words of wisdom, we took another look at our list of goals for 2008. We adjusted it to include more aspirations geared toward improving our flexibility, our relationships, and our appreciation of everyone and everything we encounter.

We've decided not to hold too tightly to our own selfish goals. We want to continue to be bendable and dependable. Unexpected occurrences, the needs of others, interruptions on our perceived paths, and inconveniences in our personal lives will continue to hold hidden blessings and wonderful surprises.
Yes, life is what happens while you're busy making New Year's resolutions.

Lyn and Bill live in Highlands Ridge. Lyn is the author of Coping With Caring. Together they co-authored Sharing The Care. Visit their websites www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com, www.boomersandbeyondthecolumn.com and www.journeybookstore.com>

©2008 Journey Publications

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TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE

fort myers beach • sheer relaxation • clear blue sky • personal worlds • thoughts and dreams • celebrating christmas • unforeseen changes • precious gifts • vacation days • life changes • spontaneity • inconveniences • relationships with others • two books • pros and cons • tragedies • declarations • resolutions • blessings • new year

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