Welcome to 2023 and with this new year, I want to re-enforce positivity. Sometimes I become mired in woes, most of these are of my own making, but with the coming year I plan to drive out even a drop of negativity.
After all, grouching produces nothing of quality while it delivers enormous quantities of “would have”, “could have”, and should have” situations. What I have done is finished – it’s impossible to change the past or to reconfigure it – and so I will simply readjust my outlook.
This may require extra apologies, not of the trite “I’m sorry” sort, but rather one that comes with an explanation. For example, I met a person once and we discussed giving up energy drinks as they are addictive and bad for overall health. During a friendly conversation the next time I saw him with said beverage in hand, I immediately blurted, “How’s the energy drink resolution going?” As the office staff roared with laughter I realized that I had no right to judge and then send out a message to guilt.
Next time, I’ll wait for his comment first, and then if the opportunity warrants it, I can offer helpful advice, “3 is better than 4 – congratulations.”
I feel that our world is ripe for becoming more positive. After the COVID and election wars, I believe that most people are ready for kindness and acceptance. Not everyone agrees on the importance of vaccinations, and while I do, I must allow others to decide for themselves and their families. I wasted much time fretting over family gatherings with vulnerable populations in attendance but have decided that I can only take care of myself and offer advice only when it is requested (not often!).
The elections also drew us into a quandary of angst as well as trepidation of saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. As we move forward my wish is that Congresses – both United States and Nevada – can return to compromise and getting along.
People I have encountered during the opening days of 2023 have been welcoming with positivity. Our ADF-Winnemucca group met with an excited team who stands ready to achieve lofty goals of education and support for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Some proposed projects include information sessions, a health-based event such as our Sprint Triathlon or a Pickleball tournament, and extended community outreach. Can it get better than that? Our respite group reconvened with a super turnout of care recipients and volunteers. It is a good sign when such enthusiasm reigns. Having the support of Pleasant Senior Center has made a wonderful difference.
January 4th was the first day (of 6) for our Powerful Tools for Caregivers information sessions. Coming right after the holidays with wind howling and raindrops brewing, I wondered if co-facilitator Hannah Linden and I would be able to scramble up 4 or 5 attendees. Instead, we had 9!
The perfect size for rich dialog and interaction. Held each Wednesday from 10-11:30 at the Senior Center, we have room for you. The sessions are scripted which challenges me, but I am finding ways to make these optimistically personal. I gain knowledge with each presentation from both the outlined lessons as well as the vital stories shared by our group.
At the end of each session each person designs an Action Plan for the coming week. In the past these plans have annoyed me, but I now understand why. I set goals that I wanted to meet but was not invested in meeting. Yesterday I selected one that is doable and needed: organizing my planner. I have set aside (in the planner) 10 minutes, 4 times during the upcoming week, to take advantage of the weekly pages instead of soaking up the monthly plan with gibberish and scribbled notes. Granted, this is just Day 1, but I already sense success.
Finally, something that might bog me down with frustration has actually lifted a weight from my shoulders. Pre-pandemic, Mike Owens and Park Cinemas allowed us to hold a monthly movie session. Showing Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates we had over 25 happy participants who learned more about forgetfulness versus dementia versus Alzheimer’s disease.
Our restart simply has not sparked interest. Weather? Responsibilities? Disinterest? So last night when only I attended it became evident that we should cancel, at least for now. No more movie night, but no more angst. Just joy that people have better ways to spend their time.
