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Are you in a Retirement Rut? 83 Ways to Break Out

Are you in a retirement rut?  Enjoy the beach

Are you in a retirement rut? Now that you are a retired, empty-nester, are you stuck in a rut doing the same things every week? Mondays are for doctor appointments, Tuesdays are for groceries and other shopping. Wednesday is for taking care of your grandchildren. Thursday is for cleaning the house. Friday is volunteer day. And every day, you start the same way with exercising, showering, getting dressed, and putting on your makeup. All dressed up and nothing to do?

If you are someone who follows the same predictable schedule each week, maybe it’s time to remind yourself that you have looked forward to retiring for years. Instead of being bored out of your mind, maybe you should start having fun. Maybe now is the time for you to break out of that rut.

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When a Deal is Not a Deal

It might look like a deal but it isn't always.

Do you find yourself buying something on sale or clearance when you don’t really need it? Are there times a company offers you a deal that is hard to resist? Maybe it came in your mail. Or possibly you saw a commercial on T.V. Maybe someone called and quoted you a great deal on car insurance or health insurance. The list goes on. And some offers seem too good to pass up. But are they? It’s best to check it out first before you spend the money and maybe end up regretting your purchase.

Something that I have fallen for is the ridiculously inexpensive magazine subscription. For only $7, I can get a year of XYZ magazine. Regularly priced at $29.99. I wouldn’t mind that magazine, and it’s only $7. Why not? Well, I’ve lived without that magazine for my whole life. But, once it arrives, I realize I don’t even take the time to look at it. Was it a deal or a waste of $7?

My mother subscribed to the local newspaper. When she paid the bill of over $600 for a year of daily service, she felt it wasn’t worth it for the little she looked at it. I told her to cancel it and get a refund. She called, and they talked her into a better deal for a shorter period of time. She took the deal because it was less expensive than what she had been paying. But it was not a deal because she didn’t want the paper. They apparently have outstanding salespeople over at the newspaper office.

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31 Ways to Spread Kindness and Compassion

Salvation Army Bell Ringer

At the end of the day, I find myself happier if I have done something to spread kindness or compassion to others. Of course, it doesn’t happen every day, but I recommend doing it often, especially if you start your day in a not-so-cheerful way.

Some days something can happen where you are that gives you a split second to act on it. Try to be aware and take action when that moment happens. Other ways to show compassion and kindness may take a little more planning or doing on your part. Spread kindness and compassion to strangers and people you know.

I believe everyone has heard about paying for the order of the person behind you in the drive-through. These ideas will give you options of other things to do. I hope you consider picking out a few items to do. I’m sure they will give your day a lift and probably a smile on your face.

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2021 Goals July Update

Banner of Post title

Here is my list for 2021

  1. Status: Complete our front yard landscaping. This is an absolute must since it’s carried over from last year. Maybe September when it cools down a bit.
  2. Status: Lose 5 pounds. I lowered this, but since I ended the year up instead of down, I will lose 5 pounds from my beginning weight of 2020, not 2021. I am currently gaining weight. That’s not good. July I started the old system I used, and I have made progress!!
  3. Progress: Ancestry: Type up the list I already have started on my mom’s mother’s side. Contact at least 2 cousins. I have made contact with two cousins; however, they have not answered me back.
  4. Progress: Read 45 books. I have finished 30 books. I am on track to make this one.
  5. Completed: Ride my bike. I did it on July 23 – it was a bit wobbly and I will have to practice my turning but I did it. I overcame my fear.
  6. Progress: Visit three states that I have not visited before. I have made all the plans, except for possibly finding restaurants. Now we wait for the trip to happen.
  7. Progress: Complete 3 quilts. I’m doing much better than last year. I have three baby quilts cut out already. I have started sewing one – it is now about 3/4 done. Adult or baby. Instead of all baby, I might get working on a quilt for my son-in-law and one for my daughter-in-law.
  8. Progress: Walk 1000 miles. I’m not as far as I should be, yet, I have walked 373 miles. I have attempted this for 3 years and never reached it. This year it is in writing, so I hope I will complete it at last. However, I have to speed things up to come close.

In July, I read 4 books. My big progress for the month was riding my bike. It wasn’t smooth and easy, but I did not fall. I am making progress on my weight. I feel like I am down a few pounds, and I’ll continue doing that for the rest of the year.

How are you doing with your goals? July was another busy month, so I’m hoping that maybe in July, I can make more progress. Hoping, however, is not enough. I need to be making progress. Do you have a secret that helps you accomplish your goals? Would you mind commenting below?

The Power and Pain Relief of Proper Posture

Today we welcome Bonnie Yost as a guest blogger. Bonnie Yost is a Physical Therapist, speaker, and author who helps people live in joy and vibrant health. Early in Bonnie’s PT career several challenging cases led Bonnie to explore the mind-body connection for total healing. Bonnie saw amazing results when combining treatment for the inter-connected nature of physical pain with deep emotional wounds. Bonnie offers free resources and the opportunity to take courses from Bonnie or work with her one-on-one at her website: 4x4Healing.

If you’re short and wish you were tall, there’s no changing that. But if you want to spare your body stress and improve your health through proper posture, that is within your control.

Proper alignment, posture, biomechanics (alignment and leverage as you move), and ergonomics (workspace design) are critical to avoid pain or relieve your pain and prevent injury.

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