PANDEMIC PROJECTS
You might laugh at this. You might shake your head in disbelief of such an idea. Or you may laugh with glee. I’m in Tony Robbins (the motivational guru from the US) “Inner Circle.”
I’m 69 years old and I signed up for a year of motivational programs that, for many people, are to help them in their business. But that’s not why I did it. I did it because when I thought about the audio recordings I have listened to and the books I have read from this guy over the years I get excited, I feel good, and I operate better.
In this ongoing pandemic, I want to find ways to feel better and help others in the process. And so, I signed up. It’s a great experience. I’m eating healthier, I’m doing exercises in the morning, I’m listening to music playlists that make me feel good, and I’m focusing on what makes sense to me, not letting other people’s requests take precedence over my actions or feeling obliged to do something just because someone asked. I’m once again evaluating these requests. I’m reminded of the personal development I have done in the past and I’m enjoying the review.
At our age, many of us have the privilege of making decisions about how we spend our time and where we put our energy. One of my choices is writing more, which I have been doing. That means sitting at my desk instead of getting up and moving. My new motivational program is urging me to move more and so I am plugging both music and words into my ears as I take off for a walk through one of our region’s parks or even around the block.
I am inspired by a couple I know. Usually flitting between countries or cruise ships, Don and Elizabeth have taken this downtime to explore all the parks (big and little) in our region.
Elizabeth has posted them on her Facebook page and made a photo book for her library. Having spent most of my life in this area, I’ve been surprised at some of their finds. They set out to visit all the parks in our municipality (approximately 170) and they achieved their goal.
Elizabeth wanted to accomplish something during the shutdown, and so she looked for a project that would be fun and interesting to both her and Don. She didn’t want to lose the time.
The other day in a Zoom meeting, a video medley of Irish music was played for us. In the credits, I saw my friend Angela’s name. Retired about a year after me, she took her accordion music to heart and has been playing, composing, singing, coordinating Zoom productions. I nodded and silently said to myself, “there is another one who knows how to make the most out of life, even in quarantine.”
Of course, some people have taken to renovating, including my husband, Helmuth. He’s painted and updated, and added walls and ceilings to the once unfinished parts of our basement. Also, we have new renters and the retired husband in that couple has taken on chores with Helmuth. All the walls of his suite have been refreshed with new paint, as well as the outside steps. As I write this, both men are outside polishing their cars.
But I’m not that type of girl. I’m more into thoughts, behaviours, writing and learning, so that’s my focus.
If you see someone dancing down the street with a smile on their face, it could be me… or maybe it’s just your own crazy neighbour! Why not dance along with us?
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Laurie Mueller, M.Ed is retired and living in Victoria with her husband, Helmuth. She recently published The Ultimate Guide on What to Do When Someone You Love Dies, available on Amazon. More about Laurie can be found at www.lauriemconsulting.com or on Facebook.