Monthly Archives: March 2011

Boomer Review: Common Sense 101

Today’s times have gotten a bit hectic. Common sense use to be something that my parents encouraged me to use at all times. According to encyclopedia.com, common sense knowledge is defined as the routine knowledge we have of our everyday world and activities.  To me that just means, get back to the basics people.  We boomers have a tenacity to complicate things.

I am going to list a few common sense basics just for review purposes for all of us.  These are not listed in any special order  of importance but I am sure that you probably can relate to all of these.  Heck, a few of these even gave me a chuckle, maybe it will give you a smile too.

COMMON SENSE

  1. It is not necessary to use the computer to look up a definition to common sense.  If you do, with all the long reads, it will only complicate things more.  I know.  I just did it!
  2. It is OK to trust yourself.  People have been doing it from the beginning of time.  We boomers are of age now and we don’t need the permission of others to be happy!
  3. Remember, when using a credit card that the bill will be due.  If the house payment is not paid or the rent then don’t buy a 60 inch television with a credit card.  After all, who needs an electric television if one has no electricity.
  4. When grocery shopping, make sure you eat and DO NOT go to the store hungry.  A hungry person tends to grab more than necessary off those nice snack shelves.
  5. If you drink alcoholic beverages, to avoid a headache, consider drinking only a couple.  Learn to practice saying, “No thank you.”  Even better, maybe just sip on some healthy water.
  6. If you have been using the old standard land line phone and get in the mood to buy a new improved cell phone then be prepared for a learning experience.  I bought one 4 months ago and I am still on step one.
  7. Do not get so busy that you forget to have the oil changed in your vehicle.  Use common sense and put the minor things up front to prevent major crisis.
  8. If your underwear drawers are getting too full then you might want to consider throwing away the ones that have not been worn in a year or so.
  9. If you are buying a new house, do not assume all of it is in good condition just because it has beautiful curb appeal.
  10. If your boss asks you to do something within your job description then do it.  Know when to say yes and know when to say no.
  11. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.  After all someone just might want to help.  The worst that can happen is being rejected.  We are grown, we can deal with that!
  12. Make sure the lid is screwed tight on the mustard and pickle jars before you put them back in the refrigerator.  Cleaning up the mess from a spill is NOT FUN.
  13. No matter how busy you get, remember to take the time for a toilet break when needed.  I will not go into the details on this one because I am sure that you have my visual.
  14. If your lawn needs cutting then cut it.  After all the city inspector has more to do than send you a notice.
  15. When eating chocolate ice cream stop when you are full.  I know it is delicious but there are consequences to over indulging to include bulging.

Most important, remember to laugh at yourself because we ALL make mistakes sometimes!  Use common sense and loosen up because you baby boomers have earned it!  Use common sense and make sure you take time to play no matter how old you are!

Boomer Living Tips: How To Be Good To Yourself

Back in the 80′s there were many books written encouraging people to be good to their self.  I saw one of those familiar books today at the library written by Meloney Betty.  Then it occurred to me that in today’s busy world how some of us may have slipped in that area.

We boomers rush around taking care of others, our jobs, children, grandchildren and even our parents.  We struggle to pay off credit card debt and keep up with the rising costs.  As we go about our busy day, meeting the demands of life, we forget how important it is to not only be good to others but to be good to ourselves.  It is important to take care of our own well being.  Here are a few easy and simple things that we can do that will help each of us to be good to ourselves in our daily living.

  1. When bathing, take the time to relax.    Feel the warmth of the water on your body.  Allow your muscles to relax.  This is your own personal time so use it to your best advantage.
  2. If you are a working person, take a few extra minutes the night before to lay out your work clothes and things that you will need for the next day before going to bed.  This way you have an extra few minutes in the morning and will be more relaxed as you head out to work.
  3. Each day, give yourself some time that is yours and yours alone to read, stretch, meditate or reflect on a positive experience or thought.
  4. Take time to enjoy your meals.  Allow yourself to actually feel the taste and flavor before swallowing.
  5. Be nice but sometimes we can be too nice.  If you have a choice and you are with someone that consistently chooses to be in a negative mood, try to detach from that persons emotional turmoil.  It is good to listen and be of moral support to another but then if that person chooses to continue to be negative that is their choice not yours.  Be good to yourself.
  6. Take time to look at nature.  Look at the sky, the shape of a tree, or the way a frog jumps.
  7. Smile, even try it when you do not want to do it.  Not only will it be pleasing to another, you might just find out how that smile will come back to you.
  8. Our feet can give us pain but also a good foot rub can relax other parts of our body.  Take a little time to rub lotion on your feet.  Move your hands slowly and massage the feet.  Just before bedtime is a good time to do this.  It feels so good!
  9. Treat yourself now and then with something special.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.  It might be something as simple as listening to a favorite music CD that you haven’t played for awhile.  Just know that it is special to you.
  10. Last but not least, always remember that you are important, you are alive, you are loved and you are special.  Above all, treat yourself that way.  THAT IS HOW TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!

Have You Given Yourself A Break Today?

Nature: Peaceful, Relaxing, and Breath Taking at Times

As a child, I remember spending a lot of time outside with nature. Nature is relaxing. When birds sing, there is joy in the sound. Have you ever just sat peacefully watching birds fly from tree to tree, without a care in the world? They appear so free and at peace. Then as the sun goes down, a beautiful tree or bush becomes their place of rest for the night, while they sing their last song for the day. After a rain fall, their sound is strong, peaceful and uplifting. The air is not only fresh, and delightful to the senses but filled with tranquility. It is as if birds were born to bring happiness to the hearts of humans. Recently, I read an article from the New York Times called, Taking Your Brain For A Walk, by Tara Parker-Pope. She emphasized the health benefits of walking. She stated that walking is not only good for our dogs but healthy for humans too. There is a world of nature to be enjoyed while taking a leisurely walk in a park, along a river, around a pond, on a beach or even in our own back yards.

Have you even just sat and watched the sky when it is a magnificent blue? The fluffy white clouds move around while forming different shapes which are so pleasing to the eyes. It is as though you can almost see pictures of animals, people, and objects in their cloud formation. The clouds float, separate and lazily cover the sun for fleeting moments, as a cooling effect touches your body. Now and then, you can see a bird gliding in the air as it stretches its winds with a sense of power and ease. The world seems at peace.

The smell of roses, honey suckles, and lilacs can calm a stressful mind. Have you ever picked an orange from an orange tree and squeezed the orange juice into your mouth? The taste is sweet and delicious as the juice touches your tongue. Your senses come alive with the freshest of the wonderful smell and taste. It is as though you can almost feel the vibrating energy flow from the orange into your body with every bite. You feel alive!

Have you ever experienced a spring shower while walking in the woods or maybe just sitting in a peaceful park area? It comes quickly but does not last long. The rain is light as it falls upon the leaves of the trees and grass. Instantly the grass and leaves appear to come alive with a richer shade of green. Squirrels and rabbits come out of their hiding places as if to do a happy dance. There seems to be no fear associated with the natural setting. The wind lazily blows the leaves across the ground as if it is rearranging the beautiful surrounding for natures little creatures.

Have you ever watched a bunny rabbit as it wiggled its nose as if to say, “Look at me!” I remember watching a butterfly with all of its beautiful colors and lines. It looked like an artist had painted the butterfly, paying close attention to each minor detail to bring out its beauty. Then there is the feel of a small baby rabbit that has become separated from its mother. The fur is soft and silky to the touch. The little guy just wants to be loved and grow strong to hop around while making new rabbit friends.

There is a world of beauty for us to enjoy outside in nature. It is peaceful, relaxing, and breath taking at times. It is there for you and me to enjoy. It cost nothing but is worth so much. It can help us to see through the eyes of a child and feel young at heart. Our pleasures are many if we just take the time to look around, relax and enjoy the moment. Have you given yourself a healthy break today? Have you taken the time to take your brain for a much needed loving and peaceful walk?  It is not to late.  Why not try it!  We have a lot to do in the world today.  There is much to be enjoyed and it might be right at our finger tips.