RESET: my (and the country’s) word for the year

Definition: to set, adjust, or fix in a new or different way: to reset priorities; to reset prices.

Synonyms: readapt, readjust, recalibrate, “reboot”

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The inauguration and looking forward to the government’s policies and practices being reset made my mind up!

Personally I think I could use a reset in lots of areas as it is predicted to take at least through June to even get healthcare workers, care home residents and over 65s vaccinated in my county due to a lack of vaccine supply. Pandemic sluggishness and bad habits cannot continue and meet my goal of exiting the pandemic in very good health. The ones I want to impact may well sound familiar as it seems they are epidemic along with the pandemic.

So I am going to try to RESET:

My morning routine to include stretching (no matter how chilly it is down on the yoga mat). My daily routine needs to include a walk without the dog as well as a good distance one for her unless it is raining or we have gale force winds again!

My snacking choices. Could I change how I eat to not snack at all without blood sugar crashes? Ideas welcome!

The frequency of reaching for alcohol at 4 PM. I didn’t drink at all for 3 years when recovering from a severe health problem so I know I can do it when motivated.

My tendency to withdraw under stress rather than reach out. I have friends and family who love me and I need to connect with them more.

Aimlessly surfing the internet vs engaging in some more fulfilling activity. My only real hobby is reading so I need more ways of happily spending time.

That seems like enough very large changes. I am liking having monthly areas of focus to be more productive. January has been on finances and all I have left is to select the right TurboTax software for our situation and clear out paper financial files.

 I’ve picked technology for February - updating, organizing/decluttering, and backing up. It may have to continue into March!

Are you feeling the need for or planning any changes as the pandemic continues?

Stuff will get done - January 2021 small goals & actions

It is almost 2021 and goals, resolution, word of the year or whatever planning time! I've settled on five big categories of planning and focus for 2021.

1. A stronger and healthier me

2. Keeping my life in order - and maybe even improving that order

3. Being an effective service club President

4. Connecting more and in different ways

5. Having more "fun" despite the pandemic

Now comes the tough part of figuring out specific actions for each month and week that will move those along.

Here goes the first try!

January

1. A stronger and healthier me - focus on posture and flexibility. 

Why? All those months of sitting on the couch while my foot healed messed up both. So my initial step to a healthier and stronger me starts primarily there.

    - Use stretching routine and PT exercises at least 3 times a week

    - Make a habit of standing, walking and sitting with correct posture

    - Get custom orthotics made

2. Keeping my life in order - January focus on finances.

Why? We are thinking of doing our own tax returns this year for one thing. Secondly we want to plan my first minimum distribution, what to do with maturing CDs and give more. Lastly, I need to overall address computer back up and security so starting with financial documents.

    - Annual financial review and planning

    - Tax return preparations

    - Financial files cleaned up and backed up

3. Being an effective service club President - focus on special projects while continuing monthly board and general membership meetings.

Why? We have these 4 big things to address and leading the charge falls in my lap although others will help with the work.

    - Scholarship applications announced to high schools

    - Required reports completed by 1/24 deadline

    - Research changing insurance providers to save money

    - Bylaw revision done and ready to submit to members for a vote 

4. Connecting more with family and friends.

Why? The pandemic means connections are even more important.

    - Niece has a birthday; try to Zoom or FaceTime with her

    - Best friend from Atlanta days; same

    - FaceTime granddaughter and send her a funny card

    - Call Hubby's 2 aunts and at least 2 of his cousins

    - Write and/or call 2 cousins

5. Have more "fun" despite pandemic.

Why? I find myself mindlessly browsing the internet or being at loose ends. Retirement isn't easy for me especially during a pandemic!

    - Pursue one hobby (existing or new) 

    - Read at least 4 books; try to make 2 of them ones that make me think

    - Sign up for at least one OLLI class

Big 2021 Goals

 I’ve decide on three high level priorities for 2021. The challenge will be to operationalize them into actionable goals.

1. Become physically stronger

2. Connect more with family and friends

3. Learn and/or be creative

Goal setting for 2021? There are still possibilities even with the pandemic.

 I’ve been thinking about what opportunities and challenges are ahead for me in the new year. We probably won’t be able to go back to Berkeley for a year since our showing up means they have to take our granddaughter out of preschool 2 weeks in advance and that is hard on all when working from home. We won’t be traveling or socializing in person at least most of the year.

We can though stay connected and supportive in other ways and reach out to more family and friends who are probably also feeling isolated. We can do everything in our power to stay physically and emotionally healthy. We can learn new things and find joy. I could go on.

For me the challenge is to actually be consistent and drive myself to develop habits, routines and plans that accomplish those things. Retirement is so unstructured vs work and parenting life where so few hours were open for nonessential things that focus and drive meant a lot got done. Every waking hour had a purpose but now it all kind of runs together for me. Hmmm, sounds like I just identified the first area where I need a habit making goal.