Throughout the years of writing this column, I have always tried to find humor in everyday life and the small things that each of us do. The day that we quit finding humor in the small things is the day we become crochety, dusty, and participate in those empty and lackluster kind of conversations. My husband and I have been talking on and off about how life is good and how we have changed over the years. Yes, we can complain about the physical changes that we aren’t doing anything about but the real changes are the lifestyle changes that just feel good. Not only are we remodeling and cleaning house during this pandemic but we are also appreciating the lifestyle changes that have come with it – not all of the changes, mind you, but some we can comment on.
Did you hear that alcohol purchases have increased over 40% since the pandemic began? There are hilarious videos on social media of quarantined families spending their weekends on the wine wagon and the crazy things they are doing. How many of you remember being in your early 20s and going out for the night with friends and being able to get to sleep for 2-3 hours and actually be able to function the next day and probably even go out the next night? Yeah, we have long since lost that superhero ability and now fall under the “one-night-wonder” category. It is a next day filled with Netflix, caffeine, and lots of snacks, probably pizza, wearing pajamas and staring at the laundry as if I could simply will it to get done. These days I appreciate feeling great on my days off, enjoying the full day and getting all of those home tasks done. (Gosh I sound old!)
Does anyone find their health regimen changing to include Extra Strength Tylenol, ibuprofen, drinking lots of water for healthy skin and joints, and pausing on the TV station when you hear the claim for the key to weight loss, youthful skin, or looking half your age? (oops, is that just me doing that?) Are you continually questioning what is better – cable, satellite TV, Roku, Amazon Firestick, is there something else I should be asking about? Heck, I remember getting DVR capability and thought we were the bomb.com because we weren’t watching commercials anymore… yes, that dates me. I did feel really smart the other day, however, when my son was opening his new record player and I was able to show him how it worked – without looking at the directions. Yeah folks, I did that.
It is easy to appreciate your age by noticing the simple things that have changed over the years like actually taking a drive on Sunday, which lately is just to Menards to get home improvement supplies, or the appreciation of living in a great neighborhood and knowing your neighbors and being thankful for a roof over your head and a paying job so you can pay your bills. Another blessing is having good kids. With so much negative influence in this world, to have your child in college, have long-term goals, and looking forward to having a career in the field they like – whew, what a blessing.
With so many changes in this world as of late and some of it being so unbelievable and disheartening, I am taking this public moment to say life can be great at any age as long as you have friends to share your life and/or a spouse that is taking the ride with you, along with kids and grandkids that bring a smile to your face. Whatever it is that brings you happiness, make sure to hold on tight and appreciate the time you spend together. This pandemic has brought a lot of sad and questionable things to light but has also brought many lifestyle changes, including more family time, that are the sunshine in an otherwise cloudy day.
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