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much less substantially. We found a simpler life suits us. As we acquired fewer things, we had more savings, and with fewer things to clean and maintain, we had more time. With additional money and time, we had less stress. Our journey toward fewer possessions helped us find perspective and clarity. We’re still imperfect, but now we understand almost everything is replaceable. Our possessions are just things — they don’t make us who we are. Everything now has its place, and if we had to pick up and move tomorrow, Irma wouldn’t shed tears like before. It feels good to breathe and live, unfettered by the weight of objects we’ve accumulated over the years. –David and Irma Bennett
We didn’t change overnight, but we gradually decluttered our lives. Once we eliminated one thing, we’d adjust to not having it, then discover something else we didn’t need. We also learned that salt air corrodes a lot of things, so there was no point hanging onto them. Plus, you need far fewer clothes when the weather is gorgeous year-round. The “two nos and it goes” mantra is now gospel in our house. We ask if we use something and if the answer is no, we ask if we’ll use it in the next 12 months. If the answer to that question is “no,” we don’t need it. It’s only contributing background noise to our lives.
Our home now is significantly larger than the Waikiki apartment, but the amount of things we own has grown
Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow
Words left unsaid are often the most common regrets people experience at the end of their lives, and many grieving people wish they’d expressed their feelings to a lost loved one. We have every reason to avoid these pitfalls while we still can. Tell people how much you love them today to live a life with fewer regrets. There are many reasons we keep our feelings to ourselves. We might worry about being awkward or overly sentimental. In some cases, we’re afraid of rejection. And everyday life can trick us into taking people for granted. While we’re concerned about what others might think or stuck on autopilot, years can pass without us realizing it. In truth, there are extremely few good excuses not to tell people you care about them. Even in the case of rejection, it’s best not to wonder “what if.” But most people you love will accept your sentiments warmly. Few of us don’t enjoy hearing those we love care for us. Has anyone ever spoken kind words to you on a terrible day? It probably lifted your spirits considerably. You never know what other people are going through, and your affirming statements could come at the exact right
moment. Meanwhile, if your loved one is having a great day, your heartfelt feelings will only brighten it further.
It’s science! Oxytocin, the love hormone, reduces stress and helps build bonds. Positive words and touch
increase the chemical and make us feel good. Love also releases dopamine, which provides a euphoric feeling. Further, a study found that talking with a loved one is a slightly more effective energy boost than coffee. Saying “I love you” isn’t the only way to express yourself. Try being more specific. Tell someone why you’re so happy to have them in your life or what qualities you appreciate about them. These conversations are often more meaningful than those three magical words alone. The Lahaina fire was a tragic and traumatic reminder that we never know what the future will bring. Life is short; we may be here one day and gone tomorrow. And through everything, all we have is each other. What would you want your loved ones to know if this was your last day? Pick up the phone now and tell them.
2 hawaii.seniorhealth.pro
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