By Cheryl Richardson | Source

I’m a notorious planner. Well, I used to be. Part of the growth I’ve been focusing on in my wisdom years has been letting things go, relaxing and trusting life, and getting better at responding to what shows up rather than planning ahead. But not when it comes to my self-care.

Over the last few years, I’ve witnessed firsthand what happens when we avoid planning for our care later in life. A loved one, suddenly in need of personal assistance, had to accept help from strangers because she kept denying her mobility issues until it was too late. A friend who avoided her finances because it “stressed her out” found herself forced to move because she could no longer afford her mortgage and upkeep on her home.

While unexpected circumstances can throw us into unavoidable turmoil, there are many ways we can plan for good self-care now. Things like doing what’s necessary to remain mobile, strong, and better able to avoid getting sick. Addressing health issues early, before they become full-blown problems, so we can establish relationships with doctors and practitioners who align with our personal preferences. Getting rid of clutter so we can enjoy spacious living and respect the busy loved ones who remain after we’re gone.

Planning is good self-care. The longer we wait to identify and put in place the support we need, the more we limit our choices. And I like choices.

If you find yourself saying things like: I don’t need help, I’m not that old, I can do things myself, I like my privacy, it will take too long to bring someone up to speed, or I can handle everything on my own, please consider a new way to be kind to yourself. Make a plan! Because as we age, we will all need help. Every single one of us. And if we want to secure the right kind of help, we need to plan for it.

Not sure where to start? Here are three questions to consider:

~*~ What am I avoiding that could cause me trouble as I age?

For example, my back is always bothering me, but I keep putting off doing something about it.

~*~What will I wish I had planned for sooner?

For example, I have no idea who I would call or rely on if I suddenly needed help with everyday tasks.

~*~Where is my need for independence getting in my way?

For example, I insist on doing everything myself, even though I know that accepting help would free up more time and energy to enjoy my life.

Sit with these questions for a while. Regardless of your age, the answers will reveal a lot about what you’ll need to enjoy life more.

This week, let’s get together on Zoom to talk about planning. Feel free to bring answers to the questions above and we’ll learn from each other. We’ll meet on Wednesday, 10/21, at 3pm ET/12 noon PT, and if you’ve joined us before, you’ll receive the invite automatically. If not, you can sign up here.

Love,

Cheryl