Out with the Old, In with the New

Something that's been on my mind a lot as the year dwindles down to these final days is the progress I've made over the past year, and the goals I want to attain in the coming year. My goal is to find a sustainable balance through a simpler and healthier way of life. In some ways, I'm attempting a whole-life make-over, trying to shed whatever holds me back or doesn't serve me. Finding new and meaningful ways to move forward.

In January, I paid cash for a newish Chevy Malibu, GM-certified and still under factory warranty, to replace my dearly departed '94 T-bird. It was the first time I'd ever bought a car, so I did my homework; decided on a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle in my price range and then went shopping for a few weeks. I love my new car, which has bells and whistles my old T-bird never dreamed of. It's a very standard model, and yet I feel so pampered! But what I really love most is the sense of relief that we have at least one reliable vehicle to count on, since the car my son takes to college is even older that the T-bird was. I had to sell something valuable to pay for the car, but we didn't have a use for it anymore so it all worked out well.

I had spent the previous year repainting and renovating, and spent much of 2009 sorting through the flotsam and jetsam strewn up by the whole-house make-over that had ground its way relentlessly through the dwelling over the course of about a year. I slacked off...I admit it. 2008 was a pretty arduous year, and when 2009 came along, I coasted for a while, sifting through a few boxes a week. I had a job by now and didn't have as much time to spare. I've been doing a lot of writing here, as well, nearly 500 posts in about 8 months.

My daughter's return home to the nest after three years was a setback for all concerned. Some of my plans had to be put on hold indefinitely and it wreaked havoc with my finances. My kids have also been a big help, though. We've emptied, cleaned and reorganized closets and cabinets and dressers; the fridge and the pantry. We spent days cleaning out the garage. They help with the gardening and yard work. They do housework and some of the cooking. I could not have accomplished so much without them.

It's nearly 2010; I still have boxes of who-knows-what that I packed up in 2008, stacked high in my basement. I can probably survive without whatever it is. But a lot of it has only sentimental value, and it can be difficult to let go of those things. Still, over the course of the past couple of years, I have reduced the sheer volume of stuff in my possession by a good 25% or so, by my guesstimate. That's huge. And that's just the rough triage.

I intend to continue this process in 2010 on a more targeted level, as we've been doing with the small spaces like the closets and cupboards. As I get things more organized, more stuff will get trashed or sold or given away, until I'm left with only those things that are useful or meaningful to me.

I'm going to place more emphasis on my health this year; too amorphous, I know. I intend to create balanced meal plans and give that a try as a means of ensuring that I eat right. I understand that meal plans can also be helpful with reducing grocery costs, because of the detailed pre-planning. I'm switching to organic low-fat milk and reducing red meat consumption. I'll be growing more of my family's produce this summer, and shopping in a local farmer's market for what I don't grow. I'm going to hit the gym at least twice a week. Detailed enough?

By the time 2011 rolls around, I should be sleeker, stronger, healthier, more organized, well-rested and serene. Ready to tackle the coming year's challenges. May your resolutions become your realities. And mine as well.

Out with the Old, In with the New

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