By Ann Burnside Love
You’ve been retired for a while. You’re doing well, or
you’re doing less than well, but managing. Possibly you’re thinking about, or
wanting, or needing to make a change to a community where your life will be
more comfortable, safer, and where there will be both friends and prompt
assistance when you need it. A place specifically dedicated to keeping life inviting
and interesting, and generally helping you improve the quality of your life.
When I was still living alone, I was participating less and
less in life around me because I was always tired, and frequently recovering
from various health challenges. One example of the limitations on my energy was
that I had virtually stopped decorating for holidays, except for a small
pumpkin for Halloween and Thanksgiving, a few chosen ornaments at Christmas,
and a wreath on my front door.
Seasonal decorating, which I’ve always loved, used to be a
real pleasure. But now the thought of getting boxes out of storage, unwrapping,
arranging, and then reversing the process, loomed in my mind as something definitely
to be avoided. I simply didn’t care enough to expend the energy. Thus, along
the way I lost interest in all but the major and family holidays.
