Dear Me 2026

Letter for the year ahead, contest

Dear Me:

         Your first Dear Me letter was in 2015. You haven't written one since 2021. Maybe I will try to stir you up again. You are one of my favorite people.

         You are retired and have serious health problems. Your health has to be your number one priority. No excuses not to exercise within reason or take your medicines on time. Tell the doctor your symptoms, not what you think the problem is. The doctor will diagnose better if you don't steer him/her down the wrong path.

         Get on a reasonable budget. It can't be all bills and taxes. You need more recreational or entertainment venues. There is no one who wants to inherit all your keepsakes and collectibles. It's time to sell them and enjoy the cash. Keep downsizing your parents' belongings. it might even be time to go through the boxes of photographs from under the bed with family members and decide who gets what or no one. Probably no one wants photos of your great aunt's cousins, even though to you they are a little piece of history. Get cash wherever you can and discard the rest.

         Read more books just because you enjoy it. That's more pleasurable than sweeping or scrubbing the tub again. You don't have much company, and you aren't that messy. Your family visitors are coming less frequently, and they don't mind a little dust. Their own homes aren't that immaculate, so they don't judge yours. They think you're a feeble old woman anyway, so why disappoint them?

         Your volunteer work is important to you. You love the people who work with you there, serving the needy. Sorting donated clothing can be dusty. It is disgusting to see ripped or dirty clothes donated. Admit that you find it satisfying because someone who can't afford to shop in a retail store will find something he or she can use. If you were getting paid to do that, you'd be bored, but knowing some indigent or homeless person will find use for those jeans or t-shirts makes it worthwhile. Seeing someone excited about a good coat or gloves or a hat for their favorite sports team is contagious. And when men from the homeless shelter or parolees ask for underwear, you can hand them brand new ones in their size. Don't give this work up. The people who work with you have hearts of gold and genuinely care about the "customers".

         2025 started out a little rough. Then the surgery improved your prospects. You let the plants go of necessity while healing and rehabilitating. Now you have few plants left. The yard is in bad shape. You enjoy growing things so much, this year is a good time to get out those flowerpots, find some good soil, and invest yourself in some new plants. You still have the sturdy sage and chives, but the elephant ears are gone. You didn't harvest the seeds from your cone flowers, so you may have to buy a pack of seeds. They are such hardy plants that they are worth growing. You know you want some dwarf marigolds like the varieties you saw in the park. So, there's your spring and summer jobs.

         You had a great time working on the Community Celebration for your church in October. That is something you've already started planning for this year. Most things require additional help; some things you can man yourself. Think about prizes as well as kid activities. Advertising is another one that needs work. Decorating and clean-up need work. Food, bouncy house, music, ice and coolers: others take care of those items. We'll have face-painting and arts, but you don't get into those areas. This will be a big hunk of your year.

         Just because you are retired and have health issues that alter your lifestyle does not mean you can't have a full and productive life. You can still be as active as you are able, outgoing and productive. You can influence others. On the outside you're getting older and weaker, but inside your heart and mind, you are still very much alive and active, still overflowing with ideas and energy. This year could be a very good year for you if you let it, and God willing. Go for it.