This year, I was given a small but meaningful gift—four days off, starting from Christmas and stretching into the weekend as I worked on Christmas last year. Around this time of year, everybody seemed busy to be ready for family time. Because I live alone and did not have any plan, I thought it is going to be an opportunity to refelct on my life and I came up with starting my online blog so that I can leave a legacy to my family. Even though I am not good at writing at all and English is not my mother tongue. I still can try…why not!!. The reason I chose online blog is because I can insert photos and media clips. Yesterday, finally, I built my own blog website by myself by watching Youtube clips numerous times. I paid 49 dollars for a year and I am sure I can improve the apperance and contents of the website in the coming days.

Today is the last day of days off and I am back to work tomorrow. I did not go outside at all to focus on this project for 4 days and made it happen. Here it is!

Starting With the Basics

The first thing I did was to rearrange my old computer that I bought the year 2010. It runs very slowly so I have used it for microsoft office. Like many of us, I’ve kept things “just in case” for years—files, photos, programs. Over time, they quietly pile up. I began by removing a lot of stuff and emptying the recycle bin, cleaning the hard drive, and organizing what still matters.

I felt so light and clean(?) and proud of myself because I still can do that by myself. Also, It felt like opening a closet in clutter you haven’t touched in years and finally being able to see it looks brand new.

Next, I checked on my old cameras. In the back of a drawer, I found my Olympus digital camera. My mother-in-law bought it in 2005 for nearly $1,000, around the time I immigrated to Canada. I used it often until I later bought a Canon DSLR. After that, the Olympus was forgotten.

I recharged the battery, turned it on, and cleared the memory card—a 4GB card I once bought as a Christmas gift for my mother. The camera worked perfectly. It reminded me that good tools, like good people, still have value even after a long rest.

I also cleaned my video camera and started organizing photos from Google Photos and my portable hard drive. Although I cancelled Dropbox several months ago.. Still it keeps send me emails. Wugh!!

A New Tool, With Respect for the Old

Last week, I bought a new mini computer that sits up at the back of my new monitor, and a new monitor. My old computer is 17 years old. I didn’t think it could handle my new projects—but I didn’t want to discard it either. It still runs Microsoft Office 2010, and that is more than enough for many everyday tasks.

So now, I will be using both. The new computer supports my upcoming projects, and the old one continues to serve me in familiar ways. There is something comforting about that balance—moving forward without letting go of what has served you well.

For years, I have managed well with my tablet and my phone for Internet and daily life. But with new plans ahead, I needed a little more support. So far, I am so satisfied with my old and new gadgets and looking forward it.

Icing of the cake all of these is that I even found a good deal on internet security at Staples—three devices protected for $17, thanks to a 70% sale, cheaper than at Amazon. Perfect timing!!

A New Chapter Begins

One of my main projects for the coming year is online journaling and blogging. Of course, I needed my own blog website. In my life I watch Youtube when I have problems. I called Youtube as my lifesaver. I decided that I researched it first whether I can do it or not. Of course, I was so overwhlemed with contents, so much stuff out there. Finally, I found very simple one and I’ve learned it by watching Youtube so many times for 2 days and finally yesterday I was able to built it. I was sooooo proud of myself that I did it. I am using it at right this monment. There is so much I want to write about—life reflections, caregiving experiences, gardening, and aging with purpose.

These four quiet days reminded me of something important: you don’t need a dramatic change to begin again. Sometimes, all you need is time, attention, and the willingness to start fresh.

Everything is now charged, organized, and ready. More importantly, so am I.

If you are a senior—or caring for one—and you find yourself with a few quiet days, I encourage you to do the same. Clean a little. Remember a little. Prepare gently. The new year does not need to be rushed.

A fresh start can begin right where you are.