Let go of all of the things you no longer or use

Many people today, out of economic necessity or out of a desire to live a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle, are questioning the long-held premise of more is good.

They realize that working harder than ever to buy more stuff is not making them more happy. Lily Tomlin’s comedic wisdom hit the nail on the head when she quipped, “In today’s rat race, even if you win, you’re still a rat.”

It’s time we left the rat race and joined the human race and thought about the future of our precious planet and the others who also inhabit it. Living more simply doesn’t have to mean scrimping or a monastic-like lifestyle. It is about living with balance and being more concerned with the quality of our health, our relationships and the contributions we are making to our families or in the workplace.

As a senior adviser whose daily work entails helping other seniors leave the familiarity and space of a former home in favor of a more secure, sociable lifestyle, often in a smaller apartment or a retirement community, I am aware of how often all of us cling to things we no longer need or use.

We are not only owned by our possessions, but enslaved by the time required to purchase, pay, care and find space for them.

Even some of the so-called time-saving gadgets that seemed like such a good idea at the time of purchase, become frustrating, time-consuming problems, far beyond our mechanical ability to understand or to fix. Please don’t misunderstand: I have never been the type to grow my own veggies, make my own clothes, or even keep a neat, clutter-free home, although I have great admiration for those who can.

But I have always valued “doing” over “having,” and the older I become, the more I realize the importance of making the choices that enrich our lives over those that might enrich our pocketbooks or social standing.

The saddest phrase I hear from some seniors is, “I wish I had.” I’m often asked, when is a good time to get rid of things and make a move?” You can’t start too soon to get rid of things and simplify your life ... most of us have far more than we realize. As to when to move, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

I often hear the expression, “I know I need to move, but I’m not ready yet.” My usual reply is, “How will you know when you are ready? Will the sky light up with the words, ‘NOW’?”

The ideal time to make a change is before you actually need to. Youth thrives on risk and uncertainty, but as we age, we too often become fearful of any change; yet life itself involves constant change.

Although I have not, as yet, owned any Apple products, I read and watched the eulogies and remarks of many people who knew Steve Jobs. He was undoubtedly, one of the most brilliant minds in his field and even of this century. But in addition, he had a commitment to perfection and its pursuit, and he lived a life devoid of frills or excess. He was a vegan, had a fairly modest five-bedroom home in Palo Alto, Calif., and his standard outfit was blue jeans and a black turtleneck, so that he didn’t have to waste time deciding what to wear.

Already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he told Stanford grads in a commencement speech in 2005, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it on living someone else’s life.” He believed in living your passion and as a result, it is truly amazing how passionate many people are about the products he developed.

However, like many business executives, he could be ruthless in order to succeed. While Apple products were designed in America, they consisted of component parts made in China in factories with little concern for the health or comfort of their workers.

While Steve Jobs may have redefined our music, cell phone and computer industry, it will be interesting to see what the Apple legacy contributes to our cultural well being.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotckiss Grove, Branford, 06405.

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