Make post-pandemic planning a spirit-lifter

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/05/2021 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: This is in response to COVID Prisoner and anyone else feeling their life is on hold. I want to share my belief that while we can’t change what is being handed to us these days, we can choose how we react to things. So, get busy and make your fun!

My 50th birthday is this year so I decided to brainstorm 50 things I’d like to do before this birthday. It doesn’t need to be limited to a milestone birthday like 50 — it could be “37 before 37.”

The exercise is about listing things you’ve not done for a long time, things that would be fun, or something you’ve always wanted to do or learn.

With time on your hands and a focus on meeting these challenges, I think you’ll find a renewed excitement about how you’ll spend your free time.

My list is broken into three categories — Learn, Accomplish and Experience — and it’s largely about connecting with my youthful, playful spirit.

Some of my challenges are easily met like flying a kite, paddle-boarding at sunset, dancing in the rain and going skinny-dipping.

Others will take more time, like completing 20 consecutive pushups from my toes, learning to play the saxophone, growing a flower from a seed and swimming in five lakes.

This season of life calls for us to know ourselves and be purposeful about injecting joy into each day. — Making the Fun, Winnipeg

Dear Making the Fun: This is a great project and could last beyond the pandemic and maybe even become a lifelong way of living.

We are all getting battle weary and many have tried three or four new things already, but this sounds like a bigger, exciting plan. Maybe the trick is to make the list on a poster on your wall, so you keep seeing it and think about new ideas.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I really liked our male sitter and tutor, and at first I thought he liked me, too. I’m 13, but look at least 15. My mother (who got a divorce from our dad) insists we have a “grown-up” here while she’s at work. He’s only 19. I don’t call him an adult. I should have gotten that babysitting job, and the money!

OK, I’ll admit I’ve done some stupid things to get his attention. Obviously, he told my mother and said he’d quit if I continued to wear “inappropriate clothes.” So anyway, my mother blew sky high. Now I’m all covered up in a T-shirt, jeans and sweatshirt every day.

Yesterday, he had his girlfriend come pick him up in her car and she came to the door to meet us. I’m old enough to know what that was about.

Don’t you think it’d be smarter if Mom paid me to be the babysitter and he was just gone? — Not a Baby! Winnipeg

Dear Baby: No wonder this guy’s threatening to quit. The last thing he needs is a 13-year- old girl giving him the come-on.

You may think you look 15, but your maturity level is lacking. He feels you are a danger to his reputation and his job with the way you’re acting — so he’s put your mom on high alert.

These are tough times for parents needing to work during the pandemic while having kids needing protection and tutoring help with schoolwork at home. If this fellow leaves (and it’s very possible he’s looking for a new job), you can bet Mom’s next tutor/sitter will be an older woman.

If you want to change your image and really help your mother in this difficult time of COVID, bring out the responsible side of yourself and help with the younger kids’ school assignments. Also, sit with them when they’re playing and talk to them about their thoughts and feelings.

Do your own schoolwork without being told; only ask your tutor for help when you don’t understand something. The biggest help for everyone is if you stop sulking and start contributing.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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