By Leigh C. Merrifield
What’s Wrong With The ‘Same Old Thing’?
I am learning some of the signs of aging … and there are quite a few of them! Some things you really can’t control. For instance, a few gray hairs may appear; bones may crack once in a while; a wrinkle or two may become visible; perhaps energy levels are not what they used to be – to name a few. But I can live with those. However, there are other changes that I notice REALLY upset me anymore, and they are just LITTLE things that I object to.
I’m not so ancient that I’m no longer independent. In fact, maybe THAT is my problem; I’m TOO independent and accustomed to doing things the way I have for years. I’ve been an adult now for more than half a century and have managed very well making my own decisions. While I don’t claim to know it all, don’t keep throwing all these new things at me when I’m comfortable with ‘the same old thing’!
Here are a few examples. I keep getting these messages that insist I need a new computer program. You know what? My laptop and I have for the most part gotten along fine through the years. Why would I want to change it and start from scratch getting on good terms with a new one?
I am not a fan of all the self-checkouts that have taken over in numerous stores either. For one thing, some limit you to just 15 items so that limits my usage of them because typically, my cart is usually full. Also, I wonder how many people have lost their jobs because of this. ??? I’d rather wait in line. Don’t force me to use the self check-outs!
Here’s another one. Some stores are now charging people to send them a bill! I suppose maybe it saves them money on paper to print off the statement … and postage to mail it of course! So they want me to receive a statement online AND pay my bill the same way! I don’t like to give that information online either; PLUS, mailing my payment to them is my way of keeping the postal workers employed as well.
Am I just getting cranky? Recently, I read an article encouraging folks to “brain dump” with their phones. My first thought was – what the heck is a “brain dump”?? After further reading I discovered it is the new term for a to-do list. The article suggested it is psychologically healthy to do this “brain dump” first thing every morning and keep a digital record on your cell phone of all the goals you set for the day ahead. I was not inspired to do that. I have to admit that I am a list-maker, and I DO keep a notepad near my bed. Before I turn the light out, I write down tasks I want to tackle the following day, things I might need from the store, any appointments I might have, etc. Personally, writing down these reminders before I turn in for the night clears my head and helps me sleep better. I need the “brain dump” at night, not first thing in the morning. Yep, I’m the queen of organization and I think ahead; therefore, I may fill at least one page of a LEGAL pad, not a little notepad. But, if my to-do list is that long, I prioritize and focus on the most important things first, and at least allow myself more than just one day if needed to get it all accomplished!
While the young ones may rely on technology and love the challenges of learning new digital techniques, we older folks may prefer to stick to the ‘Same Old Thing’. Don’t try to force an old dog to learn too many new tricks!
