Rethinking independence in a DIY world

Wildly different from the interdependent generations before us, we live in a culture independence is ercely valued. We like our space. We like our privacy. We like the freedom to do what we want when we want, whichever way we want to do it.

It’s likely been decades since you last planted your hands on your hips and determinedly declared to everyone in earshot, “I do self!” But just because you have since honed your skills in the art of shoelace tying and jacket-zipping, that same desire for independence is likely still a strong driving force in your present-day decision-making.

Recent generations have watched an entire television genre birthed out of our desire for Do-It-Yourself home projects. A trip to the local bookstore will reveal shelves over owing with bestselling selfhelp experts. We are people who go to great lengths to not ask for help.

While it’s tempting to save money on a renovation project or to avoid the vulnerability required by enlisting guidance from a professional counsellor, it’s wisdom to weigh those up-front cost-savings against the increased expenses or lost time that often result from choosing to go it alone.

It’s one thing to get stuck looking at a less-than-right-angle corner round or sloppy caulking around a kitchen sink, but when a DIY mindset begins to cost us peace of mind, time with loved ones or access to activities that fuel our bodies, minds and hearts...it’s time to ask whether our desire for independence is truly serving us.

As we age, mindset is everything. We can either be victims of physical limitations or see those same limitations as opportunities; invitations to trade up our highly valued independence for something even greater.

What if we were to view asking for help not as a move away from independence but a step toward community; the possibility of new and gratifying relationships?

?That step toward community can take many different forms: enlisting companion care to help ll the gap where a spouse or friend used to bring life and laughter, or by establishing a relationship with a trusted handyman to help with all those home projects so you can enjoy precious time with family members rather than spending visits completing to-do lists.

Or it may look like deciding to avoid the stress of driving to appointments by hiring a trusted, senior-speci c transportation service. Or you may want to save your energy for gardening, baking, or visits with grandkids by hiring trusted help with weekly housekeeping tasks.

Take a moment to ask yourself or a loved one this question: In order to truly ourish in this season of life, will you be best served by independence, or by trading up: independence in exchange for expanded community and new relationships?

What’s one step you could take today to move in that direction?

Call us today 250-382-2328 or visit us at seniorcarevictoria.ca.