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Sally Thimm OTRL

Sally Thimm OTRL

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How Old Would You Be ...

How Old Would You Be ImageYou are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C. S. Lewis

Age has a funny way of making people feel like they either need to give up or give in. For some people, it seems that they are just too tired to put up with more stress. For others, doing something different or the idea of setting a new goal at a later time in life may be uncomfortable because they don’t “see the point.” They may even feel that it isn’t worth it.

For the “Seniors” out there who feel that there are no more goals to meet or dreams to dream, we need for you to stop thinking like that.

If we stop dreaming or think that our lives cannot change to experience a sense of having more meaning, we begin a journey that I call “circling the drain.”

You know what happens when things circle the drain. They leave and take everything in their path down the drain with them. The same feeling can happen when you stop believing that there still is more out there for you to do or participate in.

Age brings the gift of knowledge and experience. My Mother used to say she went to the “School of Hard Knocks.” There are a lot of people that have attended classes there and come out winners. Are you one of those students? What skills did you learn and continue to have? Can those skills be used to help someone else? Have you ever considered that YOU have something to offer? You do. Everyone does.

Think about a goal for yourself. Take your age out of the thinking process. Age is only a number. The skill you have to offer may change someone’s world. You don’t see it, because you aren’t looking. In fact you aren’t even thinking of anything you have to offer. You do.

One of the reasons that young people in today’s society don’t know many skills, outside of the electronic world, is because they haven’t been around anyone who can show them. Gardening, quilting, cooking, auto repairs, you name it. People today need to be subjected to skills they don’t have.

Reinvent yourself. Age doesn’t matter. Your purpose is what matters. Join Sallycares.com today and let us know what your purpose is and how you arrived at that conclusion. If you don’t have a purpose and need one, send us a message at “Contact Us,” and let’s figure out some ideas to think about. You have all the power! “Now, let’s get going!” xo Sally

 

 

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Gratitude

communicationI love reading quotes that are anonymous ...mostly because someone thought that a statement or a thought needed to be in print, because it mattered. Whether it mattered to them, to someone that they knew or whatever the situation was, just think about this one for a minute.

Living in Southwest Florida for the past 18 years, I know a little something about the aging process. People in Southwest Florida are an amazing bunch. For the most part they are in better health and can run rings around their counterparts up north. I think it is because they get out more and are more active, and the weather usually works in their favor.

But, when challenges strike, there is a lot of frustration and I have heard "We worked for the ability to retire, and I never thought this would happen" or "these "Golden Years" sure aren't what they are cracked up to be."

Every day you wake up you have one more chance to make your circumstances better, as well as your attitude about your situation. Let's put it this way, don't think for a minute that you don't have a purpose on this earth that is greater than what you may perceive it to be today.

You may not know why you are going through a hardship right now, but there are blessings in your life that you aren't paying attention to, because the negative energy has gotten ahold of you. Shake it loose. Think positive. Be grateful. What have you learned to be grateful for through your challenges as a patient or care partner? Tell us about them. Let us know if we can help you through Contact Us. You can change the negative to positive ! I believe you can do it!

"Now, let's get going" xo Sally

 

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Get Over It

Get Over ItWe all know people who complain. We may be living with one or two of them. Why do we say "can't"? Well, an aggravated patient or care partner would have a quick answer.

"I just cannot do it."

First we have to decide if you physically can't do something, and if there is a reason for it. People who are paralyzed can't do some things. People who have dementia realistically can't handle certain activities. What is it that you are sure can't be done?

If the patient or care partner cannot do an activity, because they physically or mentally do not have the capability, that's a different topic. We need to know those kinds of problems and actually problem solve them one at a time.

If you are just sick and tired of something, and that's why you "can't" do it, then that changes the picture. What that means is that you don't want to do it, and there may be many reasons for that attitude.

Usually people decide that they "can't" do something anymore...or they just "can't" do it again. That is because there is some behavior that continues to surface that you are tired of. Is it the patient's behavior? Is it the care partner's behavior? Is it a combination?

The old line, "It takes two to tango," is really true. If one of you is fueling an attitude with negativity, there needs to be a change. Let us know what that is. Change is good...when it is productive and the outcome makes a situation better. What is your struggle? Tell us your issue on our blog, or send us an email through Contact Us.
Never believe that "Can't" cannot change to "Can."

"Now, let's get going" xo Sally

 

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Five Beautiful Things

Five Beautiful Things ImageSpend this weekend looking for beauty in the things around you, because they are all around you.  Enjoy this inspirational writing by Tara Sophia Mohr:

I’m always looking for new ways to wake up to the life in front of me. This week I started playing with the idea of “five beautiful things.”

In any moment, particularly if I’m feeling stressed or out of sorts, I look for five beautiful things in my midst. I really look at them. I take them in—not just with my eyes but also with my mind and my breath and my heart. I spend a few moments just looking.

This morning, I’m in a bustling café. It isn’t particularly beautiful. But in a moment of feeling kind of bummed out and rushed and anxious, the thought popped up: look for five beautiful things.

The moment I raise my head, I see the red-gorgeous leaves of the trees out the window. Intensely rich as a bowl of dark cherries. Hovering slightly in the wind, patiently waiting for our attention.

Bold and unapologetic as they wait. Had I looked at them before this morning? Yes. Had I seen them? No.

Next, the face two seats down from me at the café. Clear pale, freckled, trustworthy, unusual and familiar feeling all at once. Beautiful.

The bright green skirt of the woman walking past me, the green of summer.

The photos above the espresso bar, which I’ve seen at least a hundred times before. Three in a row, frame in arches. In looking at them I start to appreciate the miracle of someone taking the photograph, and the miracle of someone else framing them that way, the miracle of someone conceiving a design for this place. And then I start to feel the miracle that it is all here, and I’m here too. The miracle of a Saturday morning that is, that is now.

By the time it’s time to look for item number five, everything is looking beautiful. The white coffee cup is beautiful. It’s all starting to feel vibrating and alive and miraculous and now. (And I’m not even caffeinated yet).

So number five is, shockingly, the stop sign, right outside the window. It’s become stunningly gorgeous sometime in the past five minutes. It probably couldn’t have been beautiful thing number one, but through these eyes it’s a vibrant red. It’s the perfect shape composed above the green vines below and the brick building behind.

I’m left with this: There’s a way in which life is about looking. Looking closely. Looking with the intention to see beauty. Looking with curiosity and alertness. Looking with reverence for now.

Looking changes everything.

Right now, before you finish reading this post, and click over to the next window, will you find five things of beauty, of striking mystery, in your midst? Five things that are amazing out of their aliveness? Start with one or two, and take them in through your eyes, your mind, your heart and your breath. Spend a few moments with each, and the rest will take care of themselves. What does “life is about looking” mean to you?

Love,

Tara

Visit Tara’s web site for more inspirational messages: http://www.taramohr.com/

 

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Everyone can help someone

Everyone Can Help Someone Article Image We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.Ronald Reagan

Do you have anything left to give? Do you feel that your days are filled with giving, and you don’t think you could possibly do more?

There is a saying from somewhere that you may be familiar with and it goes something like this:  

“If you need something done right away just ask someone who has a lot to do. They will get it done.” Why would that be a good idea?

People who are actively involved in organizations, whether it is a non-profit group that does a good service for a community, like Meals on Wheels, or your local humane society, they are busy people.

They don’t add one more commitment to their list because they have little to do. To the contrary, if you ask someone who is an active volunteer, what they do all day, they will give you a list.

I have found that when people retire, and their schedules revolve around their golf game tee time, when they get their hair or nails done, or watching TV, eventually there is an emptiness that they never had when they “worked.”

We all need a purpose. We are at our best when we have something to focus on outside of ourselves and our current circumstances.

I know many caregivers that continue their volunteer work, even if their loved one at home requires a great deal of care. Why?

Getting out and providing a service is motivating to many people. It fills the soul with a sense of changing someone else’s situation. That alone is healing for the person doing the giving and the person who is receiving.

Consider looking around your community and see what you could do to help someone else.

Get up and Get Out!        Get out of your own way!

Don’t allow your present circumstances to promote negativity! You’re the one that controls that!

Send us your thoughts through “Contact Us” and let us know how you are doing.  Join the www.Sallycares.com Community.

Together we can support each other and accomplish AMAZING things!   “Now, let’s get going!” xo Sally

 

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Family Challenges

Family Challenges Article Image"People are pretty forgiving when it comes to other people's families. The only family that ever horrifies you is your own. Doug Coupland

The concept of family can bring warm emotional sentiment, either from past memories, associated with those we have loved that are no longer with us or our current loved ones that we look forward to spending time with.  Yet some are not so fortunate.  When you have family members that create difficulty, have “issues,” or make your life down-right miserable, those family members do exist too.  How about when you have to take care of those family members when illness strikes? That’s exciting. 

Illness is an interesting thing.  Families really show what they are made of.  Living in Southwest Florida for the past 19 years, I have had an interesting journey of awareness related to aging and family.

The majority of people I have met, who have retired to Florida do not seem to think that they can expect their children to help take care of them. There are some families who have adult children that get involved, and come to Florida to help manage an illness or elective surgery, like a hip or knee replacement.  But as a whole, our society seems to function on everyone “doing their own thing.” And this is what I have seen from families who get along.  When there are poor relationships between parents and children, the older folks (parents) really are on their own.

My point in sharing this thought is that only you know your history with your family relationships.  It is not too late to improve communication with your family members, especially with your children.  I think every family has their stories, good, bad and ugly.  Most children may remember certain times when they were growing up that there were family problems, and it is easy to allow those old memories to excuse your involvement with family members today.

The message here is that family ties are special opportunities.  You have the capability to nourish those relationships, and if you don’t keep in contact with your family members, you can’t expect your family members to always be the ones to work at keeping a relationship active with you.  Pick up the phone and call your sister!  Call your Mother or Father!  They won’t be here forever. 

Even if you don’t love your parents or siblings, you can still be kind. Learn to be Self-less in a Selfish world. You can start where you are 

The only thing you owe your parents is to provide them with a safe environment as they age, and it doesn’t have to be in your home.

Let us hear from you through Contact Us.  How do your family members relate?  Is it healthy?  Join the www.Sallycares.com Community today!   

“Now, let’s get going” xo Sally

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Being Kind

Be kindBeing Kind Article Image whenever possible. It is always possible. Dalai Lama

Some days we may not feel like being very nice. We aren’t happy. Our life is hard. We have too much to do. People we thought we could count on have let us down, and we realize that this business of making things happen really does rely on us.

Yes, even on days like that we still need to dig deep and make a conscious decision to be kind. Why? Because kindness comes back to you.

 Kindness is that rare gift that we have to share, that doesn’t cost us a dime. In fact it is one of the few investments that I know of that pays back dividends the more you invest.

A smile is a gift that keeps on giving. In your daily routine just make it a point to smile. Say thank you and please and even if you are greeted with a grumpy response, you have done your best to bring a light to someone else.

When we focus on putting out positive energy, that includes being kind. Being kind does not equal being used, nor does it mean that you tolerate being treated badly because you are supposed to be nice.

Realize that you can be very kind and generate respect . Your kindness needs to be respected. If you are not being treated well by people in your immediate circle, then that needs to be dealt with appropriately. Seek professional help to manage your situation if you or an objective person thinks your situation requires that type of attention.

It is possible to be a better person. We get a new chance every day. If you think you are a lost cause, because you are so negative about yourself or your situation, you are only temporarily lost. There is a power in you that is greater than you realize.

You have the ability to find it and develop it. Being kind is one of the most powerful things you can be!

Join www.Sallycares.com today and let us hear from you through Contact Us! Join the Sallycares.com Community. Together we can support each other and accomplish AMAZING things!  

“Now, let’s get going!” xo Sally

 

 

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Controling Your Reaction

“The only thing you can control is what comes out of your mouth.”  Sally Thimm, Sallycares.com

Surely you can relate to how you feel when someone says things that make you uncomfortable. How about when people say things that make you feel badly about yourself, or angry towards the person that is doing the criticizing?

We all have to keep that same feeling in mind, when we are doing the talking. When you get frustrated you need to remember that you cannot control many of the things that are frustrating you. The good news is that you CAN control what you say and you CAN control how you act.

To be successful with developing control, you need to be aware that your behavior and comments are most likely in response to specific feelings that YOU are dealing with. If you are feeling unappreciated as a caregiver or unhappy with your current life circumstances, own that.

Being in a difficult situation does not mean that you have to give up happiness. You need to decide what things would make it easier for you to cope with your situation or manage your circumstances differently, to give you time to do some things for yourself.

Give yourself this challenge: the next time you feel yourself losing the ability to control what you are going to say, close your mouth . Think about what needs to change to make you more positive. Your comments may be stirring the pot. Your reaction may be making a situation worse. Let’s get past this. Join Sallycares.com today and let us hear from you through Contact Us!

Join the Sallycares.com family. Together we can support each other and accomplish AMAZING things! “Now, let’s get going!” xo Sally

Page 37 of 37

Thought For The Day

  • Keep Going
    "If you're going through hell, keep going."Winston Churchill When it feels like you are living your worst nightmare, you probably are. After all, for most people experience is what you get, when you weren’t expecting the result you were looking for. Everyone has a different level of spirituality. I personally think that being spiritual is very helpful when we are doing our…

Questions Answered Here!

  • Being Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
    This article will start a new series of general information to answer different questions sent to us by you! Please submit your questions through the web site at Contact Us. Always remember that the thoughts expressed at Sallycares.com are never intended to take the place of the advice of your…

Sally's Spotlight

  • The Relationship Between Humans And Loud Music
    While out walking our dogs with a neighbor on a warm, autumn Sunday morning, we discussed plans for the day. She mentioned she and her husband were going to the theater that evening to hear a New Orleans jazz trombone player and his ensemble. My husband’s ears perked up, as…

Legal Corner

  • What is a probate and why do I want to avoid it?
    Many times, clients come into my office stating that they need to have Last Will and Testaments done and at the same time, they tell me they want to avoid probate of their estate after they die. These clients are usually very adamant that they do not want the government to get their assets, they do not want their families…

Sallys Stuff

Senior Citizens Discounts

This information was passed along to us; we thought this would be interesting information to post on our website, since we all love a good deal!

In order to receive the Senior Citizen discounts listed below, you have to mention the discount prior to paying.

If you find that some of these locations do not offer the discount any longer, or if you come across a vendor that should be added to the list, please go the “Contact US” Tab on the homepage of the website.  Send us an email, for a vendor to be added or removed. Happy Shopping& Saving! ~ From the staff at Sallycares.com


RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gaetti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)

McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)

Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)

Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods. (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations.
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount).
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)

Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT :
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).


MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off haircuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)