I'm very nervous and I don't know why. In addition, I've had this idea in my head for years, but the implementation has still not got off the ground. "Something" has still kept me from doing it until now. It will undoubtedly be partly a lack of time, but I don't think my hubby is too excited either. In addition, I also just find it exciting to take this step and I don't really know where to start! The Menzis SamenGezond campaign now ensures that I will take steps to implement the idea that has been slumbering in my head for about four years.
Did I make you curious? Good! I would like you to read on and then give me your opinion and any tips 😉 .
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After my mother passed away, I became more and more aware of the world around me. And I mean in a different way than before. One of the things I have to think about very regularly is the older people who are left alone, for example. My father was of course also left behind 'alone', but he is not really alone. He has four children who care deeply about him. He has one of his children visiting just about every day of the week. Or he goes to eat with my brothers, my sister or with me. Or us with him. For example, I go to dinner with him every Tuesday and he comes to lunch with us every Friday. Practical, because you have to eat anyway 😉 , nice to chat and to move one's senses.
But what about all those other elderly people? Did you know that of the more than 2.9 million over-65s, almost 900,000 people really feel lonely? And of the over-75s, that is already more than 50% who feel lonely. For example, due to the death of a partner, or due to no longer being mobile or losing independence.
Very poignant cases sometimes come to light, but actually loneliness is - in my opinion - an enormously underexposed subject.
And if I allow myself to stop thinking about work for a while, but really think about the important things in life, I can cry when I think about this topic. Just imagine that you lose your husband at the age of 70, for example, and that your children don't have time to visit. If you are not really outgoing by nature, you will quickly become a lot more lonely I'm afraid.
Well, what can you really do. What I'm looking for is a 'match' with an elderly person in our village who is alone a lot and is actually shy about a weekly chat. For example, someone whose children live far away, or who may not have children. Someone I can make happy with a cup of coffee, or with a walk. Or a visit to the doctor because he or she prefers not to go alone. something like that. I must be able to spare an hour a week for someone else, right? Of course in addition to the volunteer work I already do for the animal park near us, because I don't want to miss 'my goats' either 😉 .
However, I also feel some hesitation. It's not for nothing that it took me so long to get to this point. Can I really make time for this? And what if I don't like it, can I still go back? I was raised with the credo "persevere". A credo that I think is fine in itself, but it can also be an obstacle.
For example, what I also find difficult is to find out who my match could be. I've been looking online for a while and there are several initiatives. For example, Beppe.nl is a platform on which you can register yourself and search for a match nearby. The problem there, however, I find that the older person must also register there. And how many older people will there be who don't even realize that this is an option at all? Or who do not dare to take this step again. In addition, no one has registered on this platform from Schijndel, I have already seen after registration. And I'll look for something nearby, so I don't lose a lot of travel time. I also have a slight preference for a woman. A bit stupid maybe, but that's just how I feel.
While searching I came across a Welzijndemeierij.nl and while typing this blog I have already taken my first step by sending an email and registering as a visiting volunteer. And now waiting for a response. Exciting!
The last trigger that I apparently needed is the Menzis SamenGezond campaign. Although at first sight this campaign seems to focus more on being healthy together in the physical sense of the word, the emotional side also appears to be an addition to Menzis SamenGezond. How beautiful!
Menzis SamenGezond has created tools with its platform and accompanying app to reinforce their vision about trying, living healthy and motivating. For me. And for you. A great way to stimulate yourself to improve your health based on the fit score that is composed based on your body, your lifestyle and the mental part.
I start with a fit score of 598 I just saw. Not really bad, but there's plenty to improve on 😉 .
The challenge I got on my plate is very close to my own philosophy.
How many times have I said that to my children 😉 . Every time I hear "I can't do that," that's the first thing that comes out of my mouth. Before I even thought. It's like a kind of mantra!
But when I look at myself and the way I live my own life, that's how it goes. Being a manager within an IT company for years without a diploma and then -without experience- give up everything and start my own company. haha. I seem crazy. But it suits me. And it has given me everything I have now.
So without knowing exactly what to expect, I was immediately enthusiastic about the Menzis SamenGezond campaign. And yes, of course I could have done some extra sports (although my body is completely wiped out after 1 hour of Crossfit for 3 days). Or clear my head by walking, practicing yoga and drawing mandalas. But it was only when I really started thinking about Menzis SamenGezond that I discovered what I wanted. For me that is now not something for myself, but something for someone else. Because, man, you are so beautiful when you try, aren't you?
And now I'm curious about how this is with you. Have you always had an idea in your head? Something you want to do, but keep putting off? And just for the record, that doesn't have to be something for someone else. For example, do you want to start exercising or would you really like to take a painting or modeling course? Or start a study or take a long trip? Start for yourself? It doesn't matter!
