“Is it good for me?”

A while back, my hubby and I were watching a TV show called “The Voice”. One of the stars was Alicia Keys, and she was bantering with Blake Sheldon, one of the other stars; (think of him like the annoying big brother that likes to pester everyone.) While he was picking on her and trying to goad her into doing something, her answer was simply “Is it good for me?” She said that everything she does starts with that question. And, if the answer is no, she doesn’t do it.

Wow! Isn’t that simple? It got me thinking about how healthy it would be for our mind and body if we used that question as our starting point for the things we do.

If we start with the question “Is it good for me?”; how might it change our responses to the following questions we might be asking ourselves:

Should I eat this double chocolate cake with ice cream?

Should I give money to this charity? They always gave me free address labels.

There are so many things in this house. I like shopping, should I buy this gadget?

Easter is coming. It is exhausting to make dinner for the whole family. Should I continue making it or should I let other others take over, since they have offered?

I am so lonely; is it time for me to move out of this big house so I can be around other people?

I am getting very unsure of my driving abilities. Should I keep driving?

My kids have been asking me to give them money, should I loan it to them?  Should I give it to them?

I don’t like going to the doctor, but I have been having problems. Should I go anyway?

I keep hearing about a Health Care Power of Attorney, do I need one?

I am so tired all the time, should I start exercising?

If I move to a new apartment, should I keep a spare bedroom in case anyone comes to visit?

The kitchen light above the sink is out. Should I get the ladder out and change it myself?

Readers, the generation before mine always seems to put others first. They will absolutely do anything for someone else, but don’t think about themselves. It comes from a lifetime of sacrificing for others – their families and friends. This isn’t about being selfish, it is about putting your health and security ahead of others. It is good for you. It is time.

The questions above have many layers of answers. Your answers depend on your own situation. Is it good for you?

I think I am going to make a couple of posters and put them up – in my living room, in my car, and on my refrigerator. I am going to try to make every decision by answering the question “Is it good for me?”

Now, if I could just get past that waitress asking: “Do you want fries with that?”

Jean Long Manteufel writes a column on the first Sunday of each month about life changes associated with aging. Send your questions to Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com or call 920-734-3260.