347 days ago

Downsize to a Richer, Happier Life

Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village

What do you want to do with your life? Would you like to travel, downsize, have more money and more free time? Do you ever feel like your stuff holds you back, but the thought of decluttering just seems too hard? If so, you’re not alone.

This is the first of a series of articles dedicated to helping you to downsize, declutter and rightsize your life, brought to you by Ryman Healthcare in conjunction with decluttering expert Peter Walsh.

When helping people to declutter, Peter never starts by focusing on the stuff itself. Every item in your home has a story, so the first step is to think about what that story is.

Maybe you’re thinking about downsizing as you approach retirement but still have all the artwork and toys and books that belonged to your now adult children, and don’t know what to do with them. Perhaps letting go of that old sports equipment means letting go of a vision you had of yourself that no longer fits who you are. Maybe you’re holding onto heirlooms you have no use for because you want to keep the memory of the person alive.

No matter what your situation is, it’s easier to declutter and downsize if you start by identifying the feelings that underlie your attachment to your stuff before tackling the stuff itself.

Click to read more.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Cyclists forced to use ‘more dangerous’ crossing if cycleway closed

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Closing a Christchurch cycleway to avoid an unsafe rail crossing will lead cyclists across an even “more dangerous” crossing, cycling advocates say.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has weighed in on the issue, calling the move to shut a 1.5km section of the Heathcote Expressway for up to two years, “illogical”. He has asked KiwiRail to explain.

KiwiRail is demanding Christchurch City Council close part of the expressway until $6.5 million worth of safety improvements can be made to the Scruttons Rd rail crossing.
It said the “unsafe” crossing posed the risk of death or serious injury once every thousand years.

What do you do think? Read the full story by reporters Sinead Gill and Tina Law here and tell us what you think in the comments. (A subscription is required, but you can see two free articles a month).

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2 days ago

Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!

The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.

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Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
  • 88.8% Yes, it's fair
    88.8% Complete
  • 10.3% No, it's unreasonable
    10.3% Complete
  • 0.9% Other - I'll share below
    0.9% Complete
1987 votes
M
22 hours ago

Peonys ..freshly picked today

Marilyn from Northcote

From 5pm today there will be another variety added to the bucket. Maestro. This flower is an absolute stunner. When the bud hasn't opened it really is the ugly duckling of the bunch. Small, tightly closed..for those that havnt yet seen the Maestro peony in bloom- it's understandable why you would give it a miss.
But don't be fooled!! Maestro opens to be a deep rich red, a double flower with golden stamen for that extra zing of colour.
A limited supply of these. There will be approx 6 bunches avail later today. Coral charm available as well. $10 for 6 long stems. An honesty box available so please have correct change. Please message me for any inquirys. 020 406 44231