We recently returned to our home in Mexico, where we spend a good part of the winter.

Over the summer, we had renovations done to our kitchen. Now, it is much more efficient and I really love it, but the kind people who put things back in place had their own idea of organization.

I spent some time trying to compare what made the most sense and I discovered that there was a better way than how we have been doing for the last 11 years.

It wasn’t only the kitchen; the furniture on the deck was different as the guest bedroom.

Many things were in a new place and it took a few days to try to figure out where everything belonged, but this time from a different perspective. It made my husband and I consider what else we had just become habituated to do, without giving any thought to a different way.

Recently, we had a very special weekend with our kids and grandkids at the lake, doing all those things that cabin owners do to get ready for winter. Of course, one task is to assemble a large stack of cut wood for the fireplace and hot tub.

This time we used a powerful wood splitter and were able to cut up huge logs, thanks to my strong sons and husband. Stacking it was left to my 10-year-old grandson, my six- and seven-year-old granddaughters and me.

The logs weren’t heavy, but required a lot of bending to get them off the ground. The kids took turns picking them up then passing each on to the next, ending with me, the stacker.

What fun we had! It was not something they had done before. The girls thought it was so satisfying! When I announced that we had received the last load they were disappointed and asked if we didn’t have some other work they could do.

It also made me think what we are missing out on because we are stuck in a rut, not recognizing opportunities to do something different that may be a benefit to others.

I think that is where volunteering plays a role for those of us who are retired. There is good evidence that being socially active and doing things you find joy in doing is effective in reducing dementia, encouraging you to make positive decisions about your lifestyle.

“Being in a rut” means that you are stuck, doing things on autopilot. Sometimes people need to be rescued to get out of this state.

“Being in a groove” implies that there is movement, purpose, joy with an interest to explore. I think of the confidence boost that our wood stacking provided for those kids. Yes, building confidence, doing creative work is part of this too. So, what is the challenge for you?

I admire my husband’s determination when we come here and invariably find some electrical appliance not working or something needing fixing. He loves YouTube videos and spends quite a lot of time figuring things out. I won’t say that he does this fixing with joy, but in the end, he is quite satisfied with what he has accomplished.

We are creatures of habit. We have our favourite restaurants, grocery stores, shops that we always support.

Fortunately, we have friends who try out the unknown, even if they cannot speak a word to those serving them who speak a different language. Being open to discovery has broadened our universe in so many ways.

So, my challenge to you is this. Think about your daily habits — what is serving you well and what needs to change. Try a different exercise, read a different genre of book that you don’t usually read. Listen to different music.

Take a different route home. Learn a new language by connecting to Duolingo or another method. Take up dancing, singing, or learn a new instrument. Meet a new friend.

Volunteer. I am so impressed by the volunteers for Prairie Hospice who provide nonmedical care to palliative people in their homes. They have found something that gives them meaning and purpose.

Life is too short not to live it to the fullest. As my husband says, “What could happen?”

Dr. Vicki Holmes is a Saskatoon retired family physician who has a special interest in Palliative Care and Women’s Health. She is passionate about sharing medical information with the public!

(Vicki’s Photo: Memories by Mandy)

• Dr Vicki Holmes