Mary - that's awesome that you have surrendered and accepted exactly where you are at this moment. At times, I feel overwhelmed, and when I look at it, it's because I am putting too much pressure on me to be, do or have something that is truly not needed at that time.

What a gift you have given to you to be free of the worry of everything. I applaud your program work and the desire to find your joy again. May that happen soon and know that I too am sending you positive thoughts and prayers for peace.

(((Hugs)))

I agree with everyone, I will be 56 in January and I can't handle things the way I used to. Some things really get on my nerves.My daughter is currently living with me and she is young and full of energy.She has 5 guinea pigs,3 cats and a dog.I love animals,but I just can't deal with the mess anymore you know what I mean.I am a neat freak and she is chaotic,so we are butting heads.I also see that this living situation is starting to cause resentments between us , and I don't want us to end up angry with each other.She helps with the bills and I am relying on her to make it here and I don't think it's a healthy situation,she is ready to get on with her life,but I know she also feels a responsibility to help me.So there are a lot of things she can't do.I am picturing a clean apartment with candles burning and me soaking in a nice tub and no cat box!!,peace and quiet.I can putter around and make it beautiful.It is the best decision for everyone.

Mary, I can totally relate to not having enough income to cover all the expenses. We had to sell our house of 11 years for that very reason--but it saved me from bankruptcy as my credit amazingly was still very good only because I did a good job of "juggling" the bills. That drove me crazy. We are now renting a 2 bedroom condo which is saving us about $500 a month and I don't have to work 7 days a week to keep up with the bills. My life has been simplified as you say and it's much better.

I am glad your daughter can take over your house so you can be free to move to a less expensive place. That will be a big load off your shoulders. I hope you find a car that is in your budget as well. I can also relate to the animals and the mess! I grew up with cats, a dog, turtles, hamsters, etc. My last cat passed away a few years back. I miss her but not the litter box! My kids had guinea pigs and hamsters which are really cute but it gets tiring cleaning up the cages and buying the extra food and supplies they need. You get to a certain age and just can't do it anymore. Right now we have one dog and he has to be walked 4 times a day as we don't have a yard. He has been shedding really bad and the hair is everywhere. I would have to vacuum every other day to keep up. When I get home from work I only have energy to make dinner and clean up the kitchen. I am 45 and feel a lot less energized than I did in my 30's! You are not alone. Hope 2016 is a much better year for you.

Wow, I'm loving the way that you look at problems and shift into solutions. Good stuff. The scent of bath oils without the scratching of cat litter in the background sounds dreamy! Happy New Year Mary.