To a Smaller Extent

What could you do less of?

I have nothing I want to do less of or perhaps to a smaller extent. I have spent this entire year changing some of my habits, and it has worked for me. Everything I do has a purpose, and this year was significant for me. Last year on New Year’s Day, I made a few promises to myself, and I have kept them. I have found myself enjoying my day-to-day activities even more lately, and I think it is because I made these minor adjustments in my life. Obviously, there are many things I could improve, such as writing more in my blog.

I have stopped watching American news channels on YouTube. It has been so liberating. I no longer spend my days feeling anxious about things I cannot control. I do read the news and allow myself one time a day to catch up, but only for a short time. What a difference it has made. I have started listening to podcasts that are not political or my favorite music. I also love audiobooks. Did you know that many are available on YouTube for free? I recommend you look up the title of a book you might like and see if it pops up for you. I walk around my place all day, filling hummingbird feeders and putting out bananas for the birds, and it really helps when I am enjoying listening to something I like. Maybe it will help some of you to do the same, and you can find yourselves accomplishing more in your life with just a slight change.

I have stopped worrying about things I cannot control in others. I recommend this to everyone. Have you heard of the Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins? You can find it on YouTube. Go have a listen to her podcast. It will make all the difference in your life. It allows you to let go of control over others. Let’s face it, we all want to get involved in many things that we see happening in the lives of people we care about. Usually, we do. Just stop it! Let them do what they want, because once you give them all the control, you free yourself of the stress. Let them do what they want; it is freeing to you. There are so many ways to do this and get your peace back. It isn’t that hard if you can stick to it. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, but this really doesn’t involve you personally. Let them help you let go of your need to control others! It is really an excellent tool. Someone tries to pick a fight with you, let them, just stay silent and let it go. You go to park your car, and someone takes your space, let them, go find another. Your child isn’t cleaning their room and has dirty clothes. Let them; they will have to figure out how to put the clothes in the laundry. The list is endless. Why waste your inner peace over little things, and sometimes big things too. Remember, you should always come first in your life. That doesn’t mean being selfish; it means putting yourself first for your happiness.

I made a promise to myself to post less on social media. It can help with daily time management. Actually, it is almost like the time before we had to have a phone in our hands all the time. I do have my phone with me for business, as I am constantly contacted by people making reservations. I still love posting in my stories on social media, but only if it is something fun and cheery or related to my Glamping business. I sometimes miss things my friends post, which is the only downside of posting less. However, as I tell everyone, you can always contact me on WhatsApp, and we can catch up by chatting or by phone; it is free for those who don’t have the app. Here in Colombia, we all use WhatsApp!

My only bad habit, which I don’t think is so bad, is wine, and I have cut down on it. But as long as my doctor doesn’t admonish me, I will be drinking my favorite beverage. As always, I try to be kind, and so should everyone in their daily life. Kindness is never overrated, and you can tie it in with the let them theory mentioned above. It is always easier to stay silent when you want to say something that will hurt another. You never need to be less compassionate or caring in the world we live in. I always incorporate a smile and courteous words into my daily life, whether I am greeting my hotel guests or running errands. I try to smile at anyone who makes eye contact with me. Remember, you can be the reason someone has a good day. Some people don’t have any reason to smile, and you might change their day.

I am sorry I have neglected my blog this year, and perhaps I should have done more of them. I know many of you look forward to my blogs I will have another one out for New Year’s 2026 to tell you all about 2025 and the good things that happened in my life. This blog is more of a catch-up for those who have missed my musings. My business is still number one in Palmira, Colombia, my hummingbirds are still thriving in my nature reserve, and I, well, I am in a perfect place in my life. Love is all around me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. May you all be blessed with health, happiness, and love in the coming year.