Upgrades and Trade-ins

Today, I pre-ordered a device.  I also prepared some items to give to others or otherwise repurpose.  I'm currently typing on one of those items as another sits alongside it.  My digital juggling inspired some thinking about such upgrades and trade-ins, but of a less tangible form.  My family is also planning a garage sale soon; so the timing has me rethinking the serviceability of many things.

It's been said the only real constant is change.  I suppose that's more true in terms of the digital devices that now occupy space and attention in virtually all our lives.  Most likely, you're reading this bit of prose on such a machine, whether it's a phone, tablet, laptop, or other computer; and if you're reading it on paper, you at least accessed it on one of them.  Programmed obsolescence is a term that points to the tendency of modern things to be rendered ready to recycle before it really is in any sort of shabby condition.  Even our vehicles have components that the "shade tree mechanic" is unable to tinker into health without the aid of diagnostic apparatus.  Change is indeed a constant in this computer age.

We can disparage the situation, and all the while understand that some things truly do become obsolete.  Things like faulty beliefs about self, the world, and those around us can be in need of upgrade.  Maya Angelou quipped (and I'll paraphrase), "when you know better, do better."  Maybe you recognize ways you have traded in some bad habits and upgraded to better ones.  Perhaps you look at old photos and wish you had upgraded a hairstyle sooner.  Your financial decisions could be revisited, or maybe is a relationship you would alter, given the opportunity.  The point is not to elicit regret, remorse, shame, or guilt - none of which ever truly helps anyone - but to realize that we are always growing into a newer version of ourselves and in the process, sloughing off ways of being that no longer serve.

The fact is, the tablet sitting alongside this laptop still functions; but the keyboard isn't as conducive to the maintenance of this humble blog.  Both devices were already in the family; but roles have changed for them, and the laptop is an upgrade because of the ways I'm using it now.  

Sometimes, what needs traded in isn't in bad shape, or isn't a bad thing; but it distracts from better things.  

Jotting with Johnna:

• What obsolete mindset do you need to trade in for a better version?
• Could you take a moment to assess the real value of your values and/or valuables?
• Do you need to trade something that occupies your mind for something that upgrades your spirit?

Remember:  you are so worthy of upgrades and can always trade in something so that you can upgrade your life as you continue to edit the wellness script for your life, mind, body, soul, and spirit!

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.