Contributed by Bob Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
So, I am sure most of us have heard this cliché before and often in our lifetime.
But, the start of every New Year, I seem to hear this voice in my head and often. And every year I make this a resolution to remember to do this more often, be thankful.
I take a look back over the year and start thinking about things that I would like to do in the coming year. At the same time, contemplating those things that make me happy. Things I would like to do, things I would like to change, and things I have put off for too long. Maybe an old hobby I’d like to rekindle for example.
Whatever it is, take the time to think about it and plan a way to make it happen.
And what about that damn Insurance? LOL, headaches galore right? But, in the end glad you have some. There are many who really can’t afford the insurance they need.
So many plans. Once I was disabled two years on my journey the government forced me onto Medicare. Many years before I had planned to retire. So, this disability, and lung disease has forced me into a much earlier retirement plan then I had originally worked towards.
I learned very quickly the difficulties of Medicare, trying to understand the plans on my own at first. Not good, and no time to stop and smell the roses.
I was getting more and more frustrated. Which is not good. It created stress and too much strain on my recovery process.
So, find a good insurance broker. They are free, yes free! They get paid by the insurance companies they work with. They have no reason but to provide you a solution that works and fits in your budget.
We did this, and man, we could relax and really understand what is out there and how each plan works.
The cost is pretty affordable and make sure to ask about all the incentives you can get from different programs based on your income and your health needs.
Insurance sucks and trying to figure it out on your own sucks even more. Why do it? I asked myself. When I was working, people would come to me for answers about the things I specialized in and I finally said why I shouldn’t be doing that same thing in this case. There are very smart and honest insurance brokers out there.
If you really want to ease that confusion, and if it will relieve your stress, I highly recommend you do so.
So, what does taking the time to smell the roses and insurance planning really have in common?
Well, if you pay attention to your health and your journey and do the things that your insurance providers have for you, there will be lots more roses to smell in the years to come.
Do you know your plan? There are tons of cool things that come with Medicare plans? How about all those freebies? Band-Aids, Tylenol, Advil, just for starters, check it out!
When you feel good, you tend to be happier, and make time for the things you want to accomplish and put aside those negative thoughts (you are much more fun to be around).
There are days when my family and friends avoid me like the plague, and I want them to want to come visit and smell the roses with me. 🙂
So, check your Insurance and find a broker to help. You will enjoy the journey so much more.
I wish you years and years of smelling the best roses life can offer. It’s important to be thankful for what we do have and stop worrying about what we don’t have.
Rock the garden, my friends! Heal the body, heal the mind!
Till next time.
Breathe-easy
#LaughEveryDay
#TouchAHeart
– Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 13-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator.
When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.cairemedical.com or calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.