Consider the title here, and the lead: "Embracing a lifestyle change is tough: from adopting a new habit to dealing with a unique life situation or embracing a chronic condition."

I think, at the core of the concept of mindfulness, is the message to be AWARE of why we do what we do, WHETHER we need to change, and HOW. Not everyone downsizes, or needs to. Not everyone changes their lifestyle. But, we must also understand that the decisions we make will affect our family, and be mindful of not creating a burden or distress for them. For my husband and me, after caring for numerous family members, we are mindful that our choices will affect others in the future.

Here are some decisions we have made, or are in the process of making:
If we downsize and give away possessions, it will be easier for our children and my sister to take care of things for us when we cannot. An alternative is to make decisions about the disposition of our real estate and belongings, and arrange for it to be done, in such a way that does not burden them.
If we simplify our housing and move to an easier-to-manage property, it is less of a burden on them. Or we can modify our home and arrange for paid assistance.
If we continue to travel, we can have arrangements in place to bring us and our belongings home if illness or injury strikes.
If we can no longer stay in our home, we can have a plan in place to relocate to and assisted living situation.
If we can no longer make our own decisions, we can have a plan in place to have someone else, maybe more than one person, to handle end-of-life decisions, finances, and what we leave behind.
Finally, we need to make sure our daughters, our lawyer, and anyone else will know our wishes, and where all pertinent information can be found.

So does that give you something to contemplate, instead of feeling that there is a pattern you SHOULD follow?
Sue