Rightsizing Your Life
by Ciji Ware
Published by Hachette/Springboard Press
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Reviewed by Pattie Reitz
Subtitled: Simplifying Your Surroundings While Keeping What Matters Most
Rightsizing Your Life is addressed specifically to the estimated 77 million members of the American Baby Boomer generation. Author Ciji Ware has decided that "downsizing" is not what is needed. Rightsizing, in contrast, is the process of "getting it right" in all aspects of living. She says, "'Rightsizing' is the process of simplifying your surroundings so you can focus on what matters most. This simplification of surroundings and 'stuff' will liberate people in midlife to pursue their passions and hobbies without the responsibilities of a big house and too many possessions."
While downsizing--culling possessions, moving to a smaller house--might be part of the process, the goal is not smaller, as with downsizing, but better, with rightsizing. The idea is to step back and take into account finances and interests, and making choices about places and possessions.
The book's premise is that simplicity is key. The book also addresses the fears of rightsizing; offers quizzes to help the reader determine his or her place in the rightsizing process; establishing a realistic timetable for all the changes; and specific, practical steps to rightsize: paring down possessions and collections, decluttering and reorganizing, and staying sane through the process.
Designed as a practical step-by-step guide to those considering the rightsizing of their lives, this book includes a nearly 20-page directory of valuable resources. Even more helpful, however, is that the author includes her own personal story about rightsizing, as well as anecdotes and scenarios of many other boomers in various stages of the rightsizing process.
Even though this book is addressed specifically to my parents' generation, I found many aspects of it helpful.
Armchair Interviews says: The Bottom line is--if you are a Baby Boomer, this book is for you.
Author's Web site: http://www.rightsizingyourlife.com