It’s National Caregiver Month

As we are in the midst of National Caregiver’s Month, I thought it important to update my blog. As usual, I always have every intention of consistently posting my thoughts, giving advice, or simply sharing things that have happened along my caregiving journey. BUT THEN, life happens. The actual caregiving takes over and the things that help me cope gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. So here I am as a reminder to not only you, but to myself……….. DO NOT LET LIFE TAKE OVER TO THE POINT THAT YOU DON’T TAKE CARE OF YOU!

We often get caught up in the day to day activites of life and forget to take care of the person that matters the most-ourselves. Being transparent, I will be the first to admit that this year has been a really rough one for me. Those that know me well know that I am not one to complain and usually don’t share how stressed or emotional I really am. As a matter of fact, many friends and coworkers often joke about how well I seem to handle the stress of it all. They can never tell when something isn’t going well. I’m the strong friend. You know- the one anyone rarely checks on. The one that always seems to have it together.

Well, sometimes that “together” friend needs to be okay with not always having it together (yes, I’m talking to myself as well). So if this is you, listen up:

1. Do something for you. That may mean take a trip, buy those new shoes, walk on the beach, or even exercise- whatever it is that is going to bring you peace of mind. Peace of mind is priceless and something often take for granted.
2. Release those emotions. Yell, scream, pray, or even cry. Do what you need to to let go of the emotions you are carrying on your back. The guilt, hurt, depression, anger, or resentment you may be feeling is only weighing you down and making your journey that much harder. Once you let those emotions go I promise you will feel so much lighter. “Preach preacher—I am” (IYKYK)
3. Say NO! And don’t feel guilty about it. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times; No is a complete sentence. See my previous post “The Art of Saying No” for deeper detail on that one.
4. Lean on a higher power (this one may not be for everyone). Whether you believe in God, Buddha, or some other higher power, lean into your faith. For my Christians, even if you haven’t prayed in a month, three months, or a year I pormise you God is still there and He has an open ear. Talk to Him in your quiet time. Tell Him all your thoughts, wants, and desires. How about you give God those emotions you are feeling and let Him carry them for awhile. He will.

Remember, caregiving is NOT for the weak! If I had a dollar for the number of times I have been cursed out in gibbrish (my mom has aphasia), I swear I would be a millionaire. In those moments when you are feeling weak or vulnerable think about all you do have to be thankful for. Do the actual work of figuring out what will bring you peace, craft out the me time, and just do it! Happy Caregiver Month and as always, I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.