“Let’s just take a pause”, he said. As he finished the sentence, the floodgates opened. I began to cry. There I was sitting in the office of this man I had just met for the first time crying “the ugly cry”. There was something about what he said that released fear, anxiety, and frustration thatContinue reading “The Beauty in A Pause”
Category Archives: Mental Health
Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?
Caregiver burnout is defined as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Caregiver burnout can occur when caregivers are not receiving adequate support, or doing more than they are physically, emotionally, or financially able to accomplish. OftenContinue reading “Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?”
The Power of a Kind Word and a Smile
“Remember that your smile alone can save a sad soul or heal a broken spirit.” -Unknown My mom always smiled at strangers. (She usually talked to them too.) The example I was shown by mom was to always be kind. Long before we all had tees in our drawers to remind us to “be kind”,Continue reading “The Power of a Kind Word and a Smile”
Stealing Time for ME
I have learned the hard way the value of taking care of myself. I used to believe that self-care was going to the spa for a massage or a weekend away at a retreat. While I do believe these are wonderful ways to refuel and recharge, the result is short term. They will rejuvenate theContinue reading “Stealing Time for ME”
Feeling It Helps You Heal It
Oh, there is such joy and beauty in laughter. When Emily was a toddler, she giggled and laughed all the time. Her smile and laugh could cheer me up on even the worst day. Laughter lifts our mood and the mood of those around us. It brings inner joy and happiness, but sometimes we doContinue reading “Feeling It Helps You Heal It”
Caregivers Need Care Too
I believe caregiving is the toughest job on the planet. I have had a lot of jobs, and nothing compares. The exhaustion I often feel at the end of the day is brutal. Caregivers often feel like they have no choice or other options. They could relinquish the care to someone else, but they wantContinue reading “Caregivers Need Care Too”
When It Rains, It Pours
I worked at Morton Salt for ten years. I have used their motto for years to describe times when it seems God is piling a lot onto my plate. “When it rains, it pours.” The motto was never meant to be used the way I use it, but that never stopped me. When it rains,Continue reading “When It Rains, It Pours”
Caregiver for a Season, Part of Our Lives Forever
As we walked into the store, Emily let out a squeal or a scream. Well, it was a high-pitched reaction that vocalized extreme emotion. Emily doesn’t regulate her emotions the same way we do. She may go from a cry to a laugh in a millisecond. Her squeals told me she was experiencing an emotionalContinue reading “Caregiver for a Season, Part of Our Lives Forever”
Concert Connections
A group of people gathered together for the same reason…a concert. The one thing they all have in common is a connection to the group, ensemble, or artist they are all there to experience. If you have ever been to any live show or concert, you have experienced that feeling of connection and belonging. TheContinue reading “Concert Connections”
Grief and Anniversaries
Grief cannot always be predicted and calculated. I have mentioned before that it comes in cycles and often comes to visit when you least expect it. May has been a month where I am experiencing a heaviness in my heart. I have been feeling sad, angry, and anxious. I have not slept well either. IContinue reading “Grief and Anniversaries”
Conversation for Change 