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”
Category Archives: Mental Health
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”
Joy Does Not Mean Happy
I have not been happy these last two weeks. I expected that I would bounce back from foot surgery. I mean, they only cut my toe. It should heal in no time. I had an ablation five years ago. The doctor gave me enough pain medication for two weeks, and I was fine in 24Continue reading “Joy Does Not Mean Happy”
R&R Vegas Style
I used to run myself ragged trying to do everything by myself. Running on empty and in a chronic state of overwhelm. I didn’t know how to ask for help. I believed it was not only my job to care for my children exclusively but my duty. No one could do it like me. MyContinue reading “R&R Vegas Style”
Anger With a Side of Guilt
Todd woke up this morning and could not put weight on his left foot. He has worked a lot of extra hours this past week and was on his feet more than usual. He emerged from the bedroom with a boot on his foot. He proceeded to tell me that Emily had an accident inContinue reading “Anger With a Side of Guilt”
Conversation for Change 