Caregiving is the most stressful and difficult job there is. I remember when my son was born. I delivered him and 24 hours later, my husband and I were sent home to care for this precious human on our own. Our doctor and friends referred us to reference books to guide us. The manuals wereContinue reading “Caregivers Require Care Too”
Category Archives: self care
Exchange Excuses for Reasons
Last night I wanted chocolate. It was after 7 pm. I am not a woman who eats after 7 pm I reminded myself. My brain ignored this gentle reminder. It proceeded to recite why I should eat the chocolate. My mind provided a multitude of justifications. If you don’t eat it, someone else will. ItContinue reading “Exchange Excuses for Reasons”
The Beauty in A Pause
“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”
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”
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”
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”
Some Days Are Like That…
When my children were young, I would read to them every night. It was a great way to connect with my kids at the end of the day. I enjoyed revisiting books of my youth and was also introduced to new book series that Justin loved. One of our favorites was Alexander and the Terrible,Continue reading “Some Days Are Like That…”
Consistency Over Intensity
As I write this, we are already a week into 2022. I am not someone who charges into the new year at warp speed. I like to ease into the year. I take time to reflect on the year that has gone by. I slowly assess what I accomplished in the previous year and whatContinue reading “Consistency Over Intensity”
Caregiver Burnout: Understand it. Prevent it.
Caregiver burnout is 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. Burnout can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need, or if they try to do more than they are able, physically, emotionally, or financially. ManyContinue reading “Caregiver Burnout: Understand it. Prevent it.”
A Care Plan is Vital for Caregivers
We must take care of ourselves so that we can care for others. We cannot pour from an empty cup, yet we try. Todd and I have worked hard to develop a care plan. We have created a community to support our family. This allows us time to take care of our needs. AbilityFirst isContinue reading “A Care Plan is Vital for Caregivers”
Conversation for Change 