Time of Reflection

I am back from New York. It was good to see family and friends and have a little fun. I also had some time to reflect on things while I was there. I realized that I have been holding on to too many stuff and not leaving room for new things to enter. It is amazing the shift that happens in your being the moment you realize that and make a conscious decision to let go.

This Friday, July 4th, is Independence Day here in the United States. Since seven is the number of completion and July represents the seventh month of the year. Why not let go of all the baggage, past relationships, and clutter and start fresh. In a past issue, I spoke about using an “Incomplete List.” Now is the time to start checking off those items on the list as being completed. If you take a little time to do things, make July the month to get your act together. Then, you can begin your new life on August 1st.

If you “fail” to accomplish what you set out to do for the month. Not a problem. Simply start again. Take a brief moment (notice I said a brief moment) to analyze what may have gone work and learn from any mistakes. Then work on a different strategy if necessary. The main thing is not to give up. A winner never quits and we are all winners.

Live a Joy-filled Life

Imagine waking up each morning and making a conscious decision that the day will be perfect no matter what happens. Imagine the energy and the great attitude that you will have throughout the day. Our whole being lights up when we choose to be positive. You will notice how things work better and how people have a better attitude with you.

I am pretty sure you have heard the saying that it is not the situation we face but our attitudes while going through the situation that matters. Yes, things are looking rough, the economy appears to be down, gas prices are to the sky, and there are a host of things that can be listed that are not great. How come some people always have a smile no matter what is going on in their lives or in their environment? They choose joy.

I choose joy. We sing a song in church that says, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Let us be grateful for waking up to see another day. Let us be grateful for all the wonderful things and people that we have in our lives. No matter how bad, you think things are, there is always someone who may be having a worse experience.

Let’s choose joy today and every day. Notice how things appear different in your life just because you choose joy. Notice how different you feel and the increased energy that you have because choosing joy increase your adrenaline. Take a break from the status quo and live joyously.

Keys to Living a Balanced Life as a Caregiver - Part 4

Make lists and make priorities. A daily or even weekly list of tasks that needs to be done can help to keep you on track. It may serve as a tool to make feel more in control. By prioritizing your list, you can better determine what you need to do and when it needs to get done. This can keep you on track and can take some of the stress from the caregiving process.

Stay in touch. Be sure that you stay in touch with friends and keep your outside interests. Whether you enjoy having coffee with your friends once a week or you enjoy attending a craft class, these activities can be very important to keep. They will give you the opportunity to refresh your mind and get away from the stress for a little while. This is also a great way to prevent burning out.

Being a caregiver is a very fulfilling; however, it is not an easy job. Some people find that they quickly burn out simply because they do not take the time or effort to care for themselves. This is to the detriment of the people that they are caring for, because they quickly become tired and burnt out. If a caregiver can find a balance between taking care of their own life and that of the person that they are caring for, then they will be able to care for their family member with love and compassion.

So, use these keys as an example of some of the ways to live a balanced life as a caregiver. You may find that you create your own way of introducing balance to your life. As your mind become open to the idea of living balanced, you will start finding new ways to do so. Start creating your new life today.

Keys to Living a Balanced Life as a Caregiver - Part 3

Look for a support group for caregivers. This is a great way for you to get support and information about caregiving. It can help to diffuse the stress and emotions of the entire process. A specialized group for the type of caregiving that you are doing (whether for an Alzheimer’s patient, cancer patient, etc.) can give you inside information about being the type of caregiver that you want to be. A general caregivers’ support group can also be a place of comfort and a reassurance that you are not alone. You may also seek the help of a Caregiver Coach to support you in living balanced.

Keys to Living a Balanced Life as a Caregiver - Part 2

Take care of your personal needs. Make sure that you eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough rest. Ask your physician if a multi-vitamin is something that you should consider. Taking care of yourself physically will help you to have the energy to take care of your family member or friend.

Connecting with Friends

It is good to make time for friends and family. Last week I had the good fortune to hang with one of my friends. We haven't done this in a year. Yes, we email and talk on the phone. However, there is nothing like having that face to face interaction. I am encouraging you and myself to take a little time to be with friends. We cannot be too busy to reach out and touch some one. Studies show that being connected makes you healthier in mind and spirit.

Why dont you call someone you have not seen in a while and plan a time out.

Keys to Living a Balanced Life as a Caregiver - Part 1

A caregiver is someone who takes care of the needs of a spouse, parent, child, or other family member who is ill or not able to take care of themselves. Taking care of your self is just as important as taking care of your friend or family member. There are five things that you need to remember and to do in order to have a balance between taking care of your friend or family member and yourself.

Take time off. Everyone needs a break from the responsibility and stress of caring for someone else. Be sure that you have someone who can give you respite care in taking care of your friend or family member. This can be another family member or a respite care service. Taking this time will enable you to recuperate and rest without having to worry about the responsibility. This can help to decrease your stress level and keep you from burning out.