Attitude

"It's not the load that breaks you down; it's the way you carry it," Lena Horne.

The above quote is an eloquent way to remind us that our attitude is everything. Don't we all know people who seem to have significant adversity in their lives, but remain cheerful, helpful and optimistic? And, conversely, don't we all know people who seem to have a life that is going smoothly who are negative, self-absorbed and self-pitying? So, too, it is for us as dementia caregivers. Of course, this is a difficult road. Perhaps we do not know anyone who would appear to have it quite as difficult as we do just now with the sadness of this terminal and progressive disease. But, we can also look around at other dementia caregivers and see some who are doing it with a positive attitude, with respect for themselves and the care receiver. It is our choice which way we respond to our role as dementia caregivers. It is important to honor the truth: this is a difficult task. It is important to change what we can change about the number of responsibilities we have with caregiving. And, it is important to be vigilant about keeping a positive attitude about our lives as dementia caregivers, and the lives of those for whom we provide care. Gratitude is such a good practice for one's mental health.