Compassion

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion." The Dalai Lama.

Pretty simple recipe for life.  The person, I think, we caregivers may forget to practice compassion towards is ourselves.  What would it look like to practice self compassion?  Although different for each of us, it would probably contain:  kind thoughts about ourselves, being sure to have time for exercise/good nutrition/recreation/socialization/prayer, not allowing this role of caregiver to get in the way of our having a full and rewarding life ourselves, stimulating conversations or activities.  Remember:  we are dealing with a progressive and terminal illness.  The goal, in my opinion, should be for quality of life for ourselves and the care receiver during this dying process.  I aim at making every decision against the rule of thumb:  will this improve the quality of our lives?  I suggest this is a good guideline for us to have during this caregiving time.