We Create Our World

"Each person forms his world from the rich, unlimited substance within him and around him through his thoughts, emotions, words and actions." Catherine Ponder

Others have thought similarly.  Viktor Frankl is said to have been forgiving, hopeful and optimistic in a concentration camp.  One way he remained positive, it is said, is that he focused upon the one flower he saw blooming among the squalor and cruelty.  When we, as caregivers, think our lives are challenging, perhaps it is helpful to remember the difficulties others have had, and what has been their attitude toward, or their way of dealing with, those difficulties.  Even if you decide to have your care receiver move into assisted living, there are still many responsibilities.  Doctor appointments, and which options to choose among those that arise out of the doctor's recommendations.  I don't know if it is true of all people with Lewy Bodies Dementia, but we deal with a myriad of physical complaints:  so much so that it is hard for the doctor and for me to know which should be addressed, especially at this point.  Even with these responsibilities, it is important for us to know that we create the quality of our lives.  One way to do that is to hem our days in prayer.  Prayer is a wonderful way to greet the day, and it helps to lift our burdens so that we can sleep at night.  If you are not a spiritual person, then secular meditation is an effective option, as is greeting the day with optimism and ending it with gratitude.