"I have been learning that the life of a caretaker is as addictive as the life of an alcoholic. In truth, caretaking, though seeming quite generous, is very self-serving, and its urgent self-centeredness prevents a life of genuine compassion." Mark Nepo
A harsh thought, and perhaps not true in all cases of caregiving, but probably many. Nepo says that caregiving relieves the caregiver, "briefly numbs the worthlessness" within the caregiver -- just like a drink briefly numbs the worthlessness within the alcoholic. I think there is a lot of truth to this. As I extricated myself from being the primary and only caregiver, I found that it was like withdrawing from an addiction. Being a caregiver is all consuming. There is no time to think of oneself. All energy is posited in anticipating and filling the needs of another. To be needed that much can be addictive. For all of us who are caregivers, let us be sure we are doing it for the right reasons. And, let us be sure not to lose ourselves in the process.
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