The Road May Seem Long

"No great thing is created suddenly." Epictetus

Caregiving can seem endless.  I remember, even in the last months, the rallies -- which in some respects are good, but they also were stressful.  I would just have come to the decision that he was probably dying, and then he would rally, and I would reevaluate that perhaps we had months left.  Caregiving can seem endless.

Is It Good or Bad?

"Good and bad are but names readily transferable to that or this." Ralph Waldo Emerson

What if that is true?  What if we live our lives without labeling good or bad?  Isn't that what Buddha recommended?  Nonattachment.  Perhaps nonlabeling as well.  Wouldn't we have less stress if we just observed events without labeling?

Our Oneness

"For the raindrop, joy is entering the river." Ghalib, Sufi Prophet

Other sages have said the same thing.  We spend much of our lives developing our independence, but the mature soul knows that our oneness with the creative energy of the universe is where we find happiness.

Looking For Opportunities

"There are opportunities even in the most difficult moments." Wangari Maathai

It seems to be true that some of our blessings come in the disguise of difficulties.  Looking back over my life, I can see that instances I considered great setbacks or failures, were turned into blessings.  

Life Is Good

"Cast your bread upon the waters, for you shall find it after many days." Ecclesiastics 11:1

What we do cast out, we get back.  If we are surly and rude to people, that is what we will get back.  If we intend to be a blessing to all people, blessings are what we get back.  It is an inviolable rule.  

Plumbing Recommendation

"You may have a bathroom you do not regularly use.  Maintenance could be as simple as flushing the toilet or turning on a faucet once in awhile." Roger Peugeot, plumber

I have pondered whether I own the house, or it owns me.  Maintenance, without the capable help from my husband, is overwhelming.  Painting trim, doing all the outside work, moving heavy objects.  Even hanging a picture on the wall recently sent me into longing for his help.  He was so capable, before he got dementia.  How do you cope?

Family Caregivers Act

Roughly 40 million family caregivers in the US provide unpaid care valued at about $470 million a year." AARP

A bill has passed the Senate in the U.S. and a similar one is now in the House that would require the development of a national strategy identifying actions that agencies and the government can take to support family caregivers.  You can call 844-259-9351 to urge your representatives to support this bill..

Counterfeit Medications

"Black market meds are flooding the nation's pharmacies and hospitals.  Older Americans are at the greatest risk.  "  AARP Bulletin Mat 2016

This article goes on the say that since 2010 nearly 1,400 adverse reactions related to counterfeit drugs have been reported in America, but this does not represent the full problem as most people taking counterfeit drugs are not aware they are.  The greatest risk comes from buying one's medications via the internet.  It might be worth checking into.  New laws establish a public database of licensed wholesales so that physicians can check their sources, but there is fear that crooks will merely duplicate serial numbers and bar codes.  

Thinking of Eating Less Meat?

"These five protein-rich plants are proof that meatless meals can be just as filling and energizing." Prevention Magazine June 2016

I was surprised to read that spinach, peas, and potatoes were good sources of protein, along with the more familiar edamame and legumes.  Potatoes also supply 20% of one's daily potassium needs.  Spinach and peas have vitamins A and K for bone and heart health.  Soy, of which edamame is one example, is a rare plant that delivers complete protein, with all nine essential amino acids.  Legumes give us fiber as well as the protein.

Lifting Weights

"Low-weight, high-rep weight lifting can help ward off future bone issues." Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

An example where more is not better, apparently.  In a 24-week study, healthy participants between the ages of 28 to 63 saw an 8% rise in bone density by lifting low hand weights.  As caregivers, it is important to manage one's own health, and this is one way.

We Are Part of The Whole

"I am because we are." Ubuntu tenet

If quantum physics is right, we are all connected.  Even the thoughts of others can affect us, as can our thoughts affect others.  If for no other reason, that is a good reason for managing our thoughts and make sure they are life-supporting.

Gratitude

"Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." Aesop

Yes, gratitude is a sign of noble souls, and a sign of good mental health.  We are so lucky to be born in this very interesting time.  In Buddhism it is considered a supreme gift to be born human.  For that, and for many things, let's be grateful.  

Can't See The Forest For the Trees?

"Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees." common saying

Do you ever feel as if your perspective is not as broad as it might be?  I sure do.  Sometimes I do not see the bigger picture because I am focused on the smaller, usually obstacles, in the forefront.  Not taking things personally and seeing the bigger picture are both examples of good mental health strategies.  

How We Treat Those We Live With

"Love begins at home." Mother Teresa

Have you noticed that some people treat strangers better than those with whom they live?  That has always fascinated me.  Our true character is revealed in how we treat the people with whom we live and how we treat people who provide services for us.  

God Delights In You

"God delights in you." spiritual director

What if that is true?  What if God delights in you?  Can you think of the serendipitous things that occur that might be just because God delights in you?  One day -- it happened to be on my mother's birthday -- as I was hanging clothes on the line, a newborn fawn walked up to me.  God delights in us!

Blooming Where We Are

"It has always amazed and humbled me how the risk to bloom can seem so insurmountable beforehand and so inevitably freeing once the threshold of suffering is crossed." Mark Nepo

Is that your experience of growing more into your potential?  Is there a threshold of suffering we must cross before we can become more than we were before that crossing?  I think it might be correct.  How about you?