Blizzard here

This is my weather today.  What is yours??

Being Happy

I just read a good article in Forbes on being happy.  It had practical suggestions:  be with positive people, enjoy moments such as noticing something in nature, get enough sleep, exercise daily, help others, make an effort to be happy.  These are things we can all do.  One of the hardest things for me is to avoid negative, complaining people.  Is it just me, or are they everywhere?!?  That includes, of course, avoiding negative thoughts.  It might take practice, but it is worth it.  Be happy.  On purpose.

Loneliness

Loneliness seems to accompany caregiving, whether the care receiver is alive or deceased.  If you are dealing with dementia, there is the loneliness associated with losing, bit by bit, the person you love.  So much energy goes into caregiving, that there can be a large hole left when that role has ended.

Spring

Is it spring where you live?   Or fall, if in southern hemisphere?  Here it is spring, although one would never know it -- because it is snowing, again, today.  Good moisture.

Spring is Here

A sure sign of spring where I live is the return of the robins.  Also here a hallmark of spring are the newborn calves.  So cute, dotting the pastures.  Spring gives us hope.  What is your hope today?

Dwane's Birthday

Today is Dwane's birthday.  I purchased flowers yesterday and will take them to his grave today.  I still miss him.  I would love to be able to discuss this current, crazy political situation with him.  He was so well informed and rational.  God bless him in his journey in the afterlife.  

Peace

"World peace must develop from inner peace." Dalai Lama

I think it is hard to maintain inner peace in our times.  Russia just announced it had a new weapon that could reach anywhere and not be intercepted.  The U.S. has inner strife and discontent among its citizens.  Violence is in the news daily.  Despite that, it is critical that we develop and maintain inner peace.  One way I do that is by managing my inner and outer conversations -- to avoid negativity.

Light at end of Tunnel

Sometimes in caregiving, as in life, it seems one's challenges are lasting forever, but, always, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  For me, it took 2 years before I felt even remotely myself again, after the death of my husband from dementia.  I needed that time to heal.  Everyday now is an improvement.  I promise you:  there is light at the end of the tunnel.

A Snow Day

A snow day.  No travel advised.  I love a snow day.  A day to suspend what one had planned, and instead lean into the opportunity of having the gift of a day with no commitments.  What if we treated every day more like a snow day?  Open to the wonder of the unexpected?

Finding Respite

Because caregiving is so demanding, it is important that you find respite.  Whether you are raising young children, caring for an aging person, or some other form of caregiving, it is important to find respite.  That is one of the best ways to assure you will treat yourself and the care receiver with kindness.  Taking care of your own needs.

Family Abuse

It is bad enough that elders need to be aware of being taken advantage of from strangers, but abuse is more likely to come from a family member, and it can take many forms.  Stealing money, physical and emotional abuse, disregard for wishes.  Someone I heard of recently had her children sell her furniture while she was out running errands.  How do we protect ourselves?  While there is no perfect way, one way I am is by talking with my children about my wishes and making arrangements to have living arrangements for me in place if needed.