Perseverance

"I have not failed.  I have just found 10,000 ways that don't work." Thomas Edison

We are all familiar with this quote from Edison which he is reported to have said when asked if he was not discouraged by all of the filaments he tried within the light bulb that would not keep the bulb lit.  It is said that Edison simply felt that all the mistaken substances simply put him closer to finding the substance that would work within the light bulb.  We can take heart from this, and we can persevere.  It is said that more than brilliance, more than charisma, more than talent -- perseverance is the key to success.  Let us persevere in this task of caregiving.  Let us be successful, which means that the disease will not kill us too, and that we will support our loved one to live and die in dignity.

Finding Our Blessings

"Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle." Benjamin Franklin

It is so easy to focus on what is not going right in our lives, and there probably always will be things not going right -- but it is far better for our health to focus on what is right.  What do you like about the situation in which you live?  What do you like about the people in your life?  What is positive about your caregiving situation?  For me, I love the beauty and silence of where I live, I enjoy the company of people who love me, and I am glad to support my loved one as he transitions from this world.  So many things are right.  

We Are What We Eat

"The number one cause of early death is what we eat." NPR

The good news about that is we can change it!  The story featured how in medical school doctors are not trained in nutrition.  Well, we can train ourselves.  We can read and educate ourselves.  Most agree that a diet heavy in vegetables with suitable protein sources is good.  The so-called Mediterranean diet, which features lots of vegetables to include beans, small amount of fish, nuts, small amounts of healthy oil such as olive or grape is healthy.  Of course, amount of food eaten is important too, as is limiting sugar -- which is in so many things -- even peanut butter!!  I like peanut butter, but find I have to read the labels and few are without sugar.  Let us be aware of what we eat and the importance it has on our health.  

Honoring Our Life Passages

"Gladly greet each of the changing seasons of your life." Stephen C. Paul

I have two friends, one is 80 and the other 87 -- each mows her own lawn, drives, go to exercise class, attends concerts late at night, entertains -- it is just astonishing.  I know another woman who at 90 exercises regularly and still works in the family business.  They are such wonderful role models -- those women who are still mentally, spiritually and physically vital.  How about you?  Even with caregiving, do you exercise regularly?  Do you eat wisely?  Do you have fun in your life?  Our mental attitudes are also a critical part of our aging.  I have decided my current decade will be my best one ever.  How about you?  Happy Independence Day to one and all.  Let us be free from all tyranny.

Being Happy Where We Are

"So often we imagine that There is more full of gold than Here." Mark Nepo

Is that true for you?  I have, too often, not been fully present to what is happening right now, because I am thinking I need to get to what is going to happen next.  What a silly way to live.  When I am with my loved one, I try to be fully present.  In fact, that is a good practice for all of our settings.  Be Here Now.  Such a good practice.  

Courage

"Courage is the heart's blossom."Mark Nepo

Mark Nepo talks about the important of courage and says that it is directly related to authenticity.  When someone runs into a burning building to retrieve a child,or when someone has the courage to say no to a medical treatment not deemed in one's best interest, or when one speaks the truth gently but firmly to others, all of this takes courage.  And, Nepo says this kind of courage is what brings us joy and it can come about only when we are authentic.  I heard recently that Buddhist monks are sometimes asked, for their first meditation, to consider "Who am I?"  What a good exercise for us all.  Who am I?  Who are you?   It is in considering these questions that we develop authenticity.

Orthodics

"Orthotics, even cheap ones, can help provide extra cushioning and arch support, while custom-made prescription orthotics can help control excessive pronation that stresses the heel bone and attached tissues." Richard Laliberte

I have worn orthotics for years, and have looked at women who could still wear sandals or heels with some envy.  Pronation, where the foot leans inward, and high insteps have caused me to seek help for my feet from a podiatrist.  And, it is not just foot or ankle pain, my knees really bother me if I do not wear my orthotics.  We have 26 bones in each of our feet.   Let's treat them kindly.