"If I had gotten the job I wanted at Montgomery Ward, I suppose I would never have left Illinois." Ronald Reagan.
Have you ever gotten something you wanted, only to find out you did not really like it? I did once in what is a silly example: We once thought we would like a motor home; it turned out that it was not the travel vehicle for us. Or, perhaps you have not gotten something you were sure you wanted, but later see the blessing in having not gotten it. Take being a caregiver for dementia, for instance. I doubt that many of us wanted this job. I certainly did not want it. It wasn't even remotely on the radar for me. There have been other times in my life that what happened is not what I wanted; and, yet, in each of those cases, there were blessings associated with what did happen. What might the blessings be for us who are caregivers? Do you believe there are any? I would like to know what your blessings have been for being the caregiver for someone with dementia.
Jan 7, 2012
Jan 6, 2012
Heart energy
"As we affect each others' hearts, we affect their minds." I Am documentary by Tom Shadyac
According to the I Am documentary and other sources, our emotions affect not just ourselves, and those directly around us, but the planet and all life. What if that is true? Let's assume it is, and then decide what we can do to 'clean up' our world. Can we have less negative thoughts? Can we choose to remain at peace and serene? Emotions come and go --- unless we try to hold on to them. We can become 'stuck' in negativity by circular thoughts about whatever is troubling us. Does that do us any good? I say it does not. Better instead is to think positive thoughts, which encourage positive emotions. When what we might call negative emotions do happen, feel them and let them go; and return to positive thoughts. The world may very well be counting on us.
According to the I Am documentary and other sources, our emotions affect not just ourselves, and those directly around us, but the planet and all life. What if that is true? Let's assume it is, and then decide what we can do to 'clean up' our world. Can we have less negative thoughts? Can we choose to remain at peace and serene? Emotions come and go --- unless we try to hold on to them. We can become 'stuck' in negativity by circular thoughts about whatever is troubling us. Does that do us any good? I say it does not. Better instead is to think positive thoughts, which encourage positive emotions. When what we might call negative emotions do happen, feel them and let them go; and return to positive thoughts. The world may very well be counting on us.
Jan 5, 2012
Cooperation
"When asked the question: 'What is wrong with the world?' G.K. Chesterton responded, 'I am'."
What delightful insight and demonstration of self-responsibility. I watched the documentary, I Am, by Tom Shadyac over the holiday weekend. Fascinating. It depicts how he came to the realization that he was not happy with his wealth while others had so little, and that humans have been led off their true path believing we are all separate and must compete with each other. The documentary states that the basic nature of humans is to cooperate, not compete. In what way can we create more cooperation in our lives, in our world?
What delightful insight and demonstration of self-responsibility. I watched the documentary, I Am, by Tom Shadyac over the holiday weekend. Fascinating. It depicts how he came to the realization that he was not happy with his wealth while others had so little, and that humans have been led off their true path believing we are all separate and must compete with each other. The documentary states that the basic nature of humans is to cooperate, not compete. In what way can we create more cooperation in our lives, in our world?
Jan 4, 2012
Caregiver Syndrome
"There is a stressful condition referred to as 'caregivers syndrome'." David Yount
Oh, so now we have a disease named for us. Infamy assured. Some other bleak statistics: 1 in 5 caregivers is a working woman (or in my case, a woman trying to work), the value of unpaid services by family caregivers is $306 billion a year, caregivers have little time to devote to their own private needs and are often housebound (Yount). Sobering statistics - which behoove us to be aware. More reasons for us to make sure we are meeting our own needs. I make sure that I do not miss daily prayer, exercise and some time connecting with other people (usually by phone). What do you do that feeds your soul and supports you in this caregiving task?
Oh, so now we have a disease named for us. Infamy assured. Some other bleak statistics: 1 in 5 caregivers is a working woman (or in my case, a woman trying to work), the value of unpaid services by family caregivers is $306 billion a year, caregivers have little time to devote to their own private needs and are often housebound (Yount). Sobering statistics - which behoove us to be aware. More reasons for us to make sure we are meeting our own needs. I make sure that I do not miss daily prayer, exercise and some time connecting with other people (usually by phone). What do you do that feeds your soul and supports you in this caregiving task?
Jan 3, 2012
New Year's resolution
"Voluntary caregivers are compensated with gratitude alone -- and sometimes not even that. Author Singletary urges her readers to offer caregivers they know some time off to shop or exercise." Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post.
What a refreshing news article and piece of advice. Singletary recommends that instead of the usual New Year's resolution favoring self improvement, that people instead offer to give respite to someone who is providing caregiving -- so that they can have fun and meet some of their own needs. I heartily endorse this suggestion, and I hope you have someone in your life who provides you with this loving support.
What a refreshing news article and piece of advice. Singletary recommends that instead of the usual New Year's resolution favoring self improvement, that people instead offer to give respite to someone who is providing caregiving -- so that they can have fun and meet some of their own needs. I heartily endorse this suggestion, and I hope you have someone in your life who provides you with this loving support.
Jan 2, 2012
Resources
“Four Rules For Life: Show up. Pay attention. Tell the truth. Don't be attached to the results.”Angeles Arrien
If you enjoyed The Blessing Way, written on earlier in this blog, you may enjoy a resource that a reader sent to me:
http://www.soundstrue.com/podcast/?cat=9&s=angeles+arrien
Sounds True is a good resource that I have used over the years, and Angeles Arrien is a deep thinker, whose work and words I enjoy. Thank you, Reader, for taking the time to share this resource with us. Another source of solace and inspiration for us.
Another resource that brings me solace and inspiration is the Institute of Noetic Sciences:
http://www.noetic.org/noetic/
If you enjoyed The Blessing Way, written on earlier in this blog, you may enjoy a resource that a reader sent to me:
http://www.soundstrue.com/podcast/?cat=9&s=angeles+arrien
Sounds True is a good resource that I have used over the years, and Angeles Arrien is a deep thinker, whose work and words I enjoy. Thank you, Reader, for taking the time to share this resource with us. Another source of solace and inspiration for us.
Another resource that brings me solace and inspiration is the Institute of Noetic Sciences:
http://www.noetic.org/noetic/
Jan 1, 2012
Miracles
"There are only two ways to live life: One is as if there are no miracles, and the other is as if everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
What if that is a true way to live? You may remember that I was asking for a miracle this Christmas season. What if the miracle is that everything is a miracle? I am choosing to believe this is true, and I am starting to journal every morning the miracles in my life in general; and every evening the miracles of my life that day. I am excited to try out this new way of interfacing with life. A miracle for me this morning is you -- I am so grateful for your support of this blog, and in so doing, of my life. I hope 2012 brings you many miracles, good health, prosperity, and peace of mind.
What if that is a true way to live? You may remember that I was asking for a miracle this Christmas season. What if the miracle is that everything is a miracle? I am choosing to believe this is true, and I am starting to journal every morning the miracles in my life in general; and every evening the miracles of my life that day. I am excited to try out this new way of interfacing with life. A miracle for me this morning is you -- I am so grateful for your support of this blog, and in so doing, of my life. I hope 2012 brings you many miracles, good health, prosperity, and peace of mind.
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