Living with peace and harmony in your life is powerful. So amid family caregiving, when life has moments of complete chaos and emotional waves, how can you set an intention in the New Year ahead to change your thinking, and perhaps change your life?
We can’t control the outcome, but we can control the way we show up for our days, be present, and be the beacon of light that needed for our loved ones and ourselves. At the beginning of the New Year, taking a look back on what has and hasn’t been working allows you to set new goals and intentions. Granted, many of your days can have unexpected turns, but if you were to set up general parameters, it really could help support you on your caregiving journey.
Give some thought to these ideas as you look forward:
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I will accept the help that others are offering to me
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I will start my day with good intentions rather than “I wonder what will happen today,” saying, “I am opening myself up to something positive today.”
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I will organize things in my home so that I am not scrambling trying to find things which can lead to frustration
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I will plan for weekly meals so that I am not scrambling at the last minute getting frustrated
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I will schedule something fun or relaxing at least one time per week (go for walks, take long baths with soothing music…..and schedule it so ‘you’ time doesn’t get out in the shuffle)
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I will read something positive daily
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I will practice the power of a pause when I get ready to react
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I will practice daily acts of kindness to others and myself
What makes your heart smile? What gives you an extra lift when you’ve felt down? What can you do to alleviate stress? Those are the intentions to set as you move into the New Year.
In an article published in the New York Times A Positive Outlook May Be Good for Your Health, they sight the power of positivity on health; “Studies have shown an indisputable link between having a positive outlook and health benefits like lower blood pressure, less heart disease, better weight control and healthier blood sugar levels.”
Don’t forget the power of the pause. Just before you start to beat yourself up for something that you didn’t do, or did wrong, take a long deep breath. Continue that breathing until you can pull the energy down and say, “It’s ok; it’s ok.”
I believe in you, support you, and know that with everything you can gift back to yourself, you become a brighter light in the world and to your loved one. You are amazing, believe it.
Here’s to 2020, a year full of peace and harmony.
Hugs,
Cyndi