You make your way to the reception desk and a friendly innkeeper says, "Welcome Traveler. Do you require a blanket or a sword?"
Sometimes knowing that all of that is coming up, you lose your motivation and find yourself in a bit of a funk. Who's got time for holidays now? Prior proper prudent planning will help you relieve stress almost every time. Not every day will go according to plan, though I wish it would, so the more planning you can do, the less likely you'll fall off your balance rocker.
We can't close our eyes or ears to what is happening in the world around us, but changing our reactions is possible. What you give yourself is a crucial ingredient in creating change and making a positive impact both in your life and the world at large.
Overwhelm can cause mistakes. Slowing down a bit avoids pitfalls (as much as possible). Those thoughts are worth much more than mere pennies if they are cared for properly - just don't let them swamp you. When you multi-task, although it seems like you'll get more done, you actually lose productivity by dividing your attention.
Then it happens; your loved one is admitted to the hospital and decisions need to be made about whether to go on to a care home or perhaps hire in-home care.
I think of journaling like a trusted friend - one you can let your 'hair' down and write what is bubbling up. No judgment. I also love to use it for gratitude - a wonderful place to focus on the end of your day on what went RIGHT vs. focusing on what may have gone wrong—a lovely way to go to sleep at night.
As we engage in various situations in our home and work lives, there may be situations that occur that bring a sense of heaviness. Though our days as adults may not be filled with such simple moments, I wonder if we might be able to map out time to have similar ones? Whether it is the list of things that need to be done or the emotions that are circling us, clearing a path is important for our own energy and that of those we encounter.
We are continuing to create a ripple effect of change! When asked why I started Breathing Spaces, my response has always been, "I don't want others to have to go through this alone. I know the ups and the downs, the fears, and the heartaches very well. Knowing that you have emotional support is critical. All of us understand because we've been there."
When I was a caregiver for years for my mom and brother, I realized I was in uncharted territory, but the moment I connected with other caregivers, my life shifted. Whether it was hearing about emotional issues or discussing navigating healthcare, the connection piece became a powerful lifesaver. That experience is the core of why I started Breathing Spaces years ago. I wanted to offer a connection for others from a place of understanding, and the knowledge that voices must be heard, and stories must be told.
Anything that you can do, even the smallest of things can make a significant difference. Fill up your cup, calm the monkey mind because it increases your reactivity and decreases human error when caring for your loved one, your family, and yourself.