We talk so much about caring for our beloved elders, our extremely young family members, and our loved ones who have special needs, that sometimes we forget about one of the most common variations of family caregiver: those who are caring for our partners. I like to think of this kind of care as a different dialect within the language of love.
There is more than one right way. Sometimes we get stuck following a method or practice for doing something because "we've always done it that way." But sometimes trying a new way of doing something helps give us a new perspective and better results. In my case, I knew one way of turning my boat, which was to paddle only on the side opposite of the direction I wanted to go. What my teacher showed me, was that I could also turn the boat by pushing the paddle forward on the same side I wanted to go.
"Why aren’t these things working?!? Why aren't they listening?? I’m going to……..
Here’s what happens. You keep stockpiling the ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ thoughts to the point that your cluttered mind gets even more cluttered……
How many of you are feeling over whelmed? Come on, it’s ok to say yes.
So many people that I talk to don’t self-identify themselves as a family caregiver. Most, as I did, feel they are a daughter caring for her Mom.....