ART - Magical New Beginnings

Do you believe in magic? I do. The holiday and New Year seasons are lovely reminders of its importance; you can feel it in the air if you are still enough. Small acts of kindness, random gestures, or simple adventures can fill your heart and that of others with magic. Hope. Peace. read more

Season of Giving

There's nothing quite like trying to do something yourself and someone barging in to do it for you. Still, I offered in a gentle voice, “Would you like some help?” Her reaction could not have been greater had I offered her a pot of gold. Wide-eyed, and so very grateful (if also a touch embarrassed) she replied, “Oh, you don’t mind?" read more

There are three stages of transitions: Letting Go of the Old Way, the In-Between, and Accepting the New Way.  These stages are not linear and logical.  We move back and forth, they overlap, are fluid and sometimes we have several transitions going on at one time.   read more

Reaching Out

Are Your Emotions Spinning? It's Okay to Reach Out for Help Some days are more challenging than others, but we can find bright spots if we open ourselves to them. When we focus on events that bring us down, we tend to perpetuate a negative spiral, while stepping away can give way to light. read more

Autumn light

As caregivers, we must be aware that the people we support often react to the change of seasons with heightened emotions. When my grandmother was first sliding into dementia, the simple act of packing away her summer clothes and bringing out her warmer winter wardrobe would make her anxious. Where were her belongings going, and would she get them back? read more

Raise Your Hand

In the United States, more than nine million people – about one in five -  fall into the category of 'caregiver,' yet many neglect to raise their hands and acknowledge that they are. As roles change in our lives, whether temporarily helping a loved one or going in for the long haul, the guidebooks are unclear and far too long. read more