Tag: caregivers

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Please, please practice self care

We are mid-way through this year and moving toward the end of summer.  Back to school displays are showing their faces with products in every imaginable place. How are your plans for summer going?

Oftentimes we tell ourselves we are practicing self-care — taking time out to do things we really want to do, pampering, resting, meditating, eating better, establishing an exercise routine, etc. Time passes and those ideas and lists pass with time.

If we do not take the time for ourselves, we are actually practicing

“self abuse” which may include

  • trying to be perfect
  • pleasing others
  • thinking we should be and do more
  • not allowing others to support and assist us
  • feeling rushed, tired and lethargic

Take the time NOW to commit to giving yourself the #self care you need and deserve.  You will thank yourself for thinking enough of yourself to give yourself this gift.

A walk in the park to get back in touch with nature;  a dinner date at your favorite restaurant with your favorite person — that would be YOU; a massage or a manicure/pedicure; a new hairstyle, using a different mode of transportation just to change things up a bit are some ideas that you can do just for you and your health and well being.

Self care starts with small repeated steps. You deserve this and so much more.

Let me know how it goes and what you are committed to continue doing just for you.

Joy and light,

Angela

 

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Friends Holidays and Expectations

gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-3-900x600We are right in the middle of the holiday season. Have you decided to get in a little more exercise to balance those “extra servings”  of delicious seasonal specialties that caused us to over-indulge last week?(an extra slice of pie, a little more dressing,  another glass of that “too sweet” ice tea)

As adults, what meaning does the holiday season have for us?  Are we practicing the gratitude and thanksgiving all year long or just during that final week in November? I believe it is the time when family members and friends gather.  It is truly a time when we give thanks for  the many blessings we have received throughout the year.  We share our joy and love with those who are special to us.  It is a time of reflection.

Do we have expectations from those with whom we share? It is a time for allowing our friends and family to be who they truly are.(authentically themselves)  I am learning not to take those differences of opinion personally.  There was a misunderstanding, someone unexpectedly stopped by or many other reasons. gratitude-quotes-attitude-quotes-A-moment-of-gratitude-makes-a-difference-in-your-attitude

I am learning and accepting the fact that we all do things differently.  I am learning that every statement does not have to be followed by a response. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. We are all  individually unique and special.  We all matter.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Will it matter in the end?

During this holiday season, I want to acknowledge my friends, family and clients.  Thank you for your support. I am grateful.  Many of you have lost loved ones during the past year.  This will be your first holiday season without that special person’s physical presence.  Call on a friend for support. Take it easy on yourself. Appreciate the love and joy you shared.  There is no time limit for feeling what you feel. Someone understands. That’s what family and friends expect.

Gratitude and thanksgiving,

Angela

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A Day At The DMV

 

  • Recently my daughter and I spent a few hours at the DMV. She was getting registration, new license and other requirements for her car. It was another way for us to spend quality time together. (If you are familiar with DMV lines, you know we had more than enough time to share special moments)
    She received her number and was told it would probably be a 45 minute wait. We left for a snack and returned. Her number B105 had not been called when we returned.
    How do you spend time at the DMV? We waited, talked and observed others.
    As we were watching and waiting, we noticed several seniors entering with their caregivers. (we assumed) Some of them were using assistance devices — walkers and canes. My daughter’s question to me was, “Mommie, why are they here? Is it for State Identification?” My response was “They are here for drivers licenses.”
    The disbelief on her face was quite apparent. Our watching and waiting continued. We heard their numbers being called. We watched them take their vision test. We observed as their #caregivers assisted them with all transactions. (check writing, holding them up to read signs, assisting with walking)
    The question is, how safe is it for seniors to drive? We all age differently and if you receive my blog or newsletter, we are Aging Gracefully. It must be noted that as we age, our strength is reduced along with our vision and our reaction times.
    There are precautions we all must take as we drive. Some are more important as we continue to age.
    Be certain we know the road signs.
    Travel on less busy streets.
    Drive during daylight hours.
    Use public transportation.
    Try ride sharing.
    It is everyone’s responsibility to be a safe and defensive driver. Let’s do our part to continually improve as we age and to understand that age can interfere with our driving. Have that conversation with your loved one about driving. Refer them to DMV or have their physician have a talk with them if you are not successful in convincing them to drive less or to allow others to assist them with their driving.
    Happy Driving to You.
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Tis the Season

For many this is not only the season of celebration and joy and peace, but also a time for remember the transition of those we have lost throughout the years. This year marks the 10th year of my husband’s death. Shall I call it an anniversary?
It was an early Monday morning (5:00 AM) that we experienced one of the most traumatic encounters of our lives.
Our 17 year old daughter was a senior in high school. When the doctors delivered this unfortunate announcement, her immediate response was “Daddy is not going to see me graduate”. I was instantaneously transformed into a pillar of strength — a guardian, a protector.
As senior class president, her graduation speech was phenomenal. We both know that her dad had the spiritual experience of being her greatest fan.
Ten years can seem like a very long time or if it involves a life partner, many of the moments cherished seem to be in the distant while others are very near and close to our hearts.
I remember the first few months of being home alone. I would listen for the sound of the garage door opening at 6:00 PM. It never opened. I sadly remembered it would not. I continued to sleep on my side of the bed. I recall returning from the college drop-off and unlocking the door to an empty space. I was alone for the first time in a very long time.
As the years have passed, I have become a caregiver, a coach, a best friend, an advocate. I am involved in community activities. I have had a few — not nearly enough — dates.
I have come to a better understanding of the importance of family — natural and chosen. I have done lots of soul searching. I am learning my real worth — mental, physical, spiritual, and financial.
Being there for others, makes it easier to share the experiences. It allows us to cherish the time we have with our love ones not only on holidays, but throughout the year. Our family celebrates just because we are special and deserving.
Tis the season of joy and love. How grateful I am to have had that special person in my life who shared and cared. Thank you, Joseph Mozelle.
Remember to focus on personal care during this holiday season. If the stress and overwhelm become more than you can handle, give me a call for a complimentary discovery session. Tis the season to share and care.
www.caregiversneedcaretoo.com 310 673 3349 [email protected]