self-care – Page 2

September 5, 2016

Is Silence Really Golden?

silence is golden Are you aware that 1 out of 6 American women become the victim of attempted or completed rape? Imagine the ones who do not report these sexual abuses.
Many women feel afraid, ashamed, guilty or anger and do not reach out. What if it was a trusted family member, trusted friend, an older relative? Who would believe you?
Rape, abuse & incest have been passed down through generations resulting in post traumatic stress syndrome, 33% suicide rate, 13% attempt suicide. Remember again, these are only the reported cases.
Relationships are forever effected because of sexual assault including distress and problems at work and school. Silence is not always golden. Sometimes it overrides our sense of knowing we should tell our story and if others will listen and believe us.
I hear stories from babyboomers who were molested at an early age — fondling, inappropriate touches, reading to an older adult as he played in her pants, always getting to play the mother when boys and girls played house. There are more of these horrific stories. These stories still cause them pain. Complete healing has not occurred.
How much of their stories are they sharing with their daughters and sons? What kind of advice are they offering to handle these kinds of situations?

As we focus on our own self care, it is vital that our stories are heard. There is a community to share and restore some of the power that has been taken away for too long.

Joy and Light,

Angela

January 28, 2016

Don’t Worry; Be Happy

“Don't worry about a thing,every little thing is gonna be alright” When we stop worrying , that persistent repetitious thought process that leads to stress and keeps us from being as productive as we can be or more stressed than we need to be – our lives take on a favorable change.

Have you ever noticed as we stop worrying, a solution generally appears?

Remember the times when you told yourself to “sleep on it” and after a nap or another diversion, a feasible solution comes to mind?

Ask yourself

Does worry make the issue disappear?
Does worry make it better?
What purpose does worrying serve?

The new #caregiver you reluctantly hired, that important presentation you are about to make, your or your loved ones retirement or medical benefits, even those lingering holiday pounds are all examples of worry. Knowing that we have prepared properly and asked for support and assistance for those tasks that seem overwhelming enables us to reach solutions to our challenges. Worry is alleviated.

As we think differently about our concerns, our lives and the lives of those around us flow with less effort and more ease. The process of taking action to solve our worries greatly improves the outcome.

Let’s focus on the good. There is always something good in every challenge. We become stronger and wiser. Take the time for #self care. Engage in activities that interest you. If it’s been a while or you have forgotten about those interests, reach out and try something new and different. Visit a new restaurant. Try a yoga class. Get motivated with dance instruction. Revive your artistic talents. Something new is always on the horizon with a cooking class. Explore mentoring in your community or volunteering for those who really appreciate your service.

Remember, don’t worry, be Happy.

Joy and light to you.

April 19, 2014

Does Caregiving Matter

I just completed three radio blog interviews with Spotlite Radio. The topics are very familiar to the caregiver families. The first week, I shared information on stress reduction. We all have stress in our lives. How we choose to handle it makes a world of difference to everyone we encounter.

As caregivers, we are so busy, a chaotic life that is filled with stress becomes normal. Someone can ask us “what we do to relax, or how we relax” and we have to think of an answer. Let’s commit to taking some time for ourselves when we get to just “be” not to “do” or “have”. This is a time when we just relax and unwind knowing that all is well and this is our time to not think about what is next. Just imagine the peace of mind, the restfulness this brings to our inner spirit body.

The second interview discussed “moving in”. This dialogue focused on the pros and cons of moving in with our parents or having them move in with us. The top reasons for making this move was the desire to allow loved ones to live with family and not be placed into nursing facilities. Finances and resources were other considerations for moving in. The consequences of moving in were not overlooked. Communication can avoid some of the stress and overwhelm of moving into the home as we leave familiar surroundings and friends. Everyone wants to be assured there is adequate privacy.

Our third and final conversation focused on “self-care”. This applies not only to caregivers, but to anyone who is not taking the time to take care of themselves. It’s like applying the mask on airplanes. Put yours on first. Then you will be able to help the other person with theirs. Another comparison used was the “empty glass”. If your glass is empty, how do you fill someone else’s?

I will be posting the interviews and links in the next few days. Listen and let me know what you think. Share some of your caregiving stories.

As we head into summer, many are making plans for vacations. As a caregiver, what matters most to you? Be sure to take some time for yourself. Go to the park. Visit a museum. Take in a summer concert. Get a well-deserved massage, manicure or pedicure for those summer sandals. Read some passages from The ABC’s for Caregivers.

Get your copy today. Take yourself to your favorite restaurant. Spend some quality time with the most important person in your life. That would be you.

Caregiving does matter.

January 21, 2014January 18, 2014

Aging Gracefully Now

During this first month of the New Year, many of us have made new year’s resolutions or intentions or wishes or set goals. How is it going for you?

It’s important to remember why you are setting these intentions. That makes it easier to continue striving toward our goals and objectives.

As caregivers, sharing much of our time and attention caring for others. how do we age gracefully? What must we do to focus on our own self care and self expression?

Getting adequate rest, including some form of exercise and eating a nutritious diet make a difference in our lives. Try new foods, grains, berries, fruits and dark green vegetables. Experiment with various cooking methods.

As we are caring for others, we can imagine and determine how to make definite changes to avoid some of the health issues our loves ones encounter. Have you scheduled your annual exams? Did you keep the appointments? What about legal documents? Are they in order? Have they been filed?

Statistics show that nearly 66 % of all Americans over the age of 60 have hypertension which can easily lead to strokes, diabetes and heart attacks. Caring for a loved one can be stressful. Stress is a major contributor to these diseases. Time outs and time management are crucial for caregivers.

Find some leisure activities. If watching television is an outlet for you. Make it work to your advantage. Ride a stationary bike during your favorite show. Move during the commercials. Take the time to nurture that hobby that you have been longing for. We all have special gifts and talents. Put them to good use.

Find activities that light up your life. Perhaps it’s a dance class, pottery, painting, writing, bowling, tennis. Pursue it. Make it a goal, an objective, an intention.

Listen to some of your favorite music and sing along. This is a wonderful stress reducer. Make it your personal party.

Face your fears. Know what’s reasonable and what is out of your control. Engage with others. There are many caregivers who want to share experiences other than their day-to-day caregiver responsibilities. It’s a way to meet and make new friends.

Congratulate yourself often for all that you do. Others depend on you. You are making a difference in their lives and in your life and the life of other family members who benefit from the care you are providing for your loved one.

Show gratitude and appreciation. Accept support and assistance from others. Be gentle with yourself. Feel good about feeling good and know that you are making a difference.

Let’s make this the year for Aging Gracefully because Caregivers need care too. Get the support you deserve from New Beginnings because caregivers need care too.