One thing I have learned as a caregiver is to be receptive to unpredictable, uncertain, and uncontrolled circumstances. Caregivers function with a day-by-day thought process. You make plans realizing that set plans are usually met with frequent adjustments. Taking time out for self-care can be rejuvenating. Take time out to hang out with friends that are supportive and non-judgmental and allow you to vent about your caregiver’s journey. It is fun to laugh, play games and act silly sometimes. Thank God for the friendships you have nurtured. I have learned to ask, “God to grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Take one day at a time and a day for yourself.
Self-care is not selfish; self-care is necessary to keep your body and soul alive and well. Self-care is more than taking care of your body; it’s taking care of your mind, emotions, and every part of yourself. Taking time to nurture yourself is critical for your well-being. Taking care of others close to you is hard if you do not first care for yourself. Taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness but that you have the inner strength to give your body what it needs to feel nourished, loved, and cared for. Here are a few quotes about self-care. Feel free to adopt one or maybe two.
“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.” ---Kristi Ling. “When you are compassionate with yourself, you trust in your soul, which you let guide your life. Your soul knows the geography of your destiny better than you do.” ---John O’Donohue “Our bodies are our garden to which our wills are gardeners.” --- William Shakespeare “To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means you can tap into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.” --- Jill Bolte Taylor “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”--- Etty Hillesum “When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”--- Jean Shinoda Bolen “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and prioritize your happiness. It’s necessary.” --- Mandy Hale “When we self-regulate well, we are better able to control the trajectory of our emotional lives and resulting actions based on our values and a sense of purpose” -- Amy Leigh Mercree
Let’s Talk about making the connection when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, discuss the signs and symptoms of dementia, the course of the illness, and the services CaringKind offer. Please join us on September 15, 2022, for our monthly 45 mins zoom information session. Presenter: Adina Segal, LCSW, Jewish Community Outreach Social Worker, CaringKind. RSVP at www.comeoutreach.org
