“I don’t journal to ‘be productive.’ I don’t do it to find great ideas or to put down prose I can later publish. The pages aren’t intended for anyone but me. It’s the most cost-effective therapy I’ve ever found.” – Tim Ferriss Keeping a journal can help you process caregiving’s complexities – the emotions, the […]
Journaling: Release the Emotions Read More »
Imagine if, at this moment, you no longer had access to a vehicle or the ability to use a ride-share service. What would you feel, anger, fear, panic? It can be challenging to empathize when our fear is based on the potential dangers each time our family member gets behind the wheel. Our impression of
The appeal of the wild for me is its unpredictability. You have to develop an awareness, react fast, be resourceful and come up with a plan and act on it. Bear Grylls Caring for a parent can feel like we are navigating an unpredictable, wild river. How do we know when it is no longer
Timing Transitions: Reading the Caregiver River Read More »
A healthy ego is a positive, productive tool that helps us maintain and thrive in relationships. A scarred ego has been damaged by repeated conflict and can seem to have a mind and motive of its own. Rather than help us seek win/win results, the ego may see the only path to winning is a
Caregiving Conflict: The Role of the Ego Read More »
“A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” Timothy Ferriss National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is April 16! NHDD focuses on vital end-of-life decisions. It is critical to have these discussions before an illness or accident because a plan to wait
Sustainable Aging and End-of-Life Conversations Read More »
My journey on the Caregiver River started in rough water and became increasingly more challenging until I was out of the raft altogether and almost completely submerged. As I reflect on the last seven years, I see the experience as a crystal clear rite of passage. I was wholly unprepared when I started this adventure.
Lessons Learned on the Caregiver River Read More »
I noticed my anxiety starting to peek over the rim of my teacup during my self-care breaks, like a reticent critter checking to see my reaction. Then, I felt myself become tense when I sat down for the afternoon chat with Dad. Our chats had turned into a re-hash of what his disease was called,
A Holiday Gift of Wisdom Read More »
More than 1 in 5 Americans are providing care for a family member. You likely interact with many family caregivers in your close circles, including friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. When someone in your realm is involved with care for a family member, you have a unique opportunity to provide support and encouragement. Caring for
7 Ways to Thank a Family Caregiver Read More »
