Conditional compassion I needed a compass to find my way back to compassion. First, I needed to remember what it was, what it felt like. I remembered having it and watching it slip away as circumstances became more challenging. Was compassion conditional, like conditional love? Will I feel and show compassion only if deserved and […]
My Journey to Sustainable Compassion Read More »
I care for my 98-year-old father. I’ve created a plan for us and other family members. I thought it might be helpful to share how we’re managing our situation. This is for general information only; please contact your health care team for guidance on your particular situation. Minimize Exposure Minimize visitors to your caree’s home
Coronavirus Preparation & Prevention Plan Read More »
Amor Fati. This is the tattoo I will earn. For me, love your fate, signifies embracing rather than accepting my situation. The concept led me to the revelation that I was resisting the relationship rather than the caregiving role. Further examination helped me reach a place of clarity and calm. I resented the tether that
Amor Fati: Love Your Fate! Read More »
The blueberry battle Our letting go muscles are useful for more than just accepting and receiving help. They serve us when our inner child goes into battle with our parent. The battle may look new, but peel back the layers and uncover the struggles of an adolescent and parent, a teen and parent co-existing in
Pick your battles: Are you willing to die on this hill? Read More »
The National Alliance for Caregiving recently released a report, Burning the Candle at Both Ends: Sandwich Generation Caregiving in the U.S., that brings to light the challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation. These are unpaid caregivers of an adult who are also caring for children living at home. It is estimated that 28% of all
Millennial Caregivers: Burning the Candle at Both Ends Read More »
“Put a dot after those who leave, so that the names of those who come start with capitals.” Plato must have been a caregiver! Caregiving is lonely because friends and family often abandon ship when the waters get rough. You are so busy keeping the boat afloat that you don’t notice that you are alone
10 Ways the Family Caregiver Can Stay Afloat with Help Read More »
Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spend 41 hours or more per week providing care. Sustainable caregiving is possible when you are realistic, know your options, have a plan, repeat. When families get together over the holidays it may become obvious that mom or
Holiday PSA: Everyone is an Expectant Caregiver! Read More »
According to Family Caregiver Alliance, “Regardless of employment status, unpaid caregivers report that positive activities in their respective daily lives are reduced by 27.2% as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. This effect is three times greater in their personal lives than their professional lives.” Pre-caregiving, I spent hours at the Y and in the
Thrive or Survive: Self-Care and Caregiving Read More »
