My support system repeatedly crumbled like a Jenga tower until it didn’t. Support “Support – A source of comfort or encouragement.” – Oxford English Dictionary I thought I might crack and was aware of the need to support my emotional, mental and physical state of being, but building a support system was a lot like […]
From Jenga Tower to Stable Structure: My Caregiving Support System Read More »
Why is this so hard? Many adult children encountered resistance to their requests for the first time when they learned that parents were not heeding the advice to practice physical distancing. It offered a glimpse into the future and an opportunity to better understand the relationship dynamic, the competing motivations and develop skills to manage
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The Resistance In the beginning, I resisted routine. A routine meant I was locked in, locked into this role and locked into the responsibility. It signified the loss of spontaneity, the loss of control over how I spent my time, the loss of freedom. I felt that once I acquiesced to the routine, I was
Embrace the Routine 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 »
“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 »
Runaway rollercoaster I remember feeling like I was on a runaway rollercoaster, but not exactly on it. I was hanging onto the last car with one hand, feet swinging in the wind. With each twist and drop, my grip would loosen. My situation was not sustainable. It was just a matter of time before I
How Do We Sustain Our Ability to Provide Care? Read More »
