Finding Contentment in caregiving is tough.
However, it is possible. If you set your heart to find contentment, you will find it.
Contentment comes as I write our my
Thanksgiving list for the day.
Slow deterioration of my mother's dementia
Nil Falls in the past 1 year
Successful expansion of her social world
A family commitment to care for my mother living with dementia. My daughter Jasmine would notice that the mee hoon is not cut and reminded me to cut for my mother.
A close knitted caregiver support group who meets weekly for guitar lessons.
In her book "Calm my anxious heart" by Linda Dillow, she mentioned a person named Jim who went to Africa to work and contracted a virus there similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. He has been sick for many years and bedridden for several years. He was asked,"Don't you ever feel sorry for yourself?" He responded, "Pitying of one self takes too much energy. I don't have any energy to spare."
Indeed, I agree with him. Instead of spending my limited energy on feeling "Why me? Why I have to be a caregiver? Why do I have to turn part time to better meet her needs?" I should cherish the extra time that I can have to cater to her needs as she become more dependent in her daily activities like eating, walking.
I can prepare her food to make it softer and smaller piece so that she does not cough while eating.
I can play the guitar and sing her favourite songs.
While I plan self care for myself even this Sunday morning to prepare me for another week of caregiving, providing for my own family with growing teenagers.
I hope this short blog will be an encouragement to you today. Yes, thriving caregivers. Press on.
Copyright LHN. This blog expresses the personal thoughts of the writer and do not replace professional advice in your caregiving journey.
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