I was reading this book on how powerful a woman’s words are.
She shared we must determine if the thought is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind. You can remember the acronym THINK.
T: True
H: Helpful
I: Inspiring
N: Necessary
K: Kind
Sometimes in the midst of caregiving, I am just caught up with the things to do that I fail to stop to check my words that come out of my mouth.
Words like “why can’t you do this simple thing” is not going to be helpful nor kind especially to a person living with dementia. For those who are still mildly impaired in cognitive function, they are already struggling with their self worth and decline in their function. These harmful words hurt then even more.
I remembered one of my blog on keeping a caregiving journal. It helps me pen down my thoughts on caregiving and also any frustrations or victories that I have encountered or won during the day. It also is a means for me to have my "own me" time and to calm down when I have a difficult day.
Today I said to my mother :”I missed you”. I think my mother is pleased to hear that someone miss her. I saw her smile. I am glad that my words is one of the acronym THINK.
I have learnt and am still learning how to be generous with my affirmations and words.
" This is a very nice art work you have done at the day care centre"
" You can really shred the chicken fillet very well. Thank you for helping us with the chicken porridge."
" You are really thoughtful. Thank you for doing ________ this. I really appreciate your kind thoughts."
" It is hard to face some of your friends at the centre who has severe dementia and keeps taking away your colour pencils. You know they are really sick, don't you? They did not mean to be mean towards you. You are kind to forgive them."
"Thank you for all you have done for this family"
Will you join me in starting this journey of choosing our words each day even though we may be weary and feel like letting out or frustrations?
Why not let out your frustrations in your journal and let your words be filled with love to your loved ones?
Let us be thriving caregivers. Copyright LHN. This blog expresses the personal thoughts of the writer and do not replace professional advice in your caregiving journey.
Writing your thoughts in a Caregiving Journal
Commenti