One of the things discovered about care-giving is its unrelenting nature. There never seems to be that proverbial “minute of peace”. We are either doing or thinking/planning about doing.
The funny thing though, is there are actually moments tucked up into this scenario that can act as a mini-vacation from the work at hand, and dare I say, fun. It’s kind of cool to be selfish too.
Find the Funny
There is plenty of this around – just tune into it. From the antics of animals around you to those little gems of silly behavior that comes from people-watching. There is always something to laugh about.
Oh, and don’t forget to include yourself! If you can’t get a giggle from yourself when you find you’re channeling your mother/father again, you’re missing a lot of Life around you. Enjoy your own foibles and those around you become much more tolerable.
Take a Breath
Even if it only in transit to doctor’s appointments or such, take in the day. Pretty day outside? Take a quick moment to appreciate it. Breathe deeply of the fresh air. You know you have that million-and-one things to do but savor the moment or two to enjoy what is around you. This action is guaranteed to brighten your day and it won’t mess with your schedule either.
Be Open To Serendipity
Joy can present itself in surprising ways. Keep your spirit open to such opportunities. There seems to be some sort of cosmic law that says when you are open to things, they have a tendency to happen. Probably not the way you would plan them but happen they do. Keep open to the good.
Find Your Center
Whether you are just starting into a care-giving environment, in the midst of managing the unmanageable, or regrouping after your charge has passed, it is important that you take care of your own self. Whether through participating in religious activities of your choosing, artistic expressions, or maybe even writing (like this author), work on finding your self and nurturing its growth. You may just need to start a journey of rediscovering who you are. Whatever the case, working on who you are is extremely important because YOU HAVE CHANGED. Whether you realize it or not, care-giving changes you in a number of ways and it is important to get to know that new person.
Be Kind
Maybe it is somehow connected with our compassion for others but the simple act of being kind to ones self can be overlooked. Value yourself for what you do for others and cut yourself some slack when your actions don’t meet up with your expectations. Really.
And while you’re at all of this fun, make sure to keep that optimistic part of yourself tuned up and in play. You know what you are up against and how it will likely turn out, but you have to have hope for good in the events. To do otherwise is to shutdown opportunities and go to places from which return is difficult.
So find the fun (it’s really there!) and take care.
Dad's Back 