Care for the Caregiver

January 10, 2022 • Lifestyle

Hello! For those of you have been around for sometime now, you know that I cherish my Moms memory and miss her everyday.

During the time that I was my Moms caregiver I didn't blog about it at any length, and rarely shared my journey but, I should have.

It was beyond stressful and took a toll on my life, emotions and my overall well being.

Sadly, I say all that to say this. My Dad Pete, is not doing well and I have recently started on my journey of being his caregiver along with some other family members. I know it is our job to care for our parents as they cared for us but, my Dad has been the toughest bad ass my whole life. Now he needs help in ways that are hard for me to understand.

My Dad is an amazing Dad and even though he drove a truck and was on the road all the time, he still made time for me and my two brothers. We had an amazing childhood. Here are just some of the things my Dad taught me. How to play poker, how to read a road map, how to change the oil in my car, how to drive a stick shift, how to ride a motorcycle, how to make pickled eggs, how to cook perfect rice, and how to siphon gas just to name a few. I was raised with boys and it shows, I am not that girly girl that likes nail polish and trips to the mall. Give me the outdoors and an adventure and I am a happy girl.

I am going to try and embrace this very precious time that I have with my Dad, and not lose my own mind.

Knowledge is power, and I need all the help I can get on handling this stage of life with Grace.

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Here are some ways on handling the role of caregiver

* Take care of yourself. Don't neglect doctors visits and tap into support groups. Schedule dinner with your friends it will give you something to look forward to.

* Identify what caregiving resources are available in your area. Meals-on-Wheels, adult day care, and assisted living communities that offer respite care allow caregivers to take a much needed break.

* Have a plan in place. Don't wait until a crisis strikes to have the conversation with your parent. Identify what circumstances might lead to considering long-term care option for your parent and involve them in the process.

* Get out of the house and take in some fresh air. Just the change in scenery is enough to brighten your spirits.

*Be patient in your new role. People are set in their way and change is not easy for them.

*Ask for help at anytime. Get other family members or friends to stop by and offer some support.

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I hope in some small way this information helps you too!

Until next time,

Keep loving each other,

Dana

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Setting Goals for a Happier You in 2022

January 1, 2022 • Lifestyle

New Years resolutions are a scam. I know, you start with these lofty plans to diet, excercise, save money, or whatever and then 2 weeks in, you are tired and defeated. This is because it is not really a goal that means something to you. Goals need to have a very direct purpose in your life or it just isn't happening.

What works for others does not work for everyone.

Make your goal yours!

Focus on making your life better, and I promise that will be motivation enough to achieve so many more great things.

I love mornings, I like to get up before everyone else, and just be alone in the silence. I can get kinda cranky, if I miss this step.

But, luckily for people in my life, I rarely mess with my morning routine. It is for everyones safety.

Some options to create a positive mental space in the morning include:

Set Goals- Baby steps to just get through the day. Maybe 3 things you would like to achieve today. These could be something as simple as laundry, dinner or wash your car. These are your goals, own them.

Make a list- If it is not written down it doesn't happen. I love my planner and it is never far from my reach. I have lists for groceries, personal, future, blog, ideas. List keeps my mind at ease,Well, at least a little.

Plan- Having a plan of the weeks/months activities, appointments and personal time gives you structure. Without a plan or any direction you just go through the motions and really have no idea how you got to a place, that you do not like. It is your life, start acting like it. You rub your life, don't let it run you.

If you thrive from positive energy, make sure whatever you do gives you that burst of psoitivity.
Someone who needs to have a plan, try planning your day and you will soon feel much happier.
Someone who needs to exert yourself, go for that morning walk or run.
Someone who needs to think, find time for reading, and journaling.

It takes 21 days to form a habit. Give this new way of life a test drive and figure out what works for you and what doesn't. You can go from there and you will be in control of your life, your goals and will have a much better year.

What are your goals for the New Year?

Drop a comment and let me know.

My goal is to be more present in the plans that I have for my life.

Cheers to 2022!