“How about if we just get really good at practicing extreme imperfection. Could this be the ultimate act of self-care?” Anne Tumlinson, Founder of Daughterhood.org Lord knows I’m imperfect. Like everyone, I’ve made mistakes in my personal and professional life and certainly as a caregiver. Yet, it’s the mistakes as a caregiver that stick with me more than the others. I am … [Read more...]
Caregivers, does your support system include old friends? I hope so.
The thing about old friends is not that they love you but they know you. Anna Quindlen, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. I love this quote from Anna Quindlen. I am fortunate to have friends that have been a part of my life for over 40 years. Not only do they know me in all my craziness and still love me, but they knew my parents as well. The perspective they brought to my … [Read more...]
Caregivers don’t expect to feel good about every decision.
“Don’t expect to feel good about every decision. Making decisions is like setting boundaries. You have to do it, but it will never feel good.” Anne Tumlinson, Daughterhood.org Making decisions as a caregiver is too often done under pressure while feeling like we don’t have enough information or experience. Certainly, health decisions are the most stressful but financial … [Read more...]
“No One Has Caregiving on Their Bucket List”
“No One Has Caregiving on Their Bucket List” Chris MacLellan, Founder, Whole Care Network Isn’t that the truth? We don’t plan for it. We don’t anticipate the phone call that changes our life. And we sure don’t have it on our bucket list. Yet, it’s one of those statements which binds caregivers together in a beautiful and strangely poignant way. When I introduce this … [Read more...]
You Did the Best You Could with the Knowledge You Had in That Moment.
“It’s easier to look back at an event and see a better choice or pathway because we already learned from our experience. Hindsight happens after the lessons, so we can’t condemn ourselves for not knowing the lesson before we learned it.” Emily Maroutian. Caregiving is a series of lessons, some of which come at us fast and furiously, like when we are suddenly responsible for … [Read more...]