I'm against the pursuit of happiness, let's instead redefine joy.
Respite for anyone, with caregivers no exception, begins with finding this joy- this inner resource to call on. Caregivers must remember themselves first.
Happiness is defined by many as the ultimate goal -- often relegated to specific situations, things or people who make us feel happy. Those feelings-- they can be fleeting.
What if we sought after something more sustainable? Something that allows us to feel the joy and the pain- both. What if we could learn to hold them with as much curiosity as we would a small butterfly in the palm knowing it will soar for a while more and eventually, it will fade? You and I will experience grief-- of so many varieties throughout our lives. This kind of grief through Alzheimer's and other Dementias show us small daily losses are in fact unique to each of us.
This disease doesn't reduce our resilience or create another problem to be solved. Instead, it's something caregivers live with every day.
This disease has no cure. It isn't something that can be fixed. There is heartbreak. Daily. And it isn't something to step over or try to remove. This grief is something that becomes a part of the caregiver just like love is in the fabric of our being.
As much as joy can be a refuge, if only for the present moment, sorrow invites himself to sit alongside and listens. That duality holds our hands and walks us through this vast life, and we comply.
One way to heal is to invite and re-ignite a commitment to care for ourSelves.
We move. We breathe. And daily, we look for how to alleviate the pain. What if, we look into that pain and honor it. Honor the grief as individual as it is to each of us. And, by seeing it all for what it is-- we take away the shame, the hardness and acknowledge that we can be with it.
Dearest caregiver, join me in setting aside your long to do list- just for today. Allow yourself to be cared for with grace. Pause (wherever you are right now). Relish in the stillness. Dare to engage with deep curiosity and listening. Take time to walk. Take time to sit with your tea. May today serve to be a future reminder of how beloved you are. How your self care today and every day sparks health and vitality for your collective loved ones at home.
We hope you will seek support and savor time with like-minded community who understand your journey.
CaregiverWellnessRetreat.com
Out of a desire to give back to my dad, a caregiver to his beloved wife, Marcee who passed of Early On-set a few years ago, I began this retreat 5 years ago. With a dream of being able to take care of those who selflessly care for their loved ones, I am accompanied by more than 30 volunteers.We see how difficult this is. We see you. And you are Love.
Join me in sharing this resource who are in need of it. Share the link. Tell a friend. Make a donation.*
caregiverwellnessretreat.com FREE for caregivers of Alzheimer's and other Dementias in Houston, Calgary and soon, Santa Fe. In loving memory of my Marcee and in gratitude to my dad, her loving caregiver. Taking care of those who caregive. #caregivers
*Your donation will go toward administration costs (registration, website, flier, etc.), food (we feed over 100 people - 2 meals during the retreat), and miscellaneous costs (eye pillows for the caregivers, cleaning fees for our donated retreat center, etc.) We are not yet a non-profit but working toward it!
