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You Deserve A Break
Today
By
Beverly Moore |
 Quincy
- Here we go again with the ‘special’ days in March. There
is actually a National Goof Off Day. Don’t you wish there
was one every month.
I give you permission as an Alzheimer caregiver to goof off
at least one day a month. If you take your role seriously,
you must take time for yourself. Your family member needs a
refreshed you!
I remember several years ago I counseled parents grieving
the loss of the perfect child during the week and working
hospice with a 40 year old dying mother of teen boys on
weekends. My husband suggested a trip to Disney World. I’d
never been but was doubtful I could really enjoy the
silliness of Disney when my work was so very serious. As is
the usual case, he won, and we headed for Disney.
I took all of two hours to get in the swing of things and I
ran up and hugged Goofy. Maybe it was comic relief, but it
worked. I came back light hearted and refreshed.
What would refresh you? Write down some things you would
find helpful. Perhaps watch an old movie, take a walk in the
park, drive to an arboretum, go sailing, go out dancing, get
a massage, plan lunch out with a friend who is positive
(this is not the time to help yet another person with
problems), go for a bike ride, exercise at the gym, take a
Zumba class (if you don’t laugh at yourself through Zumba
class you are hopelessly entrenched in your role as
caregiver).
A friend of mine routinely calls about 12 friends and
acquaintances and invites them to lunch at a local
clubhouse. Invariably everyone is smiling by dessert. I’ve
learned after fifty or more years caring for others as a
wife, mother, daughter, nurse, a therapist and coach, that
the time I take for renewing my spirit is the very best
medicine for me and the ones I am caring for. It gives me a
chance to distance myself long enough to stop taking myself
so seriously. No, you won’t feel like taking time off for
yourself, and you might feel guilty (it is false guilt, so
get through it), but force yourself. I insist. |
About The Author
Beverly Moore
is president of Sweet Grapes, Inc. a licensor for StilMee™
coaches. StilMee™ The leader in Alzheimer coaching™.
Beverly’s book, Matters of the Mind…and the Heart, is
available on line at www.StilMee.com. Beverly welcomes email
questions about the holidays. Write her at Beverly.Moore@StilMee.com.
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