Tag Archives: encouragement

Snowed In, Worn Out, Winning Over Stress

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Snowed In, Worn Out, Winning Over StressThe entire world seems snowed in and stressed out. Winter at its best takes a toll on family caregivers and homemakers as we strive to keep our families healthy and happy.

It is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Does it follow that when life gives you snow, make snow ice cream?  Well, we are not making snow ice cream today; but I do want to challenge you to change your mindset in that direction. Here is how my morning went today; perhaps it will be an encouragement to you.

Between snow and ice covered ground, and weeks of the “stuff” that’s going around, I am hungering to be outside; to put my feet on solid ground, to smell fresh, dry air. Today it’s warmer; the weatherman promises our snow should all be gone by tonight. Before I even rejoiced, he continued, “tomorrow brace yourself for another cold front. We will have snow, sleet, and ice by nightfall, perhaps six inches or more.”

And my short-lived joy plummets. I cannot bear another snowed in day; my burdens are too heavy, my responsibilities too great. How can we care for others, keep a household going, and endure these winters. Now, I know some of you are buried under feet of snow and wonder why I’m complaining. Sometimes a tiny cloud can be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Determined stress will not win today; I close my eyes, sit up straight, breathe in through my nose to the count of five, stretching taller as I inhale. Counting slowly, I exhale to the count of ten. Relax. Repeat.

Regardless of how stressed or stretched you are, join me for this short exercise. First, sit up straight and breathe deeply as I did above. Now, hold your arms out to the side; count them. Yes, there are two!  Now move your fingers and count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 on one hand; 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.  Thanks, Lord, for ten wiggling fingers!  Relax

Sit comfortably in a chair. With legs stretched out in front of you, count … one leg, two legs. Thank you, Lord. One foot, two feet, thank you, Lord. 1, 2 3 … 10 little toes. Wow! Thank you Lord.
I can see the snow; thank you Lord for eyes to see the snow. Thank you Lord for ears to hear the birds singing.

Today, I will wrap my arms around my loved ones, those in my care and I will find more ways to rejoice. I will spend my time praying for the many who are in worse conditions than I.

Let’s vow to  “make snow ice cream” again tomorrow when it comes down again.

Please let me hear from you; how are you weathering winter?

Hugs,

The photo is Kitty doing her stretches! Actually, I think she was begging to come inside. Who do you know that needs my newsletter? Have them sign up in the box at the top right hand of this page.

Need Help Keeping up with Friends?

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Need Help Keeping up with Friends?Need help keeping up with friends?  Today I received a Valentine card from a sweet friend; a caregiver with far less time than I for what we often call the “extras”. Yet, somehow she knew I would need that touch of encouragement and hug.

I have a long list of cards I wish to send; calls I want to make; letters to write. I’m sure you have as well so here are a few tips to help us through the month feeling good.

These five simple steps will add hours to your week while keeping you in touch.

1. Place a large February calendar on a desk or counter where you will see it every day.
2. Set realistic goals for yourself. Will you be able to send one a day? Every other day? One or two each weekend?
3. Write on the calendar the names of those you plan to send. On the same calendar, write names of people you would like to call and encourage this month (only one per day).
4. Gather together blank note cards or postcards, pens, and adequate postage stamps. February is a great time to find inexpensive hearts and other small stickers to dress up your envelopes or cards.
5. Keep your address book nearby; if you find yourself with a little extra time one day, you could address several cards ahead. Note: we still have our old trusty Rolodex! As I type this, I realize some of you don’t have a clue what that is—ask someone older!

I found my calendar invaluable just this week; read details below.

J.C. on Facebook mentioned her father in another state whose failing health keeps him confined to his home. She included his address and asked her friends to send him an encouraging note, including a little about how we knew his daughter. When J.C. visits him in a few weeks, she plans to read all the letters and cards to him.  I added his name and address to my calendar so I will not forget to send the card. I will schedule another card later for both of them to encourage her as she helps him make decisions concerning his health and well-being.

Caregiving is a full-time job; whether family caregiver or not. It requires much planning and thought to include the outside world in your caring. It can be done; in fact, it can be fun!

Try it! You will soon observe others wondering how you ever get it all done! Just pat your calendar and smile. Way to go, girl! Take time to celebrate!

Hugs,

Safe Place to Share and to Learn

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Safe Place to Share and to LearnWhere you can go now to get information and share information.

As we look at statistics about caregivers and who they are, think about your own situation or someone you know who is caring for someone on a regular basis. Where do you go for help? Who will understand? I want to share a great place to find some help and encouragement.

A few statistics about family caregivers.

Three out of four family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work now or have been working while providing care. Two thirds have had to either give up their jobs or have made adjustments to their work life. One in five family caregivers have had to take a leave of absence.

Family caregivers spend an average of twenty hours a week caring for their loved ones. Many provide 40 hours a week or more.

You are not alone in your situation.

We can easily see that we are not alone in our struggles to care for others and ourselves. Years ago, I felt like I was the only person who would understand my frustrations and yes, even my joys. I would have benefited much from someone who had walked the path before me.

Two lessons I learned when caring for Mother.

Often we get overloaded and stressed out when we are not aware of helps available. I have learned two great lessons through my caregiving years:

1. I cannot do everything myself either physically or mentally.

2. It is worth my time to learn what others are doing in my situation; to explore options.

Here is information about my favorite caregiving website.

I have found this website to be full of helpful ideas and solutions from those who have been in a similar situation and learned from it.

This on-line resource has undergone some upgrades recently; there are many free articles, videos and e-books available as well as items to purchase. There are even contests and games if you have time for a little diversion.

I was privileged to write a few articles for some of their gift book series. The website address for Caregiving.com is http://www.caregiving.com and I think you will find it helpful.

For most of us, finding a safe place to chat and share our hearts is all we need. Talking things out is often the best answer to our problems. Please do let me know if this is helpful to you.

Hugs,

Looking forward to hearing from you; you are an encouragement to me. Watch for great news coming soon; you’ll be the first to know!