May is a month of possibilities and gifts, when the first layer of spring has already emerged and more consistent warmth arises by month's end. Last May, in recognition of the Wellness Initiative's ten year anniversary, I shared a list of 10 Life Changing Lessons from Family Caregivers. You can read it here. This year, as I round out my 25th year as a clinical social worker, the lessons continue to abound. I have received many wisdom gifts from carepartners over the years which have enriched my life and truly changed the course of my decisions, priorities and relationships. I am eager to share more wisdom from the field in the hopes it encourages something in your own life as well, beginning with a new list for this May and eleven years of the Wellness Initiative. I have focused here on the opportunities of caregiving. With so much out of our control, it’s critical to highlight all that resides within it. Thankfully, we do not have to start from scratch or navigate on our own. Whether you are presently caregiving or not, I hope there is something here for you. Happy May! And may you be well.
11 Opportunities in Caregiving
- Re-arranging and structuring your support network to meet your needs
- Letting go of old (self-limiting) stories and ideas to welcome new ways of living
- Tracking pleasant experiences more than unpleasant experiences
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Permission and ironclad reasons to simply say, No
- Prioritizing your own wellbeing and self-care
- Expediting and implementing your own, distinct, rest-of-life care plan
- Relating to your grief differently, proactively and creatively
- Getting rid of things while honoring their history and making room for space
- Investing in your needs as they are linked to patience for life’s many inconveniences
- Learning to be OK when others are not
- Designing and maintaining a personal Wisdom Council
You can read the expanded list of 11 Opportunities, along with reflective questions, at the button below.
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