Have you created a bucket list? In this post, I’m going to share mine with you. It’s my ’50 before 50′ bucket list. So often I see caregivers put aside all their own dreams and goals in order to care for others. I know their heart is in the right place when they make this either conscious […]
Caregiver, it’s time to create your own bucket list Read More »
What do you give a caregiver to show them you care and are thinking about them? What they want is more time and available hands to call when they are needed. But in our society, where the demand of our time far surpasses the supply, it’s a struggle to be that helper we want to
A Gift for the Overwhelmed Caregiver that Keeps Giving Read More »
A guest post written by Sona Mehring, founder & CEO of Caringbridge.org
In 1998, my mother Bonnie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer….
5 tips for supporting the caregiver in your life (which may be you!) Read More »
As parents we are always looking for ways to give our children opportunities. We sign them up for sport, music, scouts, things that enable them to develop their talents and find enjoyment in learning new skills, working as a team and achieving their goals. We realize the importance of this for our children. Why then do we find it so difficult to understand the importance of these things for ourselves?
Making myself a priority Read More »
It’s hard to put into words what this season of my life feels like. This season where I’m being sandwiched between being the encouraging, present, and fun mom I want to be for my kids AND being the caring, respectful, and motivating daughter I want to be for my mom. Oh, yeah and somewhere in this mix I want to be a romantic, loving, and supportive wife and a fit and healthy woman who successfully juggles a full time rewarding career and builds a mission rich profitable business on the side! Feels crazy just writing it all out. Like you, I want it all and I want life to feel harmonious. It’s a big order to fill.
It’s like feeding a nest of hungry birds Read More »
When back to school season rolls around, my entire family is switching up routines and schedules. So…it makes sense to find the pockets of time where I’m going to insert my healthy me time.
Back to School, Back to You! Read More »
Finding the time to take care of your own health with all the competing priorities of work, children, and an aging parent is near impossible. There is no lost time to be found in a ‘sandwiched’ life. I’ve experienced first-hand what happens to a mother’s life (and father’s too!) when you put yourself last on the priority list. My parent’s believed they gave us everything growing up – all our needs were met and many of our wants. But because they did not prioritize their own health on their daily to-do lists, their health paid the ultimate price. Starting in their 60’s the lack of attention they gave themselves caught up to them in countless hospital visits, numerous prescription drugs, and a compromised lifestyle that caused them to be dependent on others to help care for everyday activities like cooking, showering, and running errands. I believe that my dad would still be with us and he and my mom would be enjoying their golden years and retirement savings by traveling and having the energy to maximize each day. Witnessing these choices, led me to wanting a different lifestyle for myself and others.
Seven ways to pay your health first and still be a super caregiver Read More »
Growing up the month of June was all about my dad. He was the only one in my immediate family with a June birthday and we celebrated Father’s day, too. Needless to say, I’ve been thinking and talking about him a lot this week. This August it will be a year since his passing so we have almost made it through all the ‘firsts’ without him.
Honoring my Dad’s birthday Read More »
Once, when I was going through a difficult time and didn’t know what direction life would take me, I was told by an acquaintance who had been through a similar rough patch that if you worry and then suffer, you suffer twice. But, if you don’t worry (and just believe) and still suffer in some way, you would only suffer once.
I’m positive that attitude changes everything! Read More »
Guess what I found out recently? I can’t do it all and I need to ask for help. I think the key is to ‘ask’ and not ‘expect’ someone to know you need help. I’ve definitely said to my husband a few times, ‘Why do you wait until I’m spiraling to help?’ His answer is valid when he calmly says ‘I didn’t know you needed help’. We think as moms we are supposed to do it all and we think other moms are successfully doing it all. Maybe it’s possible for the short distance but not for the long haul. I’m one of 6 kids, I watched my mom work non-stop taking care of the house, kids, food, pets, etc. I also witnessed her burning out. My siblings and I helped around the house but maybe could have done more and in recent years my dad had admitted that he could have done more to help at home.
Did you know you have a small army of helpers around you? Below are eight individuals or groups of people that are willing to offer a helping hand and won’t think any less of you for getting their assistance.
Don’t freak out…reach out! Ask for the help you need. Read More »