This post is sponsored by Depend® Brand. All opinions and statements are my own.
With the coronavirus pandemic, so much of life is out of our control. Here are just a few examples that have impacted our family:
I have no control over when my employment furlough will end and the outcome.
My son had no control over his high school senior year being cut short, resulting in no prom, spring break, and potentially no graduation ceremony.
My daughter had no control over her college tenure being extended a semester due to the need for hands-on instructional nursing classes.
My sister, our mom’s primary caregiver, had no control over whether mom’s hospice workers would unknowingly infect mom with the coronavirus.
As a business owner, I have no control over my paid speaking engagements being canceled or postponed, resulting in reduced income.
As community members, we have no control over when establishments will reopen, and our favorite businesses will survive this pandemic.
As a society, we have no control over whether people take the necessary safety precautions when out in public.
It’s a lot.
As family caregivers, we’re likely more familiar with this loss of control. Whether we’ve liked it or now, we’ve had to let go of the reigns. We’ve had to learn to be resilient to change because, as caregivers, everything is always changing.
We know we can’t control the situations, so we do our best by managing expectations, reducing our risk of getting sick, and praying for serenity.
Manage Expectations
Here are a few ways we have managed expectations around a few of the situations that are out of our control.
My siblings and I had a call with my sister to let her know we didn’t expect her to care for mom alone. It was important to us that she not experience caregiver burnout. My sister manages the expectations with hospice workers by asking them important questions each time they visit the home. She asks each visitor if they have been exposed to anyone with a fever or are showing any symptoms of the coronavirus.
As a family, we have also managed expectations with our high school graduate, Jacob. We have found creative ways to celebrate his huge milestone.
As a furloughed employee with an entrepreneurial business, I’m focusing on what I can control. I’m blogging more and reaching out to secure more paid partnerships, and virtual speaking opportunities to bring in more income for my family and set myself up for a new full-time career should my employer not choose to keep me.
Reduce Risk
My family of four has picked up a new hobby during this pandemic: Pickleball. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of Badminton, Tennis, and Ping Pong.
While there are dedicated Pickleball courts in my community, we have been using our neighborhood Tennis courts to minimize risk. We serve underhand from behind the Tennis court serving boxes and use the existing Tennis nets. The only other equipment you need to play is Pickleball paddles and a few Pickleballs, which are like whiffle balls only stronger. I also recommend you wear some shoes with strong ankle support.
As things begin to open back up in our state, my family has expanded to playing Pickleball with some of our neighbors. We minimize coronavirus risk by using our own paddles and taking hand sanitizer to our neighborhood tennis courts. After playing our games, we sanitize our hands again. We’re all enjoying getting outside and experiencing a little bit of normal.
As a mom of two children, when I am physically active, my bladder sometimes has a mind of its own. I’m grateful for products like Depend Silhouette® Underwear for Women, which puts my mind at ease. The disposable underwear is made with smooth shape-wear fabric that conforms to your body and is available in five colors and three sizes (small, medium, and large/xl). This product is discreet, comfortable, and gives me more control over a situation I sometimes can’t control.
Pray for Serenity
No matter how much we try to manage expectations better and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, we sometimes may still find ourselves in uncontrollable circumstances.
I find sanity and serenity in saying the Serenity Prayer, usually, each night before I drift off to sleep for my own mental well-being.
When I wake up each morning, I share a bit of quiet time with God and ask for His help to manage my worries and anxieties.
