Daily Comforts for Caregivers Book Excerpts

Impossible

My situation seems impossible at times. The living arrangements, the medications, the finances — so many things seem out of hand. I can’t see a solution and I’m at my wit’s end.

Where can I start to unravel this mess? I guess that even asking the question means I believe there is a place to start. I think I’ll start by taking a deep breath or two. What you you know? At least my lungs are working! So, I’ll start with what is working. If I stop to notice and appreciate what’s going okay, I have a better chance of seeing promise and possibilities in other parts of my life. I know there are answers, and I can find them if I’m willing to let go of “impossible” thinking. Another deep breath. What else can I think of that’s going okay right now?

I slow down and jot down what is working and build solutions from there.

Strength

It isn’t often my loved one can be the strong one. Most of the time, I’m the one who has to carry the load. Since his reserves are low, I have to keep up my own strength so I can help him through the rough times.

But I’m glad I can be there for him. I have found inside myself an ocean of physical, emotional, and spiritual strength — more strength than I ever imagined I had. I want him to be able to depend on me. I want to do what I can to ease the pain. But on the days when my reserves are low, he’ll sometimes come through with a show of strength. His very willingness to give a little support so touches me that I’m sustained for another day. But I know I can’t depend on it regularly. To keep up my own strength, I make sure I have a deep well of other support that I can draw upon — friends, respite services, my Spiritual Power, whatever will restore me and keep me as strong as I need to be.

I am grateful for my strength