This week I’m heading off to San Diego to attend The Enlightened Entrepreneur Experience, a conference designed to help entrepreneurs fine-tune their message and also rejuvenate. I’m really looking forward to these three days for many reasons, but mostly because it gives me a chance to meet new people who are on a path to partnering with other like-minded individuals, and ultimately to focus like a laser beam on my business. Now how does this translate to caregiving?
Caregivers tend to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and tasks and forget about the importance of recharging their “batteries.” If you forget about caring for YOU, eventually you will be running on empty and ultimately, will be no good for anyone. It’s an easy place to land, because the truth is that it’s easier to focus on the “to-do list” than it is to spend time on your personal needs. When we begin the process of thinking about ourselves, it brings up all sorts of things for us….often unpleasant things. It’s challenging to think about what we are really feeling…what we really need on a daily basis and what caregiving is doing to our lives.
Enlightened and Empowered Caregivers are very clear about the need to recharge a little bit on a daily basis, as well as getting away from it all and spending time alone in order to listen to what your body, mind and soul are telling you. If you take a holistic approach to caregiving, you will reap the rewards of walking the path with your loved one, along with having your life in tact. Caregiver rejuvenation is one of the KEYS to your success. I’m often asked by caregivers, “How do I rejuvenate? I’ve never done this before. I’ve never spent any time on myself.” I remember feeling the same way when I was about to “crash and burn.” And then I learned. I learned that I didn’t have to do it all myself. I learned that if I felt good inside, I was a better caregiver. I learned that years of not paying attention to my feelings and emotions had wreaked havoc on my life and ultimately I learned that once I did listen and honor my feelings; I was more open and patient and less stressed about caregiving.
I used to think, “I don’t have time to get everything done. What if I don’t do my job perfectly? What if I fail at caregiving?” And you know what? The what if’s can eat you alive. The truth is that if you don’t get everything done, Armageddon is not going to happen. There is no right or wrong way to be a caregiver. So you can’t be perfect. All you can do is show up perfectly. All you can do is just be your perfect self, and if you have a down day – cut yourself some slack and set it free. You cannot fail at caregiving unless you are abusive, cruel or you simply don’t do anything. And if you were that kind of person, you wouldn’t be reading this, because you wouldn’t care.
I encourage you to spend time each day rejuvenating. This looks different for each person. Find a way to care for you. Find a way to become Enlightened and Empowered.
Leave your comments here:
Thanks for posting this informative post. I like the content because its very easy to understand. And the topic captures my attention. Keep on posting like this and more power!