“Take time for yourself,” I tell
caregivers. The usual response is a shrug of the shoulders and a ‘How?”Some
recognize the need to take care of self. Others never see the need because they
are so busy being a martyr taking care of everyone but self. It does not make
an impression when I mention, “If you go down, who takes over?” These
caregivers assume they are invincible, like teenagers, they believe they can
handle anything that comes along. I stand in awe of them. When they fall, I
hope there is someone to help get them back on their feet so they can go back
to their passion with a new attitude.
For
me, I found that I could make it six months going full tilt. Now that I am a
bit older, I give out a lot sooner. Like on an airplane, you are told if the
cabin looses pressure, put on your own mask. What will it take to make you
realize that you cannot do it all? Maybe I can give you some hints to help make
your life better, even if you don’t think you need it. Give it a read. You cannot be on duty 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. It is not possible. You have to sleep sometime. You
need to rebuild yourself so you have something to give. If your bucket is
empty, you have nothing to give to the one you care for. Replenish yourself. So you
don’t feel you can take off an afternoon, can you manage ten minutes? Get up
early in the morning and take some time for yourself. Make you feel better?
Then find other ten minute segments to take as your own.
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