New Year, New You
Everybody makes resolutions this time of year. Here's the one every caregiver should make: "I'm going to take care of myself, too!"
Now, as we all know, the problem with resolutions is that we don't keep them. Somewhere down the line, we resolve not to do what we resolved to do. Case in point, an article I read yesterday that indicated health-club membership soars in January, and by April most of those who'd joined three months earlier had stopped going.
So what do you do to maintain the promise to take care of yourself? You could use reverse resolution psychology and promise to dedicate yourself to not taking care of yourself. Of course, during the period during which you are keeping to your resolutions, this would be a very bad thing to do. You could resolve to not keep to any of your resolutions, thereby making you keep all your resolutions. Again, however, there is that period when you maintain your promise to yourself and don't take care of yourself. Quite the conundrum, don't you think?
Fact is, to a degree I jest. But my point is a serious one. Whether it be as a resolution or just the acceptance of a health necessity, you-the caregiver-must understand that you are the lynchpin that keeps your loved one receiving the best care possible. If you become weak, tired or ill, the entire caregiving scenario breaks down. You lose patience, you suffer the consequences, you end up needing care.
Here then, is my idea: You are a dedicated caregiver, so you obviously have the ability to demonstrate love. Just include yourself in your circle of love. Make yourself your own caregiver. You're good at the job. Now work on yourself. It will lead to a happy-and HEALTHY-New Year!
Share your ideas on how to take care of yourself in 2007. Just add your comments here, or go to one of our forums.
New Year changes
I read your article on New Year resolutions and especially liked the part of taking care of yourself. And I can identify with that statement because that is exactly what I am doing, but at the moment am feeling a little lost. It is bittersweet to finally recognize that your health is not good and that you need to retire earlier in life than you expected. Next week is my last week at a job I have loved for 21 years. I know this is only the beginning of something new, but at the moment it feels less than joyful. I plan to continue studying for my CFP and work from home - it is the cold weather that is killing me. Hopefully I will begin an exercise routine that will improve my blood flow too. If anyone has any positive comments for me, I would love to hear them.
A Positive Comment for TAP
What you are doing, TAP, is positive movement. Changes in life, such as retiring from a long-term career, are never easy. You enjoyed your work and, most likely, the people with whom you worked. You had a routine in which you were comfortable. It makes sense that you would feel remorse about leaving that.
But, you are not planning to sit in a room watching TV all day as the world passes by. You have a plan.
You have a goal—to earn your CFP credentials and start a new career that you can control, that can move at the pace you set.
You have your own well-being in mind, not just in terms of expanding your knowledge and taking on a new job, but in terms of your physical health.
You want to start exercising. Try doing it at a gym or community center, rather than alone at home, and your circle of friends and acquaintances will grow along with your physical well-being.
Keep thinking of all you do for you. You are your primary caregiver and you seem to be doing a great job of it!