When caring for others begins to feel like a burden it is a sure sign that you are not taking care of yourself. You are just as important as those you care for. To ignore the signs of tiredness, exhaustion, when you are in lack and running on empty is to do things you will regret and say things you cannot take back.
Exercise self care and take the time to give to yourself that which you need to rejuvenate and replenish your spirit.
Remember:
- It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help it is a sign of strength to know ones limits.
- When you are a 100% you give a 100%, its all about balance and you always have to factor YOU into the equation.
- If being selfish means staying healthy in spirit, body, soul and mind so that you can share from a spirit of love, support and grace then by all means be selfish.
I should have used this advice when my husband was so ill. Unfortunately there was only me and looking back, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. It is good advice you are giving though.
ReplyDeleteSubmitted on 2009/02/01 at 3:54 AM
I see this all the time in my job as a Home Health Aide. I often try to point out to the caretakers, that if they run down, it isn’t going to do them any good, or the patient either. Taking care of oneself, is another way to giving to the patient. This is one of the reasons they have support groups. This is a good post as people often need reminding. We often tend to take on too much without considering ourselves. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteThis post couldnt have come at a better time… I can relate to this post in so many ways at this time in my life. Thank You! xo T~
ReplyDeleteHiya … great blog! One of the most important thing for a carer to do for themselves is to take care of themselves … It is so important .. thanks for the reminder .. take care, H
ReplyDeleteYou are sooo right! Forgetting about ourselves leads to an unhealthy and unhappy life. It’s so simple, we can start with just speaking nice/good/loving things to ourselves. If we change our thinking about ourselves that leads to a whole host of good things like choosing to eat better and exercise a bit more. Life is Good! Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteYOu know, I told that to a family member yesterday. That is very very true. I wish more would heed it.Have a super rest of the week my friend.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good post. I’ll keep it in mind for when I’m need to caregive again (as I sometimes need to do with my mama). Thanks for sharing this, it is just what caregivers need.
ReplyDeletetrue! we tend to ignore ourselves most of the time!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. When we took my mom and aunt on our trips, we did really have to stop and find moments for ourselves and not get overly stressed out. This post is very important for care givers everywhere.
ReplyDeleteseems like it should be so simple but people run themselves ragged caring for everyone but themselves everyday
ReplyDelete@Kay At the very least you were mindful that you had to take care of yourselves, that is a good thing.
ReplyDelete@LadyNgo that is the complexity of life, sometimes the simpliest of things becomes the most difficult to implement.
ReplyDeleteThats true. We really don't love ourselves much.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of how in airplane turbulence parents are always adviced to put on their oxygen masks before taking care of their kids because trying to take care of the kid/dependant first might lead to the death of both of them.
ReplyDeleteAnd in the Bible, it is recorded that Jesus regularly took some time off to spend time with the Father and recharge. Taking care of ourselves can never be over emphasized, thanks for sharing
@dosh Women are so guilty of self-neglect perhaps its due to our socialization. We also seem to put ourselves last and then bump someone up and push ourselves down.
ReplyDeleteMy children said to me You has been spoil us now we are going to spoil for you.
ReplyDeleteI don't regret that what I has done to my children
but it was totally take care of them though
I could do something my self....
Well I look after myself 100% now:-)
Thank you for your support.
You have a nice day.
I went through that when both my parents were in the hospital in 2004. It was stressful experience.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, well said!
ReplyDeleteThis is very good advice. Take care of you too
ReplyDeleteAdiya
Muse Origins
So True but with the asking part,i have boundaries..
ReplyDelete@michiko You are blessed to have children that are not only interesting in you but are invested in your well being.
ReplyDelete@BostonBoy wow that is heavy my friend. I am glad you got through it. I am sure you have some valuable lessons from that experience that you can share that may benefit those who will without a doubt encounter such a journey.
ReplyDelete@Muse Origins thank you, i am trying though i am guilty of back sliding into bad habits that is negating.
ReplyDelete@DIDI hmmmmm, as do we all Darling but you will find that life will sometime challenge you to relax or set aside some of those boundaries in order to get through.
ReplyDelete