Love Thy Self

In the world of caregiving we can often forget about self. We are so busy caring for our loved ones that we can put ourselves on the backburner. Often times as caregivers we lack sleep. We are overly stressed. We begin to feel unhappy and overwhelmed. We neglect to love, care and value ourselves.

Self-love is so important in our caregiving journey. You are just as special as the person you are caregiving for. We are so busy loving others that we forget to love ourselves. Be mindful of your feelings. Treat yourself with love and care. As caregivers we must not get so engaged in our responsibilities that we harm ourselves physically and emotionally. We must continue to grow and pursue happiness from within.

Self-care is also essential to a healthy self as well. Paying attention to your social relationships, body and mind are necessary components of caregiving. When was the last time you went to the doctor for a check-up? When was the last time you had fun with family and/or friends? How’s marriage or dating life? What are your healthy habits to maintaining good health? These are basic needs that everyone has. Caregivers must continue nourish themselves mind, body and soul.

Knowing your self-worth is also important. Caregiving is a commitment but it does not require you to sacrifice your self-worth, dignity or integrity. In all things we must have boundaries and limits. We are more than just caregivers. We are unconditionally valuable human beings. Remember to treat yourself well. This is what makes us beautiful inside and out. In order to give good, loving care we must also have a positive attitude and outlook. 

Caregiving is a part of our meaningful and purpose filled life. Caregiving may not be what you want to do but what you need to do. While on our caregiving journey we must not forget ourselves. Appreciation of self is what enables us to believe that we are capable of doing our best and that we deserve to lead a fulfilling life. As caregivers, we must continue live a healthy and nourishing life. We must continue to believe in ourselves and encourage one another. Self-care allows us to have a continuous stream of renewed strength to be awesome caregivers and individuals. Never forget self, love thy self!

The Caged Bird: The Beginning of A Young Adult's Caregiving Journey

When I dreamed of my future as an adolescent and young adult, I did not imagine at age of 22, that I would be caring for my parents. I thought they would be living their life and I would be establishing my own life apart from them. Well, they were forced into early retirement and my parents did not have retirement plan. At the time I was a recent college graduate and therefore, I quickly entered the workforce to support my parents and myself. So, my caregiving journey began more as a caregiver that provided financial support.

For me it was hard because I wanted my own apartment and new car like the other young adults my age. I wanted freedom to be reckless and unattached. I felt caged in. I did not want to be paying a mortgage or living with my parents. But I also didn’t want them to lose my childhood home and I didn’t want them to be homeless or have financial struggles. My father had also started to have some serious medical issues that needed my attention.

I quickly became a real grown-up. I didn’t get to live the typical young adult life after college. I couldn’t be selfish or irresponsible. I had to balance being a young adult and being a caregiver. I slowly learned that achieving balance on this journey would require me to have a different perspective on my life and future. I had to look beyond my current situations. I could not be inundated by my circumstances.

Caregiving requires a different perspective. As caregivers we often feel caged in and overwhelmed by our circumstances. Caregiving can leave us feeling physically and emotionally overpowered or exhausted.  We must look beyond our circumstances and find hope.  Its essential we have self-awareness about our own needs yet be compassionate to our loved ones. We are actually free to love and live life to the fullest while caring for our loved ones. We are free to sing and express our caregiving experiences.  Through this blog I hope to continue to share through my experiences on how I care for myself while caregiving for others.

 Side note: Yes, I love to read. What else is there to do in waiting rooms? I love the poem Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.