"You have to think positive!" Aren't there times you've wanted to sucker-punch these Pollyanna types? You know the ones.
They walk around smiling in their own little worlds.
While you're trying to hold it together.
They are not looking after an aging parent.
What do they know? They wouldn't last a day doing what you do! Well, okay...
never mind their total lack of insight.
It is true.
As caregivers especially, we have to pay attention to our "thoughts".
As that wily old Greek philosopher by the name of Plato once said, "Thinking is the talking of the soulwith itself.
" Say it again.
Make it your mantra.
This is not some new-age gobbly-gook.
Science has proven it.
I'm impressed.
That movie and book, The Secret, has it right, you know.
"Thoughts" are crucial to our well-being.
When we change our thoughts, we change our feelings.
And what we think determines how we feel and act.
We're not trying to get some genie out of a bottle here.
Just trying to cope with day-to-day life.
Because how we think about being a care giver determines how we feel about the care receiver.
Everything is intertwined.
After all, we are caregivers because we love this person.
No way would we be able to do it otherwise.
Yes, it is difficult to even remember to take charge of your thinking when you're running around shopping for adult diapers and booking medical appointments.
But.
You must find the time for yourself and work on it.
Caregiver burnout is a very serious condition.
While you're caring for your mother or father or both, you must care for yourself.
Get books, videos, CDs, whatever you can get your hands on that will help you control your thoughts.
Get counselling if you need it.
Join support groups.
Whatever it takes to mind your mind.
It sounds simple.
Too simple.
But it does work.
With the change of thoughts will come a change in attitude that will bring joy to both the care giver and the care receiver.
And less chance you'll feel like punching someone! (c) 2007 Karen Cook