Part 2- CAREGIVER HOLIDAY BLUES? - NOT ME!

HOW TO KEEP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

In continuing with the theme of caregivers surviving the holidays, today, I’m focusing on the spiritual aspect of Wellness for the caregiver. I want to share how it helped me as well as other caregivers I have met over the years when we were having a bad day. And, although our spiritual beliefs may differ, I’m sharing with you what has worked for me.

Now, you might be asking: How will spiritual wellness help - when you already have a to-do list 9 miles long, and not to mention the holiday pressure from friends and family? Well, I found that sometimes I had to dig into my spiritual bank and draw out the strength I needed to get thru some days.

For instance, when I found nothing was going right, and the situation had gotten to my last nerve, I’d take a spiritual nourishment break, and start giving thanks for the all the blessings I already have in my life.

Luckily in caring for my mom, prayer and praise wasn’t a far stretch, since we both have been involved in church as long as I can remembe, so when she was having a bad day, I could always cheer her up with a hymn or Bible verse.

Sometime ago, at a support group meeting, a member brought in a prayer to share with those who were having a rough time trying to cope with their situations especially during the holidays. I don’t know the author – so if anyone recognizes this prayer or you are the writer, please email me and let me know and I’ll gladly give credit due.

The prayer really struck a chord with me while I was going thru my caregiving journey, and was definitely a great a help during those difficult days as a way to de-stress. So, I decided to include it in my blog, just in case there is a caregiver out there who needs a spiritual lift today.

So, to all my fellow caregivers, during a time that can be very chaotic, my hope is that this prayer will help lift your spirits during this Christmas season and give you strength and encouragement for the new year.

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A Caregiver’s Prayer Dear LORD, when you chose me to be a caregiver, I doubted, YOU had the right person for the job.

--I have since learned that YOU have bestowed many blessings on me in my role as caregiver, and I Thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by giving me the strength to face the challenges each new day brings. and I thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by giving me the patience to be a caregiver, and I thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by showing me how to smile when I wanted to cry and didn't have the time, or the time wasn’t right, and I thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by teaching me to be tolerant of others weaknesses, and I thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by giving me a sense of humor to laugh at myself when I made a mistake, forgot something, or did something really dumb, and I thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by giving me the determination to do my best for the person I am caring for, and I thank YOU!

--YOU blessed me by showing me how to show love and compassion I have for the person I am caring for, and I thank YOU!

--But most of all, YOU have blessed me by allowing the person I am caring for to stay in my life a little while longer, and I thank YOU!

--Lord, continue to lift us up as caregivers in spirit, mind and body, and strengthen us on our caregiving journey in Jesus Name

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Got a story you’d like to share about how you beat your holiday blues?

Have questions about coaching, or have comments or suggestions - SEND ME AN EMAIL at: Coachglozcaregiverwellness.com

Be Well - Stay Well -Because Caregivers Need Care Too!!

Coach Gloria

Life Strategies/Wellness Coach & Patient Advocate

Owner: GJ Brown & Associates

Blog: Glo’s Caregiver Wellness Connection

Email: gbrown1gjba@gmail.com

Website: http://gbrown1gjba.wix.com/caregiverwellness