Welcome back!
God has given me a precious gift since we moved into our new home – the gift of Peace. Both Dad and I are feeling it, and are very much aware that we are living in a space filled with peace. As the new year descends upon us, I am preparing to write my goals as I do every year at this time. Also, I am reading and writing like never before. As a caregiver I would never have imagined what a change would come over my life in moving from one location to another. As someone said, we only moved seven miles, but what a change in attitude and emotions. I feel like the old homestead is far behind me as I look through the rear view mirror of life.
I have a number of thoughts today that I wanted to share for those who are struggling where they are at. I hope some of these thoughts will help put your situation into perspective and help you get a handle on your life no matter what situation you are in right now.
- Bible reading. Be sure to keep God or whatever higher power you believe in at the forefront of your life. Caregivers cannot do their job alone. It takes strength and wisdom from a much higher source to do what we do on a daily basis. This year I am again reading The Daily Bible, 365 daily readings in chronological order. I haven’t read this version in several years, but it feels right for me at this time. Not only does it contain the Bible in the New International Version, but it also has the history and backdrop of the times interspersed with the readings.
- Morning pages. I have mentioned Julia Cameron’s excellent The Writer’s Way before. Her encouragement to write at least three pages of stream of consciousness writing first thing every morning is a Godsend to my life. It helps rid my mind, body, and soul of all the “stuff” that accumulates over the previous day. Writing the morning pages and letting everything out will free your mind of all the negative emotions and feelings you pick up. Let the bad stuff go and you will feel much peace in your life.
- Faith Goals. Every year at this time I write out my goals for the year as taught by a former pastor of mine, Pastor Dave Williams. He wrote a small booklet years ago called Faith Goals, and it has played a meaningful part in my life every year. Prayerfully consider your goals regarding relationships, finances, work, etc. Under each category write four to five specific items with deadlines for accomplishing those goals. Seek what God would have you do this coming year. Write out your goals and keep them before your eyes, if not daily, then at least once a week.
- Daily Prayer. Along with reading and writing comes a much needed time of reflection and prayer. I could not get through the day and remain sane if I did not spend time with God, not only to let him know where I am at mentally, physically, and emotionally (as if He didn’t know), but to find out what He wants me to do about my situation. He is the one with the big picture. He knows my past, my present, and my future. Who else would I turn to in order to find out what my next steps should be!
- Family and friends. There is a saying that we should keep our friends close and our enemies closer. Be that as it may, there is nothing better than having and nurturing friends and family. None of us can do everything we need to do all by ourselves. It took a village to get Dad and I moved into our own place, and friends and family are still helping us as we adjust to our new living arrangements. I don’t have any idea where we would be right now without the wonderful people who have taken an interest in our welfare.
- Take care of yourself. If you don’t, who will. Take time to get away if only for a few minutes or an hour. Get out of the house, watch a favorite movie or TV show, listen to YOUR favorite music – not someone else’s, pamper yourself.
- Stay healthy. Try to get enough sleep, eat what you should – not just what you want, walk or exercise daily. You will have a life after your care giving days are over, and you will want to be in the best of health so that you can live that new life to the fullest.
I hope these reminders will help you into the new year. Know that you are not alone. Know that there is a Special Someone watching over you. Even when friends and family let you down, God knows where you are and will always be there for you.
My hope for you is that you also receive a special gift this year. Whether it is the gift of peace, or another gift that you desparately need in your life, I hope it arrives soon. Take care and may 2010 prove to be the best year, ever!
