Sunsplosion - When Dawn Breaks

Let the sun shine in!

When dawn breaks and you're waking up, contemplating the day, where does your mind wander? Do you pick up your cell phone and check messages and newsfeeds? Are you fretting about the day ahead? Is your body tense thinking about what you need to accomplish during your day? Is the news on, filling your mind with the horrible things that are going on in the world?

I make it a point to allow myself 30-45 minutes for "me time" when I wake up. I may read or practice my handwriting. Sometimes I create Zentangle art and sometimes I like to just rest. It varies from day to day. I  savor my early mornings. Rarely do I jump up and get going. When that happens, I usually feel rushed the rest of the day.

We all do better when we give ourselves some time to "just be" when awakening. Sometimes I rest and listen to my breathing. It's also the time I give thanks for having another day to fulfill my purpose.

One of the things I'm struggling with currently is eating a nutritional dinner. There was a time I used to cook dinner on a regular basis, but no more. I'm not home for dinner five days a week. This is a new schedule for the last few months, and I am still dealing with eating on the go. I'm either eating a bowl of cereal, making peanut butter bread or eating a handful of nuts and then end up snacking throughout the night. My poor choices don't satisfy my hunger and this habit I've developed does not energize me either. This week I intend to change this bad habit and to plan ahead so I can stop this insanity!

How do you start your day? Do you need to make some changes in your morning so you can approach your day in a calm manner? When dawn breaks, your eyes open and your mind starts racing, take a deep breath and exhale. Set the tone for a day worth living. 

Best Wishes,

Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman

Copyright 2015

The Heart Of The Matter, Sharing The Love~

                                                                                   
The definition of Love:

1) a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person

2) a feeling of warm, personal attachment or deep affection as for a parent, child or friend

Love is the driving force that motivates us to do what we do when we care for others. Keep up the good work. You're doing an amazing job caring for those you love. And, make sure you love yourself enough to take care of your own health. 

Best Wishes,
Carole Brecht

Introducing The Sandwich Woman: The Heart Of The Sandwich Generation

                                                           
I recently launched my facebook page and my blog and had been anticipating it for the last month. I was quite anxious about pulling the material together. This is a very personal part of my life to share, so I was feeling vulnerable. 

I have been a Caregiver for the last several years and am currently one too. I know well what it takes to be one. It’s a trying and challenging job, when your emotions are so raw, dealing with all the changes of an aging person who is nearing the end of life. If the person you're caring for has a chronic illness during this time, it can complicate the care immensely. And if the person you’re caring for has memory impairment, that makes it even more difficult to deal with.

My niece encouraged me to write an introduction blog about who I am, what my social media is about and what it means to me, beyond the short introduction I wrote on my facebook page and blog profile. Thinking about how to articulate that makes me pause, because it’s so meaningful to me, for so many critical reasons.

I understand what is required of someone to care for another. It may be a grown child or grandchildren who need your help in multiple ways. It may be a parent or an elder who is reliant on you. And, in fact, it may be both who need your care on a regular basis. It takes a person with patience and organizational skills to manage well. Caring for a family member, a friend or professionally employed as a caregiver is a selfless act. Your personal needs may go on the back burner, possibly for an extended period of time. It is my hope that what I share in my blog and facebook page will let you know you are not alone and there is someone out there who understands fully what you're going through - that would be me! I think you're doing a great job!

In my personal journey, I experienced a range of emotions, it’s hard for me to express how monumentally it impacted my life. I never worked so hard, invested so much and put my own needs aside for such a long period of time. I experienced caregiver burnout at times. There were periods where I felt isolated, lonely and sad.

I didn't have a background to manage so much. I was not only a Caregiver, I was a patient advocate, point of contact for all medical teams, went to the doctor appointments, did the scheduling, trained and scheduled a 24 hour Caregiver service. I also managed a five-week hospital stay in 3 different facilities. I talked to so many medical teams during that time period, it was no simple matter to track everything that was happening and to get the correct information on a timely basis so I was up to date about all patient matters.

I learned so much, have seen so much and have dealt with all kinds of situations and people and things I would have never dreamed of. It was a huge learning curve. I believe that anyone who is a Caregiver, you are gifted. Whether by default or choice. You are special. Never underestimate all that you do and know that you are highly valued, even if those you care for never say so!

Come visit me and my sister Jan Steinle, the Artist, @ www.thesandwichwoman.com. Stay tuned, I am currently writing a book to be a companion for those that are dealing with the issues I'm writing about. Please share www.thesandwichwoman.com with those in your life who are living the life I describe. Thank you so much! 

Sincerely,
Carole Brecht

~Words That Soothe and Ideas & Art That Delight~

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: @SanGenWoman


Copyright 2015

"Sail Away"

I look at this "boat" image and it makes me think of "sailing away" to get away from it all. Some days it just feels like everything is closing in. When I am feeling under pressure, I am extra aware how I react to things and what words I use when speaking. I strive to be thoughtful when I respond to others. It's too easy to say something in the heat of the moment or to have an attitude and then to live with the regret of saying something that was insensitive or negative. 

When caring for your children or elders in your life (or both), the demands can be great. We try our hardest to meet everyone's needs. The day seems nonstop and when the weekend comes, it's over before we know it. Life is riddled with the ebbs and flow of joy, sadness, happiness, anger, insensitivity and a number of emotions that can mislead us to say or to do something that is not the best option. We're all human. We all make mistakes. No one is perfect. 

If you're a Caregiver for someone who has a chronic illness, is nearing the end of life, have a child who is mentally and/or physically challenged or an array of maladies, and you are being relied upon, take heart and know that you have everything it takes to make it to the next day. When it comes, it's another brand new beginning!

When you look at the above image, how does it make you feel and what does it make you think about?

Best Wishes,

Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman



Copyright 2015

Acceptance and Denial

Acceptance and denial are very different ways to look at a diagnosis. It seems that everyone in a family and friendship circle accepts a diagnosis at her/his own pace. In fact, some deny for a long time. This can cause frustration in your life, especially if you are a primary caregiver. There may be times that you feel alone, isolated, resentful, angry and emotionally overwrought. So weary, so tired, feeling like no one out there really knows what you're going through.

Often times I experienced the slippery slope of emotional ups and downs. I felt as though I was on an island all by myself. I longed to surround myself with people who really understood what it was like, day in and day out, dealing with all that needed to be done, to accomplish the long list of tasks to care for someone.  I didn't want to go to my friends and "complain" or share something that seemed so negative. I attended a few support group meetings for caregivers and found value in associating with those who were walking in the same shoes as I was. But, that was only once a month. There were so many times I felt withdrawn, anti-social and guarded. Actually, I felt vulnerable because I was so raw with emotion. Ultimately, I came to terms with it.

Quite honestly, I haven't looked back to these days for a very long time. As I was writing this blog, a wave of emotion came over me and I found myself right back in those dark days of loneliness and despair. The tears filled my eyes so quickly; all the sorrow of those days were right there in my mind.

How critical it is that we find a way to care for ourselves while caring for a child or adult who is in need of a Caregiver daily. Being a Caregiver requires so much stamina, fortitude, endurance, emotional discipline, strength and self-care. I can not stress enough how important it is that you find at least one person in your life who you can speak to about these feelings of isolation and withdrawl. Along with that, it is critical that you take care of yourself. It's well known that if a Caregiver does not take care of herself or himself - emotionally, mentally and physically - it's not uncommon to acquire a chronic illness. So, please think about what you need to do to remain healthy and strong so you can do the job that needs to be done; caring for the ones in your life who you love. Have you experienced the emotional roller coaster of caring for another? What do you do to find your peace at the end of the day? 

Best Wishes,
Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman


Copyright 2015

Bending Over Backwards for the Ones You Love

Boomerang Children

Have your children moved out only to return home again, indefinitely, or for an extended period of time? Did you have a discussion with your child prior to their moving back home or did it happen quickly?

This is a common situation in our world today. Due to the high cost of living and college loans skyrocketing, it's not a cinch to graduate from college and move out on your own or skip college and secure a high paying job to support yourself.

Two of my four children moved back home after they moved out. One stayed for a year and the other three years. While living with adult children, there must be an understanding of "house rules" in order to live together peacefully. A conversation about maintaining privacy, paying rent and what is required of them for upkeep will make a good transition and ideally should take place before the move happens. If you have a blended family and have step children, how will you feel if one of your step children moves back home? What has your experience been like?

Best Wishes,
Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: @SanGenWoman

Copyright 2015

Building Good Relationships

When my parents moved to an assisted living complex, I made good friends with the staff and got to know the aides. I wanted everyone to know who my family was so that when we needed to call on any of the staff, we had established good relationships.

It's important to understand the facilities rules and regulations.This can save a lot of time in a crunch, when you need immediate attention, whether you are dealing with a hospital staff, a nursing home, a permanent residence or some place temporarily.

When you're visiting with your loved one anywhere, other than a permanent residence, it's a good idea from the time of your arrival that you seek out the nurse in charge, introduce yourself and ask her to bring you up to date. Building solid relationships at a doctor's office, a hospital, nursing home and any other place where you loved one is residing is not only a good idea, you will know who to call on in your time of need, especially if you are the patient's advocate. If you have been going through this experience, being in charge, making critical decisions, what has your experience been like?

Best Wishes,
Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: SanGenWoman

Copyright 2015

Caregiver Burnout

If you are feeling weary, emotionally worn out, lacking sleep and peace of mind, you may be experiencing caregiver burnout. There are a variety of symptoms - you may feel withdrawn, tired all the time, lonely, a sense of isolation, depressed, antisocial, stressed out, no sense of accomplishment, hard to keep track of time and other symptoms unique to you.

It is not uncommon for a caregiver to get ill or develop a chronic illness overtime. The demands of the job are taxing. If you are experiencing life in a way that is not your norm, then it's time to see how you can lighten your load.

Are you able to recruit a sibling, friend or family member to help you? Can you bring in a professional caregiver to relieve you one or two days a week? Perhaps there is a support group you can attend where you can congregate with people who are in your shoes for emotional support. You must take care of yourself and understand your limits so you don't get sick or lose your zest for life! How do you recharge yourself to face another day caring for others?

Best Wishes,
Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman
Twitter: @SanGenWoman 

Copyright 2015