Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Elizabeth Miller ~ Special Guest


~Introducing special guest blogger Elizabeth Miller~

~Happy Healthy Caregiver~
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10 Free ways to practice self-care this summer
Self-care can certainly be a weekend long spa retreat but chances are as a busy sandwich generation Caregiver, you don’t have the time or the money to make that happen on a regular basis.  Self-care on a regular routine basis is what we need.
Self-care is essential because it encompasses the overall short and long term health of your mind, body and spirit.  It’s a necessary function that is completely under your control.  It’s deliberate and self-initiated.  
Nowhere in this definition does it say it has be lengthy or expensive.
This summer, let’s get creative and find small and inexpensive or better yet completely FREE ways to practice self-care.

Here are a ten ways to get you started on your summer self-care quest:

  1. Go for a Walk
There’s nothing like soaking up some Vitamin D, smelling the fresh air, enjoying the colorful landscape and getting outside of your four walls to lift your mood.  Either listen to the sounds of nature or find a free playlist online.  Here’s a link to a couple happy & healthy playlists I put together.
  1. Breathe and Meditate
Don’t knock meditation until you try it and you may need to try different methods.  When my heart and mind is racing or just as preventive mental medicine, 10 minutes is all it takes to get back into a happy, healthy place.  Lately, I’ve been using an iPhone app called ‘Calm’ and the free version has plenty of guided meditations to get you started.
  1. Find a treasure on your DVR
You probably have it loaded up with some of your favorite shows that have been piling up.  I know I have many HGTV shows on mine that are my go-to for a short term commitment lounge fix.  No drama just a good before and after renovation is all I need.  Throw some fresh or frozen fruit in some ice-water and enjoy sipping on a summer calorie-free cocktail while you are learning some DIY.
  1. Start a Bible study
I have a student bible that contains many suggested self-paced bible studies.  If you’re Bible doesn’t have this, look for a bible study online or just pick a book and start reading it like Psalms or Proverbs.
  1. Enjoy a Power Nap
Sleep is so important to our vitality.  We need sleep to process and purge all the information and toxins we are collecting throughout the day and we often don’t get enough ZZZs at night so if you are feeling like you need a little boost, a power nap may be just what you need, especially if you need to hit the ground running again after you wake up.  A power nap is classified as a nap under 20 minutes with an intention to boost your energy and alertness.  Any nap longer than this and you may feel groggy when you wake up.
  1. Create a wish list by window shopping online
It’s like window shopping but you can do this one from the comfort of your own home.  The trick is not to purchase.  Many sites allow you to make a wish list so load up your wish list and you’ll have ideas to give your family when they are struggling for what to get you for the next holiday.
  1. Create a vision board
Clip out quotes you love from Pinterest or magazine clippings of places you want to go, things you want to have, or activities you want to try.  It’s a great reminder of the personal goals and dreams you have.  You can stick these clippings to a mat in an empty picture frame or make better use of a bulletin board.
  1. Escape in the world of books
Maybe you have a good book started that you can take a few minutes and read but the possibility of a new book is so much fun as well.  Head to your local library (or Barnes & Noble if you can resist the purchase) and find a new novel or audio book that peaks your interest.  Adding books to your online Goodreads ‘to read’ list is fun as well.  Goodreads makes recommendations based on other books you have read and enjoyed.
  1. Get in touch with your creative side
All you need is some pencil and some paper and you can journal or draw.  Don’t know what to write about?  There are plenty of journal prompts to get you started like ‘describe your happy place’ or ‘if you won the lottery what would you do?’  You can draw, doodle, or maybe you have wanted to try and create a zentangle.
  1. Watch some You Tube
There are lots of funny videos you can watch on You Tube or try an inspirational TED talk.  Just search for ‘TED talks happiness’ or just search for ‘funny’ and add ‘cats, dogs, babies, etc.’ We all can use more laughs!
So which of these ten self-care ideas appeal to you?  Have any other free ideas to add to the list?

Helping you become a happy healthy Caregiver

I created HappyHealthyCaregiver.com and the Happy Healthy Caregiver Community while being sandwiched between raising my two teenagers, working full-time, and being the primary Caregiver for my chronically ill and mobility-challenged mom.  My vision is for Happy Healthy Caregiver to be the place where overwhelmed Caregivers receive self-care permission, training, and support.  I administer a Facebook group for Caregivers.  The Happy Healthy Caregiver Facebook Group is designed for Caregivers by a Caregiver.  This private community understands how overwhelmed you are and is always there to answer questions, give feedback and provide support.  Most importantly this group is for Caregivers who want to live happy and healthy lives despite all the crazy!  
Elizabeth Miller
Instagram: happyhealthycaregiver
Twitter: @HHCaregiver
Site: www.happyhealthycaregiver.com
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"Tweet Tweet" by Jan Steinle

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My new book launched in April on Amazon ~  "The Artistry of Caregiving, Letters to Inspire your Caregiver Journey"  Written from my heart to yours, to help you navigate the emotional journey of caring for another. The book has a unique format. Six chapters and 33 Letters, designed to read on the go, in no particular order. I wrote this book out my experience as my Mom's primary Caregiver for several years. My journey was difficult, stressful, lonely and I felt very isolated and withdrawn. I wrote this to bring comfort to Caregivers of all ages. I wanted to let you know you are not alone, you are understood and I hope this book makes you feel connected, appreciated and affirms all that you do. Caregiving is not an easy job. It can be quite demanding and stressful. I created this book to be a companion for you and I hope you love it!


The paperback edition will be out in July, stay tuned. 

~Where Words Soothe and Ideas & Art Delight~



Best Wishes, 


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Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Pamela Atwood ~ Special Guest


~Introducing special guest blogger today Pamela Atwood~
~Gerontologist Certified Dementia Practitioner~
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Have you heard of the Daily Happiness Checklist by Dr. Timothy Sharp and the Happiness Institute? I use it every day– some days I veer off course, but usually it helps. The first affirmation is “I’ve reminded myself of my life purpose.” I’m one of the lucky folks with a well defined life purpose. I work every day to make a difference in the lives of people living with cognitive and neurological disorders. I’m blessed to be supported by family, friends and colleagues who encourage my learning and my vision: listening to people and creating systems that can meet their needs. How cool is that? I’m a gerontologist by training, and when people ask me what that is, my response is “I geek out about aging.” Why? My great-grandmother died at age 99, and she said, “Pamela, don’t ever grow old – it’s JUST-NO-FUN.”  I knew my life purpose was to make that untrue.

               One of my favorite things to do is to teach. I am a professional speaker and love going to other cities and teach using techniques that are uncommon in healthcare education (usually with a red nose and real-life stories). I speak about unusual topics (bullying in senior communities; intimacy and sexuality and aging; laughter therapy; using Improv to communicate with people with dementia). I love learning from my colleagues about their experiences too.

               My other joy is learning from my clients. As a Dementia Care Consultant, I get to spend time with families. My job is to cut their learning curve (which I do, substantially) and make them confident caregivers – but I get something out of it too. I also direct a “Forgetfulness-Friendly” choir, self-named Noteworthy Voices. I learn from my elders all the time. From Enid, I learned how to care for African Violets. From Ivan, I learned about the Hartford Whalers after-hours (he had a bar) and how to create a life after being a Jewish POW in Nazi Germany. From Jack, I’ve learned that having a fun personality gets you out of a lot of trouble, even if it annoys your kids. From Madelyn I’ve learned memories are tethered to music. From Molly, I’ve learned to take care of yourself as a Caregiver, because if you don’t, you may be paralyzed by a stroke and have to learn to function gracefully and with dignity – but it can be done. I’ve been given more than I could ever give. And I do it in the memory and honor of my family members who have lived with dementia and Parkinson’s – Lottie, Nell, Elaine, Pat, Dorothy.

               And yet, I cannot wait to be out of work. When our systems change, and stigma is a memory, and diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are cured, I’ll rest. Until then, I will continue to volunteer with the American Parkinson Disease Association (www.ctapda.org) and the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/ct) and continue to educate Caregivers and everyone who is “aging” (www.youtube.com/Pamela_Atwood) (www.AgingCareAcademy.org). And I’ll work to make it FUN!




Pamela Atwood, MA, CDP, CLL
Email: pamelaatwoodLOL@gmail.com
Instagram: pamela.atwood
Twitter: @PamAtwoodALZ
www.AgingCareAcademy.org

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"The Path"

When Jan submitted this tangle for the blog, this is what she told me, "The Path is not always clear, and often filled with serendipity." What a positive way to look at the crossroads in our life! 

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My new book launched in April on Amazon ~  "The Artistry of Caregiving, Letters to Inspire Your Caregiver Journey"  Written from my heart to yours, to help you navigate the emotional journey of caring for another. The book has a unique format. Six chapters and 33 Letters, designed to read on the go, in no particular order. I wrote this book out my experience as my Mom's primary Caregiver for several years. My journey was difficult, stressful, lonely and I felt very isolated and withdrawn. I wrote this to bring comfort to Caregivers of all ages. I wanted to let you know you are not alone, you are understood and I hope this book makes you feel connected, appreciated and affirms all that you do. Caregiving is not an easy job. It can be quite demanding and stressful. I created this book to be a companion for you and I hope you love it!

The paperback edition will be out in July, stay tuned. 

~Where Words Soothe and Ideas & Art Delight~



Best Wishes, 
Carole Brecht
bit.ly/ArtistryofCaregivingCBrecht


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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

~The Heartstrings Of Love~




I am a Caregiver
by Lin M. Watkins

I am a caregiver
it’s what I do.
24/7, I’m here for you.

And most of the time
we do just fine
But once in a while,
I need my own time.

And when I take
that necessary break
I’ve got to remember
it’s for both our sake.

I can’t take care of you
unless I take care of me.
So I work very hard
at being guilt-free.

I’ll always be here for you,
so don’t you fret.
Together we’re making
memories of us I’ll never forget.

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A Caregiver’s Treasure Book
by Cyndie Goins Hoelscher

Caregiver,
in case someone hasn’t mentioned it,
you are a treasure – radiant, precious and rare.
You care,
bestowing your gifts in a time
when the world may not seem so bright or pretty.
You are treasured
as highly as the diamonds, rubies, and sapphires
precious gems in this world.
These jewels,
rarely recognized in their natural state,
are cut, faceted and polished,
until they sparkle for the whole world to admire.
Like these stones, caregivers shine.
And when the world may not seem so pretty,
remember this gift – a treasure box
to keep in your secret place,
so you will be reminded time and time again
of how priceless you truly are.

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The two Zentangle designs in this blog were created by my sister Jan Steinle. I asked her to send me two of her favorite tangles that she made recently and why she liked them. Here are her comments:

"I love the simplicity and symmetry" in the first one and the second one: "I love the movement in this one." What I see and what she sees are rarely the same thing and with abstract art that is very common. No matter how we each see it, we both see something beautiful. 

I hope you find something to do that is creative - a craft, a hobby, coloring, painting, planting flowers or any number of creative outlets. Creating is a great buffer to life's trials and tribulations. Whatever you do, enjoy it!

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My new book launched in April on Amazon ~  "The Artistry of Caregiving, Letters to Inspire Your Caregiver Journey"  Written from my heart to yours, to help you navigate the emotional journey of caring for another. Several of my Caregiver tangles are throughout the book. The book has a unique format. Six chapters and 33 Letters, designed to read on the go, in no particular order. I wrote this book out my experience as my Mom's primary Caregiver for several years. My journey was difficult, stressful, lonely and I felt very isolated and withdrawn. I wrote this to bring comfort to Caregivers of all ages. I wanted to let you know you are not alone, you are understood and I hope this book makes you feel connected, appreciated and affirms all that you do. Caregiving is not an easy job. It can be quite demanding and stressful. I created this book to be a companion for you and I hope you love it!

~Where Words Soothe and Ideas & Art Delight~
Best Wishes, 
Carole Brecht

bit.ly/ArtistryofCaregivingCBrecht

Twitter: bit.ly/SanGenTW

Instagram: bit.ly/SanGenIG

Facebook: bit.ly/SanGenFB

Tangled Art Boutique: bit.ly/TABoutique

Copyright 2016
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