Daily Living Blog

Limitless Living On A Personal Level

As the Holiday seasons began, I had a sense of being slightly overburdened. Was it being the mother of 3 young children? Was my feeling related solely to the fact that I am a homeschool mom who also does freelance work pretty much full time? Maybe it was the added stress of the big project my husband is working on that required more of his time and less time to help us at home? Then there was the concern for my mother-in-law and her needs. While far away she’d been in need of more time to listen as she works through this first Christmas alone and disabled – and we were busily trying to get our “life” done so we could take time off to visit her during the Christmas break. Maybe it was the additional time it took to help loved ones who lives nearby but couldn’t manage some of their usual Holiday activities on their own? Perhaps, it was all of these things plus the general stress of the holidays – stress that we put on ourselves by committing to too many things and making things important that just aren’t.

Whatever caused the burn-out…it came. Last night, just 2 days before Christmas, I realized I’d failed miserably to get it all done. I sat analyzing the lack of sleep, irritability, messy house and a physically unfit body and mental attitude. It took a bit to get my perspective straight.

Then I realized that with over 37.3 million people over the age of 65 – there are a lot of people that are walking exactly what I have walked the last month. There are certified caregivers. And I am sure there are a lot of sandwich generation individuals caring for their young children and assisting their aging parents.

My recent experiences have caused me to look at what priorities are most important. I have the flexibility to say no to a lot of what I do. Some do not – as they are the only one available to care for an aging loved one. I am blessed that my mother is able to be very active still. Those I assist are for the most part able to take care of their basic necessities. And my mother-in-law is blessed with family that loves her and many live near her to take care of the daily needs, while we provide the ear to listen and the visits as much as we are able.

The question I asked myself yesterday was, “do I have my priorities right, so when things change and more of our time and resources are required , we will be ready?” I think this was a valid question for us now. I remember watching this play out in our home when I was in college – my 95 year old grandmother was no longer able to live on her own – my parents had to rearrange everything to care for her.

So, this morning I did what I always do. First I began to analyze my current walk and life. Second, I made a list and began researching how to incorporate changes into our life. Thus, here are some things I need to make priorities.
• Get physically fit and daily exercise: This serves many purposes including aiding us in not being physically exhausted by change in routines, activities and helps decrease stress. Additionally, it will serve as a model to both my children and my aging loved ones. If I’m making it a priority – maybe they will too.
• Stop over-committing! Prioritize what is vital in our daily life. Allow room for spur of the moment needs (like taking someone to the doctor).
• Communicate more with the rest of the family. Keeping each other updated and addressing care issues as they arise. With open lines of communication we can better assess who can do what if the need arises.
• Promote healthy living for every member of our family – from the youngest to the oldest.
• Stop & Smell the ROSES. What a blessing to spend time with my loved ones. They are here and such an important part of our lives. NEVER should they become an obligation or burden.

I guess that one could say that these are resolutions but not just for the New Year but from this day forward. Limitless Living is not just about those who are older or disabled – but all of us!!! So here is to a brand new season of Living Life Unlimited!