It’s amazing what kinds of emotional lessons we can take from everyday things. When I think of “Groundhog Day”, the first thought is the Drew Barrymore movie “50 First Dates”. Her character thinks she is living the same day over and over again because of an affliction where she can’t remember the previous day. Adam Sandler’s character tried something different every day to get her to remember that he loved her. But for most of the movie, he appeared to be making no progress.
Yesterday in Punxsutawney, PA, the groundhog saw his shadow – this supposedly means 6 more weeks of winter for us. Today is cold but sunny as I’m writing this, so I don’t know whether Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) is accurate in his prediction or not – but we will be cranking up the lawnmower soon enough, so I’m pulling for Phil!
I think sometimes we suffer from Groundhog Day syndrome. We do the same things over and over each day – sometimes when we are clearly making no progress. We may fall into this trap simply because we don’t know any other course of action to take. As a result, we may encounter a fair amount of frustration.
Growing from Emotional Lessons
We often hear comments such as “caring for my parents should be rewarding – not frustrating”! Unfortunately many adult children who are doing this alone suffer tremendous amounts of frustration. They have never walked this path before and don’t know the correct steps to take. There are a few emotional lessons to be learned!
These adult children are trying really hard. They don’t want to see their Mom suffer or have a lesser quality of life. At the same time they’re trying to hold the pieces of your own life together. Yet try as hard as they may, their job performance (on their 40 hour/week “real job”) is lagging; they’re spending way less time with their family; and they wonder whether they are even doing the right thing for their parents.
So how are they feeling? Here’s some things we’ve heard in three different categories:
What is the problem?
- Worrying and wondering if you’ve done the right thing
- Caregiver Burnout
- Lack of Direction and Support
How is that problem making you feel?
- Constantly stressed, frustrated, confused, failing
- Overwhelmed, resentful, lost, exhausted
- Feeling Alone, scared, sad, helpless, powerless
Why is that just plain wrong?
- Because you owe it to yourself to come up with the best plan possible and stop worrying all the time
- You’re doing the best you can and should be proud of your effort
You’re doing the best you can and should be proud of your effort!
Welcome Home!
If you are an adult child who is working to provide care for your declining parent you are right at home. You are not on this journey by yourself – and you shouldn’t be! As a recipient of our newsletter, you will be part of our Help Me Help Momma Family! We send out caregiver tips, and share our own personal emotional lessons. It’s great to be in a group of other like-minded caregivers who are all working to make a difference for their declining parents and for themselves. Click the button below to SIGN UP TODAY!
Stability for “Me”
If you’re enrolled in the “Stability Without Stress” course, thank you! We’re coming up on our last module. (But the support will not end. We’ll still be here to help!) As a teaser for those who missed registration, this module we will discuss “Stability for Me” as it relates to YOU – the adult child who is managing or providing care for your declining parent.
As an added bonus, we will interview who is a wellness trainer from the Big Island of Hawaii. Lani has appeared as a guest on many podcasts, TV media events and has lectured at various colleges. It is our honor to welcome Lani to the Help Me Help Momma family and we are excited for the information that she will be sharing.
What? You have not signed up for Stability Without Stress? Click the link to join the notification list and be the first to be notified when we roll it out again. Best wishes to you as you work to provide great care for the declining Senior in your life!
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