Golden Rule of Caregiving

Golden Rule of Caregiving for Everyday Life (Article)

Golden Rule of Caregiving 5 things You Do For YourselfThe Golden Rule of Caregiving is to take care of yourself FIRST so you can take care of your loved one. It sounds selfish, but it is true. This morning I was reading Jack Canfield’s Key to Living the Law of Attraction and came across something that hit me as a principle to live by whether you are a caregiver or not. In the chapter on Emotions it stated, “It is absolutely essential that you find the time to do the things that you love to do and take care of yourself in this way – no matter how busy your life already is.”

Isn’t that what we teach each other as caregivers? Yet it is something we need to apply in all aspects of life. It reminded just how frantic life gets and how people get so caught up in what they are doing they are not taking care of themselves. By not taking care of themselves they are developing all sorts of stress related illnesses. People are too stressed out today. It is plain to see. Here in America the philosophy is Live to Work. Stress-related illnesses are on the rise. In 2012 over $344 BILLION was spent on stress-related healthcare! The article that reported this horrendous cost said that most of the expenses could have been avoided if people just took a vacation. Well being in the travel industry that is just music to my ears!

But seriously, when you think about it people are working insane hours. It doesn’t matter if you work a job or are a business owner we all work insane hours. I have worked corporate jobs and I’m a business owner. I know from first hand experience how easy it is to get caught up in the “I’ll just do this one thing and call it a day” and that one thing turns into 2-3 other things and before you know it you have worked extra hours and missed out on some personal fun time and quality time with loved ones.

Why not take a step back and learn from other cultures where their philosophy is Work to Live. In other words work is just a vehicle to help you live your life and do the things you love and be with the people you love.

For your emotional and physical wellbeing you need to take time out for you and do something you. Yes it sounds selfish but it will help you be more productive, creative, and attentive at your job or business. If you are a caregiver it means that you will then be in the right frame of mind and health to care for your loved one.

Some of the biggest regrets that people have when they get towards the end of their time here on earth is that they didn’t get to spend more time with the people they love and they didn’t take the risk to follow their dreams.

So pull out your planner, calendar, or whatever scheduling program you use and schedule in some time to get out there and have fun, take care of yourself, and spend time with your loved ones.

What are some of things that you love to do for fun? Let us know in the comments below.

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sparkly day | sparkles | super fantastic and sparkling | Helen Brahms | Caregiver | Cancer

Today is Super Fantastic and Sparkling (Article)

Leave a Little Sparkle | Helen Brahms | Super Fantastic and SparlkingToday is super fantastic and sparking is a philosophy I live by each day. Since Brad was originally diagnosed with Rectal Cancer on January 19, 2008 I made a conscious decision to pull him through this battle any way I could. As we moved along in our journey my super fantastic sparkling personality started to emerge to the full bloom that you will see today. It is constantly growing and changing and bringing joy to many. I consciously make the decision each morning that today is super fantastic and sparkling.

I LOVE when someone asks me how I am and I respond with “I’m super fantastic and sparkling, thank you! How are you?” For those who have never met me before this throws many of them for a loop. They are expecting to hear the traditional “fine”, “good”, etc. It wakes them up and makes them take notice. I love watching people’s reactions to this statement. Maybe one day I will walk around with a video camera to capture people’s expressions when they hear that phrase. Then I get those who have met me before and ask me just to hear the response as it helps to brighten their day.

I had an interesting encounter in the supermarket the other day. The lady working the checkout was new and was very efficient at what she was doing. She had her head done and she was a scanning machine. On autopilot, as most of them are, she asks how I am. 🙂 She gets my standard response of “I’m super fantastic and sparkling, thank you! How are you?” That got not one but TWO reactions. Her head pops up and she breaks her rhythm AND the lady working the checkout behind me turns around and tells me that she hasn’t seen in awhile! 🙂 Love it when that happens!!

Don’t get caught in the trap of giving a pat answer to the age old question “How are you?” Find something that is you, positive, and different that will invoke a positive reaction from someone when you don’t give the standard response. Make sure it is something that will bring some light into their day and make them smile. You never know when what you say helps someone who needs some sparkle in their day.

What is your favourite way to respond to others when they ask you “How are you?”  Please leave your answers below and then go out and add some sparkle to someone’s day.

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