Caregivers Goals for a New Year (Advance December 29, 2002)

Beginning the new year with some goals can help caregivers ease the thought of the next few winter months.  Even if you are not inclined to make resolutions, these good ideas can be used at any time of the year.

As a caregiver I promise to do my best to:

C - Create time for myself.  I will take good care of myself.
A - Acknowledge that I am deserving and special.  I will seek and accept outside help.
R - Relax.  I will develop a “go with the flow attitude” so as to decrease my frustration.
E - Educate myself by finding new ways of caring for ME!  I will learn all I can about the
      disease - knowledge will help me cope.  I will educate my family and friends so that they
      will be better able to help and support me.
G - Gently and patiently make positive changes.  I will accept what I cannot change.  I will
       take one day at a time and do my very best for today.
I - Indulge in the things that make me happy.  I will reward myself.
V - Voice my needs to others.  I will acknowledge my feelings and find appropriate outlets for
       them.
E - Enjoy life to the fullest.  I will laugh every day for without laughter I cannot survive.
R - Refresh - I will get lots of rest, listen to music and eat nourishing food.

May you find hope and peace in the coming year.
 

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