Winter Blues
I live in Ottawa. That’s my choice…..and it snows in Ottawa. I guess I’m feeling the heaviness of all that has transpired in 2020 as the year comes to an end.
Birthday & Reality Check
How do we think about the future without getting overwhelmed? Are we able to focus on only those things that we can control? Even when there’s so much uncertainty?
Overcoming Isolation with Community
There’s no reason for me to suffer in silence. I know that I’m not alone in the world of Moms who have a non-verbal daughter with autism and a rare disease. That’s why we need to embrace the resources that exist to support us, guide us and help us.
Small Changes, Big Impact
The weather is fickle. It’s not something that I can control – at any level – yet I feel like it’s a double whammy - we are in lockdown AND are mid-way through autumn - and therefore it’s impacting me much more than usual.
The Control Audit
One tool that I use is called the Control Audit. It entails me asking myself two simple questions – What can I control? And What can’t I control?
Setting Intentions
As a caregiver, we’re in a unique situation because the person for whom we are caring may have unflattering behaviour - but that is not to what or whom I am referring.
What Does Self-care Coaching Look Like?
The support I offer starts with two key pieces and then evolves based on the needs of the person with whom I’m working as we’re all unique individuals with different perspectives and experiences. I meet people where they are and create a safe space to explore why they haven’t taken the necessary steps to support their wellbeing.
Change of season, change of self-care routine?
Furthermore, have you every considered self-care through the lens of the five senses - touch, smell, sight, sound and taste?
Stories That We Tell Ourselves
Thankfully, there is good news. We can slowly move the marker from mostly negative thoughts to fewer negative thoughts.
What Does Community Mean?
As we all know, caregiving doesn’t discriminate against age, race, religion or sexual orientation. Therefore, there are lots of opinions, ideas, experiences and perspectives that come to the caregiver table.
Managing Emotions & the Role of Forgiveness
When I’m wearing my caregiver cape, I somehow convince myself that I need to be perfect (which is impossible, by the way….) and part of that includes believing that I shouldn’t have any negative emotions related to caring for my daughter.
Anger and Caregiving
I am always looking for solutions, so I have started to safely release my anger. By doing this, it’s like I’ve given myself permission to be angry - which is so liberating.