New Year - New You?
Last year, as we turned the corner on a new year, I wrote about my complicated relationship with New Year resolutions – mostly because of my relationship with expectations. It turns out a lot of people feel the same way I do!
You see … I’m doing the best I can … each and every day. Some days are harder than others (remember – I’m a work in progress).
Change is hard. And messy. And complicated. AND oh-so-personal. Yet, when you really work hard and create change INSIDE you, things definitely change AROUND you.
We’re seeing it through all of our programs. Our curriculum is making an impact. Our participants have been vulnerable and have had the courage to show up week after week. They’re doing the hard work we’re asking of them – to make small changes, sometimes just in their thinking – each and every week. As they report back to us the following week, their progress is remarkable. Not only are they changing themselves, but their relationships with their loved ones with a brain difference and the rest of their families are also changing.
Change has to start with US – with me. While HARD, it’s definitely worth a try. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“Believing in yourself is essential to creating lasting change.” – Tara Stiles
Maybe THIS is why we give up on our resolutions. We don't deem ourselves WORTHY of the change we see in or for ourselves.
I believe in YOU – yet, I can't do the work FOR you. There's a reason we're named Courage TO Caregivers, after all … we're in the EMPOWERMENT business. YOU are the only one who can create lasting change for YOU – you have to do the hard work. It wouldn’t last otherwise! I think you already knew all this … yet, sometimes all it takes is a little reminder to ACCEPT it – own it – and just do it.
WHY? Because I matter … and so do YOU. Do you have something you'd like to change about your caregiving? We're here to support YOU – and each other. We’re all a work in progress.
Last week, I focused on being a “work in progress” when it came to self-care – Holiday self-care in particular. One of our avid readers shared one of the AA mantras – “progress not perfection”. That’s IT … you need to do the best you can … each and every day … and strive for PROGRESS.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO TRY IN 2020?
Last year, I also focused on one word for the new year – COURAGE. As I found myself in an active caregiving role again in 2019, this time in a life-threatening traumatic situation, my courage (and strength - faith – persistence) was tested in every way possible.
Looking ahead to 2020, I’m focusing on an intention. My intention for the long winding hike set before me in 2020 is to keep my head up and focused on the scenery each day offers.
Finally, as our New Year gift to you, here are some self-care mantras from our team:
Placing my needs first is just as important as placing my loved one’s needs first – Barb
Allowing support from others makes me stronger. – Sarah
I am worthy of good things. – Kathleen
People are doing the best they can with what they have, and so am I. – Jenny
I don’t have to figure out everything. I just need to do the right next step. – Heather
I am always moving forward (and not getting stuck by the past). – Alexis
Whether you made New Year's resolutions … opted for a mantra … picked a word ... set some goals ... or created an intention … the first step is absolutely COURAGE to let go. Let go of expectations … let go of bad habits … let go of negativity.
Remember, you've got this. AND you are never alone.