Elder Care Benefits of "Paying It Forward"
Maybe you remember the movie "White Christmas" or maybe you don't. There's a song in that movie, the message of which has always rung true for me: "When you're worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep." Chelsea O'Neil, an insightful blogger, recently touched on this very topic, encouraging people to, especially for elder care providers, pose the question, "What's not wrong," during stressful times.
What a concept indeed! For each of us in our daily lives, and especially for exhausted caregivers and adult children providing elder care. She goes on to say that simply "listing the things that are not wrong can lift the heavy burdens and fill up our depleted souls with the love and kindness that we deserve. It's a simple reminder of what is right within us and around us." When everything around you seems to be crumbling, it's probably because that's what you're focusing on.
And while it may be difficult to see the good through the bad, imagine what good (however little) taking even just a moment to pay homage to what is not wrong could do. It could make a better, more relaxed caregiver, promoting quality elder care, safety and wellbeing for patient and care provider. Just as she asks at the end of her entry, take some time out of your day to heed the following questions: Who fills you up? Who offers you hope and guidance and inspiration? Perhaps now is the time to tell them?
Is this helpful advice? What helps you get through difficult or stressful situations?