Author: nurtureyrheart

Mom, Wife, Grandma, Multi-media Artist, Word-Smith, former elder caregiver

it’s all about the magic

Find the magic in your day!

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We’ve experienced one of those very long nights — filled with conversations, visitors and the urge to answer the door. There are moments  that hold a magic that can’t be shared… there were several last night I was privy to and will hold them dear.

As dawn approaches, I feel blessed to be a part of this, despite my own personal weariness and to share her excitement at what lies beyond the “closed” door she want’s to open.

Here’s to the awesomeness today holds for us as the sun’s light begins to rise above the peaks of the mountains.  #bestday

limitless

Today is your day to go from “limits” to “limitless!”

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There are days that we don’t expect much — yesterday started out as one of those days…. just an off sort of start –  but for whatever reason, ended up on a whole other level.  Lucidity, decision making, empowerment… it was all there.  Lesson learned:  Don’t close the door to the possibilities that today could be the #bestday yet!  Yesterday certainly was and today could be too!

Just Sit….

To be your best…

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As “caregivers” we all need to remember self-care.  Even 10 minutes a day is better than none.

We often get caught up in the day to day business of caring, providing, connecting, mundane tasks and chores, and more — forgetting that we need to take care of ourselves in a most kind and loving way — the same way we care for others.

This isn’t selfish — your cup needs refilling too. Running on empty isn’t good for anyone.

Set aside 10 minutes today — take the opportunity to breathe, refill, regenerate, BE!  You’ll feel better and so will those you are caring for.

Thanks, dear family and friends for the gentle reminders — I’m grateful for your caring and love that keeps me in a good place.

Breathless…

Seek the beauty that is almost always right in front of us.

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Enjoy a #bestday. Hope you’re left breathless today. (image credit: Jessica Duke)

Every day offers us many opportunities and even despite the craziness of the day,  you engaged in conversation — to share what was on your mind in a beautiful way — even when many of the words you wanted to say couldn’t be found.  We talked about the changing color in the leaves and Fall and shared a few memories of days long gone.

The smiles said it all.  We were both “breathless” as we remembered with great fondness.

 

big feelings…

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It’s okay to have big feelings…..how we deal with them
makes a big difference in the outcome.

It’s been a while since we’ve experienced a major anxiety attack.  I’m very grateful.  For in those moments, it’s very apparent that the “trigger” brings some strong feelings/emotions to the surface that aren’t usually seen during our “regular” days.

Yesterday, we saw Mom struggle with some pretty strong emotions for a brief spell.  When this happens, she experiences tremors and these were strong.

We’ve been working on how to handle those moments of  overwhelm.  Before I had time to react, I saw her stop in her footsteps; she took a deep breath, slowly exhaled and repeated the process two more times.  The Parkinson-like tremors she had been experiencing were gone.  I observed the smile that spread across her face as she recognized she had made it through with amazing success!

For many, this would be an easy process.  This is a relatively new practice for her — but she’s learning it and it’s taken hold.  I’m in awe!  She’s pretty dang AWESOME!  Major anxiety attack averted.

Make today your #bestday

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…while not all turns along the way may bring a pleasant end to the day, for me, it’s important to reflect, give thanks and take what did go well; making the most of those moments and relish the sweetness of that part of the journey.

Every day can be a #bestday — despite the “routine-ness.”  I’m grateful for each and every moment of lucidness, of chance smiles as a memory passes by or the joy in hearing something that resonates deeply and causes a start or sparks an all too brief conversation.

Look for the good, the great and the awesomeness today!  Make today a #BestDay in your journey.

 

it is…

See with your heart and….

It’s not always the easiest of things to do, but it can be done with a bit of continued work, determination and effort.  Yesterday, was a particularly difficult day.  I had a very hard time finding something good in the moment. The negative self-talk was prominent and permeating.  I’m very grateful for good friends and colleagues who were able to provide the needed support and modeled the good stuff they were seeing and genuinely felt.  Today, I will hold the magnifier — and build on the little moments and magnify the “good, great and happy” I observe in myself and in others.  #nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness

magic

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Be a part of the magic of the day….
#Alzheimers #nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness

Some days, it’s a chance smile, a sigh, a mimicked wave or an “I love you” said as we touch or share a moment.  I’m grateful for each of them and never take a single one for granted because tomorrow, it may be forever gone.

I hope your day is filled with particles of gratitude that will ultimately fill your heart and soul by day’s end.