gratitude

Bono, Nurtured Heart Approach, Howard Glasser, happiness, gratitude, quotes

you are seen…

You are being seen by many you are not aware of….
continue to shine in your greatness!

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I know.  There are days when we feel so alone…. but please, know that you are not.  You are seen.  You are appreciated.  You are loved.  Our extended families and friends may not be able to voice that in this very moment.  Sometimes, being recognized is enough to fill our cups….

Yet, as caregivers we sometimes may find ourselves in a situation of feeling that we are depleted.  We give our heart and soul for those we are caring for, but who cares for us if we don’t care for ourselves?

Be sure to build in some self-care time daily, weekly, monthly.  As a caregiver, you deserve it.  It’s difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible.  Create a space where you can find refuge from the worries and cares of the day.  Build time into the routine of the day and take a few minutes to pause, reflect and renew.  If you don’t have a hobby, maybe now is the time to find one.  OR…. Pick up a magazine, read a book, pack a bag for an overnight trip and go…  enjoy a night out, take in a dinner or a movie.  Take a walk, swing in a swing, pack a picnic lunch or just go sit on the porch and breathe in some fresh air.

We’re very grateful for those sometimes all too brief moments, but relish the opportunities that do present themselves even if for what seems like a mere nano-second of time.  And when those moments come to an end, we are more prepared for those next hours or days of caring and giving our all for the benefit of someone else who needs us more and knows unequivocally that she brings joy to our hearts every day.

 

with an open heart

As we express and share our gratitude with ourselves or others,
we become more aware of it…
#nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness #Greatitudes

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As we gathered around last evening at our monthly family dinner and shared some thoughts with each other, it was a wonderful moment to relish in the joy we all felt surrounded by our love for each other.  Those “moments” created what will always be a cherished memory for this year.  Hearts a little more tender since our last meeting, knowing time with family is so precious and should be cherished.  We are grateful that they give up their time — and join us for this monthly dinner.  Our hearts are filled when we see them and can spend time with them.

Mom didn’t join us… it was another day of  “I’m too tired” and she couldn’t get herself out of bed, let alone eat a delicious meal catered by the kids.

I’m sad she didn’t have the opportunity to share a meal or cuddle with the baby — I am grateful, however, she was with us in spirit and each of our children were grateful to know she was just in the other room and each bid her a beautiful farewell as they left for their homes across the valley at the end of the evening.

As I look at the monitor, she is awake, her light is on and I’m sure she’ll be making her way out here in a little bit wearing her beautiful smile, have a twinkle in her eye  — anxious to get a start on a day —

Enjoy your day — and week.  Surround yourself with those you care most deeply about and cherish the moment.

with heartfelt

Gratitude
It changes lives…

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We can let the little annoyances become big ones or choose to be grateful we have the opportunity to live through them and find some micro package of joy in those moments.  And there are some days when it’s more difficult than others to unwrap the gifts that are before us.

Take a few minutes to breathe in and out and look with fresh eyes at the gifts and blessings that are ours to treasure right now and be grateful.  As tomorrow, they may be gone.    Make today another #bestday

BYOS

There will be days when you need to Bring Your Own Sunshine.. have it at the ready! #nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness #Greatitudes (image credit: unknown)

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Some days are certainly easier than others, but most always have streams and beams of brilliant light to bring out the best and most precious moments of the day.  We’ve come to cherish them.

We got a VERY early start on the day since Mom wasn’t able to sleep overnight.  So she’s spent most of the last six hours sitting in her chair, lost in thought.  Not wanting to converse, nor expecting conversation.  Not wanting any other distractions (i.e. TV, music, radio or audio book).  Just quiet — and as I look over at her now, she’s got an amazing smile on her face as I’m sure there’s a fleeting memory being recalled.

Grateful for these moments.  The quiet, the smiles, the sunshine she brings into our home each and every day.

This is the perfect way to start the day.  Hoping you’ll find a few rays of sunshine today.

the path

See yourself in the light of greatness… it is a great gift.

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I’m really very grateful for this journey and sharing in the experiences we’re having with Mom and our extended family.  Rarely an hour goes by that we don’t have the opportunity to share a little more joy, laughter, love and more on this journey.  I’m forever thankful for family being open to change, to share the responsibility and to shine the love that Mom has in ever broadening ways.

There are ups and downs, the good days and bad… but never any regrets.

If you are on the pathway of care-giving.  I hope your light continues to shine and your pathway is cluttered with many amazing moments that will forever be remembered among the #bestdays of your life.

be the light…

Light the way for others

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This pathway isn’t always clear… there aren’t always instructions for any given moment.  Sometimes, you just have to “feel your way” with your heart to light the spark for others to find theirs.  I see it daily in her smiles, small accomplishments that often are huge in her eyes.  Laughter, joy, recovering a lost memory if only for a few brief moments and the delight that brings.

I hope that as we continue our journey, these short thoughts might bring some “light” into the heart of someone else now beginning their journey or currently struggling with some aspect of living and caring for a loved one.

 

with deepest gratitude

Feel with your heart, express with kind words, and give with your all.
#gratitude

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As we take these steps in tandem, we’re finding that it is so much easier to see, feel and live with gratitude each and every day.  Service is a pleasure and I’m truly grateful for each #bestday we have the pleasure to take together.  The tears, the laughter, the joy and the extreme sadness as another soul leaves this life for another.  I see her heart break a little more when she hears the name of an old friend or acquaintance passing on.  I also see her give breath and life to the knowledge that she’s not alone and grateful to be surrounded by those who love her dearly.