Caregiver’s Toolbox

Creative Compassion:
Art Making as a Compassionate Practice

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BLOG ART

Every time I sit down to make art, I get lost. In a good way. There is something about the experience of engaging in this creative act that immediately pulls me in. All thoughts fade away, and I am instantly immersed in the feel of the paint brush in my hand, the sound of the pencil as it moves, the movement of my body as I move the supplies, and of course the visual evolution of the image taking shape on the page. This sensory experience that is so much a part of creation brings me fully and completely to the present moment.

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The Good-Enough Caregiver

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Blog - Good Enough

As you embark on this caregiving journey, one thing stands out: the roles you play as a caregiver. Just as you have different roles in your everyday life, caregiving introduces you to new ‘parts’ of your identity. With the addition of caregiving responsibilities, you learn to adapt, sometimes changing your roles or expanding the ones you already hold.

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Saying No Is Self-Care

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BLOG

As caregivers, we’re wired to give of ourselves. We often fall into the belief that we must be selfless and self-sacrificing at all times. It’s a nice idea, but the reality is that without boundaries, we can give so much that there’s nothing left of ourselves. This is why saying “no” is a form of

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Simplifying Holidays

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ART - Simplifying Holidays

Simplifying holidays to reduce stress is something I’ve been embracing as I’ve gotten older, and life has become busier and less predictable. Several years ago, when I was recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t climb ladders, we downsized our decorating. I skipped the garland wrapped around the bannisters (something you should avoid anyway when you’re hosting anyone with mobility issues), cut the menu in half (do we really need mashed potatoes AND whipped sweet potatoes?), and downsized my tree from an eight-foot behemoth (which STILL didn’t have enough room for my vast collection of ornaments) to a five-and-a-half-foot tree with all the light connections inside the center pole. I’ve also culled my ornament collection, giving some away to younger friends with growing families, and discarding anything that was worn, damaged, or just didn’t speak to me any longer.

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