Regressing ... a Tempting Thought Some Days!

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I sometimes wish I wasn’t an adult!”  Isn’t it true at least sometimes?

When we think of children, we often say (wistfully) that children view the world with eyes of wonder.  Many times I have wished I could suddenly morph into a 4-year old that covers their eyes to become “unseen”.  If only hiding or withdrawing temporarily were that simple!   Don't you often wish you could believe as they do:  If I can't see you, then you can't see me?

As a caregiver, how do you insert Wonder into your life and view things as you did before you became older, more challenged, tired, and ... a grownup?

 

Gratitude is a good start.  Make it a priority to take a fresh look at your life, starting today.  Why would you wait?  As you walk through the day, consider a change in perspective.  Can you make light of any of the tasks you do? Will you allow yourself time to laugh when the dog tilts his head with what seems to be a look of total empathy?  Certain days, the dog may absolutely be your best  and only friend!  Go ahead and talk to yourself, having a unique dialogue that makes you ruefully laugh at how crazy the day really and truly is!

Days can be bleak and lonely, no question, but can you try to view other days with the eyes of a child who finds the sunshine throwing shadows through the window blinds special?  Listening to the crunch of the autumn leaves on the edge of the driveway? Savoring the taste of a s'more?  It's often the little things that make life brighter and lighter, but as adults, we may have to look harder for them.  

Purposefully.  Intentionally.  Mindfully.

It’s worth the time and if practiced daily, can become your default life-stance. The word "Wonderful" means literally, "full of wonder".  Looking for the moments of Wonder in your day can be a personal therapy and compassion toward yourself. 

Caregivers are notoriously hard on themselves, but you can gently work more often to alter your mind shift, tracking the Wonder moments in your day.  See if it doesn’t slowly but surely change the way you treat yourself.  Bonus:  It can also change those around you, as Wonder brings back the naiveté we all once had in abundance.  Try going for the enlightened, lightened regression – and may it bring you joyful, wonder-filled moments!

Linda Kreter & the
VeteranCaregiver Team

Simple Pleasures

Greetings!

If you woke up today mentally listing all the things you needed to do, to be, and to complete, you are not alone.  It seems that many if not most people are straining to shoehorn “one more thing” into an already hectic schedule.  Years ago when multi-tasking was a key phrase, it seemed that instead of achieving more, it meant each task was done less well than if a focus was given to singular tasks. Not quite the outcome you were trying to achieve!

Today can be more pleasurable if you accept small glimpses of joy or recognize the small gifts along the way.  A fresh view can make an enormous difference in your perspective, and we can all use the peace in small moments.

What are your simple pleasures?  If you’re fortunate, today can provide a simple pleasure for each of your five senses. Open your mind and consider these examples:

Sight: blooming trees, tulips, bird nests, crazy squirrels, flags whipping in the breeze, smiles given and received, someone who lets you into the merging lane first, the gorgeous view you drive by seen with different eyes, a shared grin.

Hearing: chortling song of birds and scurry through the underbrush, sound of children playing, the laugh of a loved one, a compliment given or received, the gift of music, silence, or city bustle, or crashing waves or a meandering creek.

Smell:  clean, line-dried laundry, a great meal cookie, or the waft of the scent of coffee, chocolate, bacon, hyacinths, the sea, perfume that evokes a fond memory, baby shampoo, Grandad’s pipe, or an outdoor fire pit.

Taste:  your favorite cookie, ice cream, fruit, childhood Rice Krispies treats, s’mores, tall glass of sweet tea, the tart of a lemon twist, the zing of sea salt in caramel, comfort food, burgers on the grill, popcorn, barbeque, savory and sweet.

Touch:  fresh sheets, cozy towels, your favorite T-shirt, the softness of a sweater, the swish of fringe, the coat of your pet, the walking-by-touch that shows you care, a warm hug, and the feel of your child trustingly taking your hand. 

Trust that each day will provide gifts of simple pleasure, if you take the time to notice.  Today is a gift; enjoy it!

Linda Kreter & the VeteranCaregiver Team