It’s March, and that means longer days, warmer temperatures, and the promise of spring! Wherever you live, this time of year tantalizes us with winter’s imminent demise. When temps hit the 60’s and 70’s I want to throw open the windows and embrace the warm breezes!
During this time of year, all of nature seems to shake off the cold and dark and burst forth with new light and life. Flowers bloom, baby animals appear, and bright colors everywhere seem to greet the sun’s warm rays. Spring is a season of life celebration, and there is so much to celebrate!
For a family caregiver, especially one whose road is challenging, this is a great time for you to embrace revival and experience personal renewal as well. There’s nothing like taking a few minutes to sit in a warm sunny spot with a good book and a cup of tea to renew your energy and sense of purpose. Of course, there are plenty of tasks that need to be done when readying a home for warmer weather. While you put away cold weather clothing and winter coats, talk about the places you went and the good times you shared together. Ask your mom which outfit she likes best while you look for spots, spills or repairs to be made before placing items in winter storage. Sort through gloves, scarves, and hats together while you get your dad to talk about his favorite memories of the cold days in his past. And as you pack away the winter months, don’t forget to introduce spring! Freshen up sweaters and light jackets, watch for early spring flowers, or plant seeds in a window box and try to guess when the first sprouts will appear. As you freshen up memories of laughter and tender moments shared together through the long winter months, you may find your passion for being a family caregiver rekindled.
If your journey is long and arduous, pray for strength and joyful peace as you walk this caregiving road. Doing some of the activities above by yourself or with a friend or family member can also be restorative and energizing. If you can do nothing else, try sitting in the sun while your loved one naps, and bring in some spring flowers to put around the house. Watch birds build their nests in that tree in the yard and open a window on warmer days to bring in the sounds and smells of emerging spring.
If you are one of those people who is compelled to clean house in the spring, here’s a link from Caregiver Stress that will offer great suggestions for that as well.
Chris and I hope you’ll join us this week here at Heart of the Caregiver and share your heart about how you dust off and bring the shine back to your caregiving experience in the days ahead.
Heart of the Caregiver 