Transcript:

As a caregiver, holidays and special occasions – especially in larger families – can be tricky in so many ways.

Not everyone in the family is likely processing the decline of their loved one in the same way or at the same speed.

Not everyone is ready or willing to experience the grief of saying goodbye to beloved rituals and special ways the family celebrated things together.

So there might be some folks in your family who really want to keep everything the way it’s always been.

But if you are a primary caregiver, your life – and the life of the loved one you are caring for – may have changed so radically that it’s no longer feasible for you to participate in family get-togethers in the way some people want you to.

If that’s the case, you have a choice to make.

You can choose to compromise your own health and wellbeing trying to manage other people’s emotions, trying to keep the peace and not rock the boat, trying to keep everyone happy and satisfied.

Or you can choose to get some support to set healthy boundaries and learn how to process the feelings that come up when certain people let you know that you’ve disappointed them or ruined the fun.

Both of those choices require extra energy, I’m not gonna lie. But only one of those choices offers you an opportunity for the kind of personal growth that will help you stay connected to your self and your goals while you give care.

Thank you for spending this time with me – and thank you for being one of the ones who care.

P.S.
Details about my group coaching program for caregivers are here.