This morning on Your Caregiving Journey, Holly, who blogs on Caregiving.com and on her own site about caring for her husband, Dave, joined us to talk about staying inspired in caregiving.
Holly shared her experience moving to acceptance of her life caring for her husband. That acceptance led her to feel joy and peace. She shared the difference between motivation (an external force) and inspiration (an internal experience). For Holly, her greatest motivation became her husband, living in his mid-50s with Frontotemporal dementia, which in turn created her inspiration.
Inspiration can be a coping strategy to get up in the morning and can be an important factor in the battle against burn-out. Holly also spoke about the tough moments in her day and how she uses them to fortify her inspiration. Recognizing and facing fears creates greater insight into our inspiration. For Holly, she wants to be her best in her life as her life is right now. That’s her inspiration. When she faces and overcomes a fear, she realizes that she really can be her best in her life.
After you’ve had a chance to listen to our show, what resonates for you? And, please feel free to share how you stay inspired in your caregiving role.
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Holly Whiteside
This was a deeply moving and inspiring conversation with Holly Eburne. It’s rare to hear on-air two people going so deeply, and then showing listeners the way out, the opportunities for learning and inspiration. You can hear people talking About hard times and solutions as information, but this conversation was the real thing. I especially loved the distinction between motivation and inspiration. The quality of your listening, Denise, is a beautiful thing. You created a real connection with Holly E. and with me, your listener. Thanks.
Your new fan,
Holly Whiteside
Sharon
I loved this show. Staying inspired, believing in what one is doing, knowing their is a greater purpose for both the caree, and the caregiver, acceptance and thankfulness, not giving into fear and discouragment-these are key elements.
How far I still have to go, but also how far I have come and how much I have learned.
Holly Eburne
Thanks for your comments Holly and Sharon! I hardly remember the content because when I talk with Denise I am ‘in the moment’. She is a great interviewer that makes it easy for the guest.
Warmly,
Holly