Caregiving has brought so many changes in your life that you may find yourself holding onto parts of your old life–old relationships, old habits, old expectations. At one time, it probably was comforting to hold onto to these parts of your old life. But, at some point, what you hold on to that’s old becomes chains that keep you from moving forward into healthier relationships, habits and expectations.

This week, consider: What are you hanging on to? How healthy is this? And, what will you gain (time, self-respect, opportunities) by letting go?

Letting go can be hard. It also can be cathartic.

Let go.

Your journal is yours; it reflects your darkest fears, your deepest feelings, your delicious diversions. Even better, your journal always keeps a secret.

This week, just write; write how you feel (the truth!), how you manage, how you worry, how you wish for “better” (for you, for your care recipient). Commit to writing five minutes every day this week. And, then just pick up the pen and have at it.

(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is tip No. 19.)

It’s hard not to see everything with a negative perspective because so many negative things have happened. Surrounded by so much negativity, it can seem that you’re just doing everything wrong.

You’re not.

You’re doing your best, which means you’re doing everything right.

This week, to keep your perspective, ask yourself the tough questions, the “What if” questions, the “What’s the worst that can happen” questions. Then, create solutions for those questions. You’ll often discover that you have the answers and the ability to manage whatever comes your way.

Knowing that will help you keep a healthy perspective.

(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is tip No. 18.)

In a caregiving situation, it’s hard not to think about all that you’ve lost, particularly because the losses are so much in your face (you’ve “lost” time, relationships, money and your care recipient seems to have lost everything).

This week, give some thought to what you’ve gained. How have you changed for the better because of your caregiving role? What insights and wisdom have you gained? What are your unexpected blessings?

Once you’ve determine what you’ve gained, take the next step: How will you build upon your new foundation?

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(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is tip No. 17.)

A friend walks in when the whole world walks out. ~  Walter Winchell

In times of need, there’s nothing like a good, supportive friend to help you through the struggles. But, the difficult times are often the times you discover the friends you thought you could count on, aren’t.

This week, consider the qualities of the friends you want: Compassion, loyal, honest, empathetic, non-judgmental. Listing these qualities you treasure in a good friend helps you attract that very kind of friend.

Then, give thought to the kind of friend you are. It’s just as important to be the kind of friend you hope to have.

Writing in your journal about the friends you want (and the friend you want to be) will help bring that very friend to you. When that friend arrives, give thanks. And, know that attracting a caring and good friend means that you are a caring and good friend yourself.

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The wisdom gained from caregiving is wisdom that can be applied to all aspects of your life.

Consider the Wisdom of Caregiving:

1. That your gut is always right.
2. That life is short, so you must make the most of each moment.
3. That possessions and material things take you only so far in life; your heart and soul take you to your dreams.
4. That a smile and a hug are always worth a million bucks.

This week, brainstorm the wisdom you’ve gained from your caregiving role. You’ll be amazed at the power you have in your Caregiving Wisdom to live a blessed life.

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(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is tip No. 14.)

Caregiving means you concentrate on each moment—because you know each moment brings a new challenge. Having to adjust to each moment, though, can be exhausting.

This week, think beyond your moments and journal about your future. What do you envision for yourself in two years, five years, ten years? Don’t worry about how realistic your visions may be–just close your eyes, allow your dreams to take shape and then write.

Write what you want your life to be. It’s the first step toward making your dreams your reality.

Image by Lutz-R. Frank via Flickr

(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is tip No. 13.)

This week, take some time to consider the storms that you’ve weathered–the battles to find a good health care provider, to get help, to find support, to get along with your care recipient.

It’s amazing how many storms you’ve weathered. Taking time to document those storms reinforces just how strong, courageous and tenacious you are.

Last Week

This Week, Write Letters to Those You Love

(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is tip No. 12.)

This week, our exercise actually focuses outside your journal.

This week, rather than writing in your journal, write letters to those you love. In your letters, write about what you love, what you admire and what you’ve learned from those loved ones. And, share your favorite memories of your relationship.

Once your letters are written, deliver them.

Caregiving shows you that we’re never promised another day. This week, write letters to those you love so that they’ll always know how you feel about them. And, you’ll never have any regrets about holding on too long to unspoken (and unwritten) words.

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(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is our eleventh tip.)

The aches of caregiving can seem to permeate your body: Your heart aches, your head aches, you bones ache. Even worse, your heart and spirit seem to be filled with pain.

Just as you bathe your body’s aches and pains, consider how you can bathe your spirit’s aches.

This week, as you journal, consider what your bath oils are–what you have that seems to calm and comfort. Your bath oils may be your support group, your journal, your best friend, your quiet time in the evening. As you discover your bath oils, be sure to create time for you to use your bath oils on a regular basis.

With regular use, your bath oils will keep you spirit healthy.