Who Takes Care of The Caregiver?

Self- care is so much more than eating right and working out. Emotional care absolutely falls into this category. It is a form of wellness that is often forgotten or pushed aside.

Self-care is so important.

So, who takes care of the caregiver? Tough question right? For any of you who may currently be a caregiver or have been a caregiver in the past, God has a plan for you.

Out of the billions of people in this world, YOU were selected to help and care for someone. How special is this?! When it is put into your heart to care for someone or you are faced with this job, look at it as a blessing and an opportunity to learn.

Caregiving is not always easy, especially when you are caring for someone you love.

Watching someone you love struggle can be a difficult experience. Many days you may be putting on a brave face when all you want to do is cry.

I’m here to tell you… that is perfectly okay.

It is okay to show emotion when you are caring for someone. Acting and pretending like everything is fine- when it is not- leads to YOUR personal struggle. And who will take care of you? This is when you need to put your pride aside and ask for help.

To take care of another, one must take care of themself.

Some days, you will find yourself drained emotionally, physically and socially. I’m with you. I was you at one point and I’m here to say that with much time that has passed, I realized how important this job was. Through the hardest times of my life, I became the person I have always wanted to be.

My heart became softer, basically mush.

I learned the physical actions that take place in order to be a truly compassionate person.

I learned to ask for help..yes, me who thinks I can do it all on my own, ALWAYS! (This was a major point of growth for me).

Most importantly, I learned what it truly means to love someone with your whole heart. It’s one thing to say it, but to feel it through caring for someone is an indescribable feeling.

The days I felt the hardship of caregiving were the days I had absolutely nothing to give of myself. This brought about much struggle and confusion.

I’d literally talk to God and say, “I don’t understand why you chose me for this job. I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. I’m a kid. I’m not strong enough for this. I’m failing.”

If you are in this boat, I’m telling you that you are NOT ALONE. Many days you may feel alone and your job is coming with more responsibility than you can handle.

Onto the part where I help I want to help YOU. What do you when you check off all of the boxes above?

1. REFLECT. What are the areas in your life where you are struggling? What are some changes you can make to fix this? Is it devoting a little time out of the week to yourself? Finding a hobby to channel your energy into? What will make you feel 100%?

2. PHONE A FRIEND. Find someone you trust, can confide in and talk to. Someone who will be there to LISTEN. My people were my answered prayer, they know who they are and I thank God for them daily.

3. CALL ON JESUS. The best person to cast your fears and worries to is always available to listen 365- 24/7.