I am a wife, daughter, and caregiver who is a writer, speaker, and coach.
That’s already a mouthful but let’s think for a moment about all of the things that you may do as a caretaker. I always joke that I am a lawyer, a doctor, a nurse, financial adviser, advocate, secretary, representative, manager, liaison, chef, nutritionist, general contractor, household engineer, researcher, and coordinator. Actually I could go on and on. Really I could!! Looking at this list and doing all of these things can be exhausting! Can one really do all of these things and hold all of this roles? Amazingly enough, the answer is an astounding yes! But take note, a caregiver is not limited to caring for the elderly – a caregiver is anyone who is helping someone they care about – which could be a spouse, child, other family members or even a friend.
As a caregiver, I found myself stressed, overworked and tired. I talked to plenty of others and found that many of us wear so many hats and are caught up with so many responsibilities. This often means that we put ourselves on the back burner. Each day we scurry around to work, take care of our family, eat, sleep and manage everything else in between. You often wonder if you can make it through the day to get it all done. And that’s just it, you can’t do it all and you must accept that fact!
I’m simply an only child who works in the financial services industry who was seemingly thrust into the role of a primary caregiver for both parents who had considerable chronic ailments. Doctor’s visits and runs to the local emergency room compounded with the daily stresses of everyday life began to take its toll on me. I began to seek ways to maintain myself and get by. It was then that I realized that I need to seek a life that is balanced – one that is nourished by joy, peace and love.
Are you an only child or maybe just feel like one? Are you caring for your parents? Then this site is for You! On Be Well Be Swell you’ll find the chronicles of lessons learned on my journey along the way on the road to balance. I invite you to join me on this voyage.
Please know that challenges will come. Change is inevitable and maintaining a good attitude is necessary whenever possible. I hope that by sharing I can inspire you to live in balance, on purpose and to seek joy.
Be Well,
Denise
To learn more start here:
Be Well Be Swell: Thoughts Behind the Title and the Tagline
Check out my interview with Empowerment Specialist Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant :