The Caregiver Lifestyle

  I’ve lost count of how many times my dad has asked, “Are you happy?” 🤔 My response has always been the same: “I’m not unhappy.” After five years as his caregiver, two questions seem to resurface almost daily: “Did you sleep well?” 😴 and “Are you happy?” ❤️ I can finally say yes—I’m sleeping better. But happiness? That’s still a work in progress. Recently, Dad reminded me, “Sandra, life doesn’t hand you joy—you have to find it, even when it feels impossible.” ✨ I reflect on his words often, especially during my morning meditation and devotionals. Lately, I’ve been more intentional—practicing gratitude 🙏, prioritizing self-care 💆‍♀️, and embracing the present moment. Happiness is personal and ever-evolving. It’s more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s a mindset, shaped by gratitude, purpose, and resilience. For some, happiness comes from external experiences—relationships, achievements, or adventures. For others, it’s rooted in inner peace, self-acceptance, or spiritual conn...

Caregiving for family members has taught me so many lessons, but one of the most challenging—and rewarding—has been learning how to communicate effectively with my dad and brother. As someone who connects deeply with the ideas in John Gray's Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus , I’ve come to see how the differences in communication styles between men and women play out in our everyday interactions. But let me tell you—this isn’t something I’ve mastered. It’s a constant journey of trial and error. My First Lesson in Communication Differences I remember one of the first times I really felt the "Mars and Venus" dynamic at work. I was trying to discuss a health-related concern with my dad, and what I thought was a helpful, detailed conversation quickly turned into a wall of silence. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t engaging with me. Later, I realized he needed time to process the information on his own terms, while I had been seeking immediate connection and feedback. ...

  Taking on the role of a caregiver is like stepping onto a rollercoaster you didn’t realize you’d boarded. One moment, you’re holding it together, and the next, you’re clutching the nearest metaphorical safety bar, bracing for the next twist or drop. I remember the first time I truly felt like a caregiver. It hit me during a call with my dad. He’d gotten lost on a trip to the doctor’s office—a route he’d driven for 30 years. That moment changed everything. If you’re new to caregiving, welcome to a club you didn’t sign up for but one that will change your life. The first 90 days are critical. You’re learning on the fly, managing overwhelming emotions, and trying to be everything to everyone. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out in one day. Let’s walk through some key lessons to help you navigate this new chapter. 1. Stay Organized, Even When Life Feels Chaotic Caregiving is a juggling act of appointments, medications, and ...