Taking Care of YouStaying Sane for the Long Haul!

It’s a Marathon not a Sprint

González-Angel Family

“It is enough for me to be sure that you and I exist at this moment.”- Gabriel García Marquéz, One Hundred Years of Solitude

My Favorite Event-PAWS walk for animals

"Laugh as much as possible, always laugh. It's the sweetest thing one can do for oneself & one's fellow human beings." - Maya Angelou

Feeling Powerless is the Number One Contributor to Burnout and Depression

• Build skills to be better prepared for advocating for your child

• Invent your world. Surround yourself with people, color, sounds, and work that nourishes you.

“Taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first, it means me too.”― L.R. Knost

SELF-CARE = CUIDARSE

DISCOVER

It is nurturing SELF AND OTHERS

Within

It looks different

It is experiential

It is a privilege

MYTHS

Foreign

Outside

Time related

Expensive

Unapproachable

S E L F - C A R E = B U I L D I N G T R U S T

Believing there is a world of possibilities

Strengthening a Family

Crafting a support network

Walking with others

Celebrate the moment

Self-compassion

Sharing

BUILD COMMUNITY

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships!

Dreams- for your family member

Son or daughter’s dreams• Often falls to primary caregiver.

• How do you support their dreams?

• Takes time and effort!

• It’s a marathon not a sprint.

• Ok to take a break.

• Celebrate victories

• How do you help make community connections?

Different ages & stages

Infants Children Adults

Dreams- for yourself

Questions to ponder ………• How do you get help?

• How do you find your sense of self when you are a caregiver?

• What do you do to stay healthy?

• What are barriers to self-care?

Your own dreams• Important to find support- friends,

groups, activities, neighbors, school, on-line …..

• What type of things do you like to do? (think back to before children)

• Staying healthy will help with energy and balance. Exercising, eating well, check ups for yourself, and humor.

• Not a luxury, but a necessity.

“Guilt: The gift that keeps on giving.” Erma Bombeck

Saying Yes

• What activities give you energy and fulfillment?

• How many volunteer events are enough?

• What do you do with guilt?

Saying No

• Ok to say no if you no longer enjoy participating.

• Balance can help with stress and longevity of caregiving.

• It’s ok to say no.

• Turn off phone, computers, etc. take a break!

Connecting to Community-to Build Dreams

Benefits• Helps to avoid burn-out.

• Informal and formal support.

• Learn new things and have fun.

• Expand your own skills may take you in a new direction.

• Helps enrich your own dreams.

Benefits• Not just about hobbies &

yoga.

• Think of where you find gratitude and meaning?

• Enjoying the moments-humor.

• Trust your son/daughter is ok without you all the time.

What Can You Do For Yourself?

Where do you Find Meaning?

What Do You Want to Tell Your Future Self?

Cathy Murahashicmurahashi@arcofkingcounty.org

Betsy McAlisterDbmcharger@frontier.com

Brenne ScharioBrennes@bridgemin.org

Catalina Angelarq_cataangel@hotmail.com