"Celebrate Change"
Caregiver Tips©
June 2005
Contents
*Self Care Focus: Celebrate Change
**Words of Encouragement
***Book Award
****Reminders
*****Messages for Caregivers
******So Good I Want To Share It
*******Internet Sites 2Good2Miss
********Thank You
********* Self Care Tip
********** Share A Tip
Self Care Focus: Celebrate Change By Jo Cavanaugh
The 1993 movie, Groundhog Day was one of my husband's favorite movies. He identified with Phil Connors, the TV weather reporter played by Bill Murry. Phil had to relive the worst day of his life over and over again in the movie. How often we, as caregivers, are stuck in the past rather than focusing on the positive changes in our life? Why focus on what is missing?
Are you celebrating the little and big changes in your life? Or are you living the same day over and over again?
We see the seasons come and go and nature renews herself in so many ways from year to year. I hope you aren't stuck in the "wish it could be like it was" of faded memories and regrets. Embrace the change in your life and be glad that you don't have to relive the same day over and over like Phil Connors. Look for renewal and the hope of wonderful changes.
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Words of Encouragement
Vacation Values
By Cheryl Johnson
The family vacation is a tradition intended to bring families closer together and one that many of us would just not think of giving up. Quality time for the family reinforces the importance of family values. It's sort of a "time out" from the day to day routine of living and growing. A chance to focus on getting to know better those that are most important to us, our family. Of course, how much importance you place on this event depends on your past experiences.
In today's fast paced society a vacation just isn't a vacation unless its costing you a small fortune to get to, and stay at, some exotic venue that usually offers no excitement without dishing out more money. I suggest we put on the brakes and get back to basics. You surely won't have a better opportunity to do so than on the family vacation.
Let's not forget that the "family" extends beyond our home life. Most of us have family that we rarely get to spend time with either because of distance or time issues. But, one should always make time for family. Right? I knew you would agree! Not trying to make you feel guilty here but, we do have a way of letting life rush us through the years. I call it "non-intentional neglect" and most of us are guilty of it at some point in our lives. So, let's re-invent the family vacation to include some real quality time that reinforces the value of our families.
Would you consider a visit to grandparents, distant uncles, or a friend's home a vacation? When I was growing up, the family vacation usually meant visiting family members who lived some distance away. Coming from a family of limited finances, this tradition was budget friendly yet, was sufficient to satisfy our need to escape the norms of home life.
Of course, as the teen age years approached, it became harder and harder for my mom to convince us that "we would have a good time" visiting the relatives. Some of which we had already spent several vacations visiting and had, I guess, lost their uniqueness to us as teenagers. That said, if any of you can figure out what makes a teenager happy, except socializing with their own peers, then congrats! Let me know your secret. All kidding aside, I believe that they still enjoy the family outings but have a strong resistance to acknowledging that they are actually having fun. In other words, they are having fun and just refuse to admit it!
I was a single parent for many years and just didn't have the money for family vacations requiring hotel stays and admission fees. I guess I followed in my mother's footsteps in hoping that a visit out of town would suffice. And it did. For many years, the family vacation consisted of a visit to a dear friend or family member's home who was willing to put up with four kids for a week. These are truly "beloved friends and family!"
I am fortunate to have a good friend for life who has two children within the same age group as my kids. Since we didn't get to visit often throughout the year, these visits were exciting for both my kids and hers who had become good friends.
So, by all means plan to visit a family member's, or friend's, home for a week. Young children especially enjoy these trips. They make new friends and the family ties are strengthened. This is an excellent way to reinforce family values and the importance of keeping in touch with family members that may live some distance from your home.
Do a little research before you go. Find out if there are any museums, historical sites, low cost attractions, or state parks within driving distance from where you'll be staying and plan to visit. Remember to ask the family member or friend you are visiting if they have any suggestions. Since they live in the area, they will most likely be aware of popular spots. Ask about bowling, roller skating, or special movie nights in the area and plan accordingly. You can even plan some game or craft activities to keep everyone busy and having fun.
For those of you who have worn out your welcome or simply don't have family within a reasonable distance, finding vacation spots that will provide a memorable experience for everyone in the family can be a challenge. Especially on a tight budget. Don't be discouraged, it is not impossible. Plan for your vacation and include it in your budget. This is the easiest way to prepare for a vacation expense and take the stress out of planning.
Since the goal here is to get the most fun for your money, let's talk about some low cost vacation ideas that could be right for your family.
Camping is a great low cost option for families that enjoy the outdoors. Don't worry, you don't have to sleep in a tent. There are lots of state parks that rent cabins for a very reasonable fee.
I can highly recommend the Finger Lakes area of New York if it's a convenient distance for you. About a five hour drive for us, it turned out to be one of our most memorable vacations.
I'll warn you, these cabins are booked full up to a year in advance. So, plan early. Tent spaces aren't as difficult to book. The park sports an amazing gorge trail with thundering waterfalls, scheduled nature learning activities, and a large play ground. The activity I think the kids enjoyed the most was the natural swimming area, with diving boards, at the bottom of a beautiful waterfall.
As an added bonus, when you are registered at a state park, you gain free entrance into all state parks. This area is loaded with beautiful parks full of gorge trails, lake views, and camping facilities. And, if you find the time, you can visit the Corning Glass Museum not far from this campground.
This is a tourist area you will definitely find yourself wanting to revisit. We did not get to see all we had wanted to see in a weeks time. You are likely to find an area of such natural beauty convenient to you as well. Just do a little research, you never know what you'll find!
If you want to beach it, be sure to check out all your options for lodging. Sometimes a large family can do better by renting a condo or home for the week rather than staying at a hotel. Remember, you can save a tremendous amount of money if you can prepare your own meals while on vacation. A good portion of a families vacation budget can be literally "eaten up"! Even a little kitchenette in a suite can save you big bucks.
If you're campers, you can almost always find a campground near popular beach areas and get maximum savings on lodging.
Don't forget your best resources, friends and family. Ask around to see if anyone has visited an area you plan to go. You may get lucky and have a "friend that has a friend" who maybe has a vacation spot they wouldn't mind renting to you for a lesser fee. Sometimes people won't rent out their vacation spots for various reasons, but don't mind doing so if the tenant is a trusted acquaintance of a friend or family member.
When travel and lodging are cost prohibitive, you can still have a vacation right at home. Yes, in your own backyard. Many of us live within reasonable distance to museums, campgrounds, historic sites, and beautiful state parks. You might be surprised at what you find in your own local area.
Do some research in your area to find free or low cost activities and sites to visit. Schedule something for each day of the week, even if it's just a park visit for a picnic. Some areas have local public beaches. Plan an outing at a local public beach. Visit historical sites. Many of these are free, educational, and fun for parents and kids.
- You can even plan activities at home just as if you were at an exotic vacation spot. Have a different theme for each day. For example:
- A beach day (sun tanning, volley ball, make some fancy icy drinks to sip on in the sun, have a picnic)
- A camp day (stay in a tent or sleeping bags under the stars, build a little fire if allowed in your area, roast marshmallows, make smores, sing campfire songs)
- Have a backyard fair (create booths with games like ring toss or balloon popping to win little prizes)
- A colonial day (dress, and live in another era!). This is great fun. I thought of this one purely by accident when the electricity went out one day. The kids expressed how "neat' it was to live like they did in the "old days." No lighting except candles and lanterns, no T.V. or radio, no video games or computer. Sounds boring, but believe it or not, they had fun coming up with ideas to keep occupied. A good teaching tool too!
Shhhhhhhh?.. don't tell the kids.
These "theme days" at home will take some imagination and a little work, but will be loads of fun for everyone. Half the fun will be in the creation, so let everyone pitch in. You may even have more fun than actually being there!
Whatever you decide to do, if you're traveling a great distance be sure to check all your travel options. With today's soaring gas prices it's not unlikely that you may be able to get there faster, and cheaper, in the air. Hey, maybe there's a conspiracy here?
If all this just doesn't fall into your category of "fun", and you just have to have that exotic resort vacation, then at least be sensible about it. There are many great deals on vacation packages and off season rentals. And oodles of travel agencies just waiting to tell you about them. This is one area where do-it-yourself isn't the most practical advice. Travel agencies are privy to a lot of travel information, especially seasonal discounts, that you and I don't have knowledge of. Do Your Research at least for goodness sake. You won't be kicking yourself later when you come across that great deal you missed out on!
Check out your local travel agencies, as well as some of the many online agencies. Don't forget, if you're an AAA member you're eligible for travel discounts. Before finalizing any plans, be sure to know your rights. What happens if you have to cancel? What is the deadline to cancel? Will you loose your deposit or is it refundable? Know your options.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't lose sight of the value of a family vacation. Be sure to schedule quality time together no matter what your destination. Be safe and enjoy!
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt reduction, personal budgeting, frugal living, and extra income opportunities.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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Book Award
Sharon, a caregiver from Norfolk, Nebraska, will be sent Ask and You Shall Succeed, by Ken D. Foster. Enjoy the read.
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Reminders
Don't forget that June is:
Fireworks Safety Month
Prevent Blindness America
500 East Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(800) 331-2020
info@preventblindness.org
www.preventblindness.org
National Scleroderma Awareness Month
Scleroderma Foundation
12 Kent Way, Suite 101
Byfield, MA 01922
(800) 722-HOPE
sfinfo@scleroderma.org
www.scleroderma.org
National Aphasia Awareness Month
National Aphasia Association
29 John Street, Suite 1103
New York, NY 10038
(800) 922-4622
naa@aphasia.org
www.aphasia.org
Vision Research Month
Prevent Blindness America
500 East Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173-5611
(800) 331-2020
(847) 843-8458
info@preventblindness.orgwww.preventblindness.org
Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc.
1821 University Avenue West, Suite S256
St. Paul, MN 55104
(800) 541-5454
(651) 917-1835 Fax
mgfa@myasthenia.org
www.myasthenia.org
Don't miss the July 2005 issue of "Caregiver Tips" with tips and information
on "Summer Rituals."
iBALANCE? Teleclasses
Are you longing for the time before caregiving? What to find a way to get
back to your dreams and goals? Enroll in iBALANCE? a four-part teleclass
designed to help you take control of your life.
Meet once a week on the telephone and give yourself an hour to clear away the
guilt and stress of caregiving. Develop tools and tricks to become more
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the better.
Click this link to get more information about teleclasses:
Get More Teleclass Information Here
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Messages for Caregivers
Caregivers
If you look up caregiver in the dictionary, it is defined as someone who gives direct
care. The example given was someone who cares for the chronically ill, or for
children. Since I teach special education children (K-22yrs old) about moving their
bodies, then I would qualify as a caregiver. I feel a great deal of pride in being
called a caregiver, even though our society does not seem to value the importance
of what we are doing with monetary remuneration. Teachers and nurses who are
primary caregivers are usually at the bottom rung of the ladder when it comes to
salaries, so I know firsthand most of us did not go into it for the money. (Doctors
fare much better with their standard of living.) However, in most foreign
countries these same teachers and nurses are well paid and revered by the
entire society. An interesting commentary about what we value in this
Country-----------we would much rather pay the people who take care of our cars
more than the people who take care of our elderly or children. Something to think
about, now that there is a shortage in both fields.
So, if it is not for the money why do most people go into these fields? I truly believe
it is a calling for most people, and also a very special gift that they are honoring.
I believe that we all are born with a purpose, and it is up to all of us to find out what
that purpose is, in order to fulfill our destiny. It is what fills your soul with joy each
day and makes you excited to go to work. Caregivers truly fulfill the calling of
being of service to others, regardless of pay---for most it is their soul?s destiny. I?ve
seen many people go into these professions, after they realized that the corporate or
business world did not fulfill their soul?s joy or destiny. Once they honor what
their true purpose is, there is a different look in their faces and they are excited with
?loving life.? This may sound a little corny, but I have seen it happen over and over
again-----------it is about a soul?s renewal and remembrance of their promise. It is
about truly loving what you do!!!!!
Does that mean that there are no ?down days? as a caregiver--------no because we
all human. I like to think that we are ?All Spiritual Beings having a Human
Experience.? There is a tremendous amount of stress related to being a caregiver and
sometimes it takes its toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. So, as funny
as it may seem caregivers are usually the worst people at taking care of themselves.
It is a valuable lesson that they must learn in order to truly last in this profession.
I call it following the ?Caregiver?s Golden Rule---------?Do unto YOU as you would
Do unto others!!!!? So, for me, I have learned to take a mental health day every
once in awhile, when my batteries need to be recharged. I do something just for
ME----like sleeping in----going to the beach-----staying at home with the phone off---
getting a massage----anything that I want to do!!!!
Another group of caregivers that I really want to acknowledge are those parents
who are dealing with children with a disability or those children who are dealing
with parents who require constant care. I have a great deal of respect and
appreciation for them. It can be a thankless job being with people that don?t even
understand what you are trying to do for them, and all you can do is just love them.
I think love and compassion are the main ingredients for ALL caregivers.
So, in ending this article on caregivers I would like to say if you know one----let
them know how much you appreciate what they do---that is worth more than
money!!! If you are one, and receive a great deal of joy, love, and peace in what
you do than know that you are truly fulfilling your soul?s work and that What
You Do is Important to the World.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you. If you like what you read feel
free to subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.myallaboutcaring.com
Namaste, (which means the Spirit within me honors the Spirit within you)
Fran Buckless
All About Caring
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So Good I Want To Share It
The Respite Care Locator
We all need a chance to rest, relax and recharge. Respite is one way to find the time to
get a break from daily caregiving duties. There are three types of respite:
1. Adult Day Care or Partial Day Services,
2. 24 Hour Care in Assisted living facilities or nursing homes, and
3. Home Care assistance.
The National Respite Locator Service helps parents, caregivers, and professionals find respite services in their state and local area to match their specific needs. There is an easily searchable database of States so you can look up resources in your local area. Check out the listings for your area here:
http://www.respitelocator.org/
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Internet Sites 2Good2Miss
A Great Source for Information on Herbal Remedies
VitaCost.com has a searchable database of information on herbal remedies. You can search alphabetically, or by Herbal Remedies by Botanical Name, Ayurvedic Herbs, Chinese Herbs, Herbal Safety, or Top Herbal Remedies.
View the Herbal Remedy Index Here.
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Thank You
I also want to thank those that have sent an email with a request for information. I enjoy hearing from you and hope that I can provide some support or help when you need it. Please continue to send me your comments and requests.
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Self Care Tip
Butterfly House in the Flower Garden,
By Sandra Wilson
Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for your flower garden, you first have to determine what it is you actually want. A search for butterfly houses will yield two different types. There is the type of butterfly house that contains butterflies and their nectar plants. These type of butterfly houses are actually structures created for the specific reason of providing a safe and enclosed space in which to study the butterflies.
It can vary from a playpen-size for individual study to a medium-sized net-drapped area to large green house-like structure for scientists' study. We even have large enclosures open for public viewing, education and delight. If you find this a delightful prospect to walk in a large "cage" with hundreds of butterflies surrounding you, consult your local museums and zoos for information. This being the information age, check online too.
As part of your children's, or your own, education, you may wish to raise some butterflies from caterpillar in a small butterfly house. Live butterfly kits are readily available and come with all you need to raise the caterpillar to a butterfly, usually a Painted Lady. Of course you may be able to collect the eggs from your own garden and raise them in your own home for your education and enjoyment. Please find a proper resource to guide you in this prospect if you should choose to do so.
You may also wish to create your own butterfly house of this type in your own flower garden. This can be done by means of mosquito netting drapped over an easily portable structure such as a light weight greenhouse structure or some type of tall stakes. Just surround whatever flowers are providing the nectar source at the present time. Don't forget the small puddles as water sources for the butterflies, too.
The second type of butterfly house is actually a hibernation box. It is usually a tall, 6 inch diameter box mounted on a post which is then set into your garden. The front of the box has half inch slots through which the butterflies can enter the house. The front also swings open to allow you to place some twigs or, preferably, some rough bark within the house. This allows the butterflies a good gripping surface.
Place the box near some host plants for the type of butterflies in your area. This will provide incentive for the butterflies to lay eggs on the host plants in your flower garden in the spring.
The top of the butterfly house may be opened so you may observe the hibernating butterflies and record the numbers and types of your hibernating guests. If you are very lucky, on a warm winter's day, one of your guest may actually step out of the butterfly house. If this occurs, sugar water or home-grown flowers may keep it occupied until the day starts to cool. At which time, the butterfly will make its way back into the butterfly house in your flower garden.
? 2005, Sandra Dinkins-Wilson
Find more butterfly garden articles and gardening tips for Flower Garden Lovers at our informative website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Nectar-Filled Flower Attracts Dozens of Butterflies
 
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Take care and don't forget to celebrate all of the changes in your life,
Jo Cavanaugh
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It's surprising how many persons go through life
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are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves,
and if you're not comfortable within yourself,
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