Welcome to Caregiver Friday!!
We’re at that time of year when children around the world have been writing letters to Santa Claus expressing what they want for Christmas. It’s their one time during the year when they are excited over the idea that what they wish for can come true. They don’t understand that their expression is proof not that Santa Claus exists, but that when something is important to them people (the grown ups) listen. Can you think of any bigger gift than being heard?
So what’s on your list for Christmas? The obvious number one wish is that the person you’re caring for will get well. Let’s take that one out of the running since it’s a given and move on to deeper or more personal wishes. If you want to get to the heart of the matter do this questioning with someone you trust. Have the person ask you “what do you want for Christmas?” You answer and they ask you once again “what do you want for Christmas?” Keep doing this and the more times you’re asked you’ll find that your answers deepen and get to those hidden parts of your inner being. You can probably come up with five or ten responses easily but what if you were asked the question forty times…what do you think would happen?
It’s an eye-opening experience to see what lies in the depths of your soul. You’ve been so focused on the needs of another that reconnecting with yourself may be a foreign experience. It may be that place you reserve for times when you have the time. Let’s face it, do you really believe that you’ll be able to find the time to do the deep work? That alone could be one of the things on your Christmas list. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is honesty. Don’t sugar coat anything! Allow yourself time during the coming year to be vulnerable because keeping everything business like and stoic isn’t healthy for you.
You deserve a great holiday season! Allow yourself the opportunity to create a soulful Christmas list that speaks to your core. Let me know what’s on your list.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 