Are you so tired you can’t see straight?
You're so tired you can't see straight."
This was the observation from my dad when I was on edge, irritable, and irrational. I heard this message on and off throughout my youth. I'd love to say that it's a trait I've outgrown but it's a bit of my hardwired nature. The good thing is when I recognize it before I'm over the edge.
It's usually a sign that I am not taking good care of myself.
I'm also a bit hardwired to take care of others before myself. I used to think that was a strength but time and wisdom have shown me otherwise. Taking care of myself is a part of taking care of others.
Recently I've been putting in time creating new programs for family caregivers. It's work I love to do. Well, the connection with the caregiver part. I don't always love being my own web designer or technical service department. It's great when I make something work but it often comes after hours of failed attempts. It also robs me of the joyful parts of my work.
"Okay, Kathy. You need to get some help."
My business development coach halted me in my tracks last week. She could see how much energy I was putting into something that was taking me away from my bigger goal. She was right. She offered me options where I could hire people for a reasonable price to do those things that are harder for me. Yes, I can do them. But, at what cost?
It brought me back to why I love to work with family caregivers.
I see how dedicated they are to the work they're doing. I know how well they do it. I also know it's frustrating, time-consuming, and tiring. I want to support them and help figure out what will keep them in the joyful parts of caregiving. My lesson came back to me as a reminder this is what happens daily for caregivers.
So, before you're so tired you can't see straight (or your version of this), let's find ways of getting you the help you need. I know that no one benefits when I am tired, stressed, and irritable. I learned that when I was in the midst of caregiving, too.
Asking for help is smart.
It's not always easy, but it is smart. Sometimes it's one little shift that can make all the difference. It's learning from someone else's experience. It's finding someone who loves and wants to do it! It's knowing you're not alone. It's breathing deep again and feeling relief.
What's up next?
I'm excited about a new group I'm creating on Facebook for family caregivers. It's for you, about you, and with you. I need you, your wisdom, humor, and compassion. Together we're better and can create the new future of family caregiving! Click here to join us in our private Facebook group: Circles of Caregiving
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.