Send Cathy a text:)

I want to talk about “new normal”  that we as caregivers move into either suddenly or over time.  This set of words have been used more in the last couple years than ever before.  Think about the overall world in general.  People that worked in offices and buildings are now working at home.  Children experienced virtual learned.  Caregivers and family members in some cases weren’t allowed to visit their loved ones in the hospital or nursing home.  Isolation became the new normal when we tested positive.  Grocery pick up and online shopping rose to the highest numbers ever.   You fill in the blank.  What has changed for you that you now call the “new normal”,  But is it really a new normal or a a temporary new normal.  Thats what I want to break down today.     There are benefits to look at things temporary vs normal.  

"Pain is temporary.  It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.  If I quit, however, it lasts forever."  Lance Armstrong

When we look at the temporary new normal it may be a day, a week, a month, a year.  

When you look at your caregiver journey right now, are there things that are temporary like therapy for your loved one.   Or, the snow season (if you are getting snow) or maybe a work project that is tipping you on the work side.  

Denis finished his 3rd full week of his stem cell transplant.  Last Friday was his infusion which went as planned.  This week they are monitoring his vitals, labs, fluids and overall health.  My spouse and I know this is temporary.  

I am not calling this my new normal because it’s only temporary.  This is my new temporary normal.  Meaning that I am adjusting to his caregiving needs, meals, cleaning, working from our one hotel room at Kathy’s house, using a badge to open your doors and parking and much more.  

In this temporary normal, there are stressors, frustrations, anxiety and loneliness.   The first few weeks were fine.  It was new and I call it the honeymoon stage when you are learning everything as well as it’s kind of fun.   

Now the routine is in place and I am feeling a bit like a caged animal wanting to be in my home.  It makes me sad thinking about my grandkids, my mom, my sons, my furbabies.   I miss the luxuries of home.  

I see my spouse, Denis going through each day and I know he can’t wait to leave this place and not have to go to the doctor or a hospital.  

But what’s the saying? This too will pass.   

There has been so many family and friend sending prayers and support which makes us feel gratitude.  

So when you are in your normal.  I want you to ask yourself …   

1. What  is your temporary normal?  
2. What things are you doing now that you won’t be doing after this is done?  
3. What emotions and feelings is the temporary causing?  
4. And most importantly, how are you working through this temporary normal?

You may have to put things on hold during this time.  What can you do to be the best version of yourself during this temporary normal?

One of the thing that's helping me right now is self-care.  Get a copy of the 28 Days of Self-Care

When you “chunk out” your caregiving, it gives you light at the end of the tunnel.  Challenges and struggles will occur but they don’t  have to break you.  

The word temporary can be your hope, your inspiration, your motivation that soon this will change and for me when I am struggling I picture myself hugging my grandson, getting doggie kisses and sleeping in my own bed.  

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