How to deal with the "sit and wait" syndrome.

Send Cathy a text:)How hard is it to sit and wait.  I have done it so many times and you would think it would get easier and I should have this action mastered.  But each time is different.  Each time is unique and feels different.  Do you agree?I’m going to call this the “sit and wait syndrome”.   It’s when you have to wait on test results,  wait on further symptoms.  Wait on healing.  Wait to see if the meds will work.  Waiting is hard.  One of the biggest mistakes caregivers make is letting things get into their head.  All the thoughts of what ifs and jumping to the worst when you don’t know what you are dealing with.  There is this love / hate with this sit and wait gameYou want to stay positive and optimistic.  But…  you still find yourself preparing for the worst.   I believe each of us has to go through this path in this sit and wait stage.  It’s a normal process.  But what I have learned is now practice is not to obsess over it too much.  You need to recognize the sit and wait symptoms - those emotions and thoughts that start visiting during this time.Worry (what is it for you - money, your job, how are you going to do it all) - https://www.cathylvan.com/episode46Sadness /crying (why are you crying.  Your loved one is sick or injured)Disbelief or denial Anger (the disease, injury, blame your loved one)Frustrations - you may have to put something on hold - vacay, promotion, purchaseGuilt  (Not wanting to be a caregiver or this is not the time for thisGrief (losing your loved one - they will never be the same againFeeling alone - they maybe sleeping alot or can’t do things with youThe overwhelm is heavy.  It’s sucky and when you get in this place you can’t see how to get out of it.The first times this happened to me I was feeling shame and didn’t share much with anyone.  I kept saying to myself, I am not the one who is going through this cancer.  Denis is.  But I have learned ways to get through it and shift my thinking.  I couldn’t stay in the stress and bad thoughts.   I wanted to feel positivity and joy.   I want to invite you to my FREE masterclass this week.   In this masterclass I’m sharing 3 shifts that have worked for me.   Changing your mindset - training your brain to reduce stress is not something you can just flip a switch too.  I would be lying to you if I said it’s easy.   https://www.cathylvan.com/freemasterclassBut over the last 4 years there have been a few that I do consistently and I do them everyday.  When I don’t do these, overtime, the stress creeps back in.  This time around, Denis and I talked through our feelings and thoughts.  We realized we are both scared and nervous this time around.   We also realized that we are stronger and more connected than ever before.  We both are choosing to live with joy and gratitude for each other.  For our team of medical professionals and most important for our family and community around us.  It’s amazing how the worst that could happen can bring out the most heart and love.  So if you are struggling with your stress, I am here to help.   You are not alone in this.  Embrace where you are and be open to what you will learn in this new normal.  Support the show