S - Stay Connected - ABCs of Self-Care for Caregivers

S-Stay ConnectedIf one person suffers, all suffer together; if one person is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26 ESVActive Self NurtureReconnect with friendsWho are your forever friends? Make a list of those who you would love to speak with or sit down with your favorite cuppa coffee/tea. Pick up the phone or send a message over social media to these friends. They will be delighted to see you and you will be refreshed after your time with them.Make a list of people with whom you would be comfortable leaving your loved one (if you are at that stage). Let them come over to test it out and to show them what they need to do while you are away. This is especially important if your loved one has advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s.Receive positive inputDelete all social media that is negative or inflammatory. Surround yourself with optimistic messages that edify rather than those that tear down. The admonition of Philippians 4:8 is as follows:Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.True - what you know to be the truth - related to your values and your life. They may seem hidden to some but revealed in your life. Are you willing to be patient with your judgment until all the details are revealed?Noble - Reverential awe - worthy of worship - in alignment with your faith that God will work all for your good - belief in hope. Do you maintain a hopeful heart believing that God can work out all the details? Just - to do the right thing even when no one is watching you. Your own responsibility to the world to do the right thing and serve God. Do you do what is right when no one is watching?Pure - what is right about others. Are you willing to look deeper into what could be another’s motive rather than judging harshly?Lovely - Emitting light - Smiling to bring about a response from someone who is in a dark place.Do you believe that everyone has the capacity to shine brightly with hope no matter how dark the situation becomes?Good report - Excellence - what you do extremely well.Are you able to see what others do well in order to highlight and call it forward?Virtue - Tell stories of the good things that others have done. This is what we do in a eulogy at a funeral. What stories can you tell about the amazing qualities of others?Recommit to time for yourselfIt is not selfish to want to honor your personal needs for refreshing and rest. Work toward shared responsibilities and time when you can collect your thoughts and sense the presence of the Lord. It is vital that your well be full before you give out to others.PrayerThank You, Lord, for the times of refreshing that you have for me right now in this caregiving journey. I ask you give me peace as I leave __________ for times to reconnect with friends. Thank You for those who are coming alongside to suffer as we suffer and rejoice as we honor those we love. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.Send a textFor more hope inspiration you can follow her posts on:https://www.instagram.com/the.hope.ladyhttps://www.facebook.com/hopeispowerfulRate and review this podcast to spread the hope to others who need to be reminded they can go from rock-bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.