A Buoyant Heart and Enjoying the Small Things
February has been traditionally known as the shortest month of the year, the month for hearts and roses, the groundhog checking for his shadow, and the Super Bowl. At Hope Grows, our focus this month was a buoyant heart and we definitely tried to enjoy the little things as we moved through the month.
The Little Things
Author Robert Brault put it best, “For one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” So, what does this quote have to do with a buoyant heart? Perhaps it is to remind us that the little things are eventually what fills the heart full of optimism and hope.
During the daily tasks of being a caregiver, the demands can be overwhelming. At times, the little things that usually fill our hearts can get lost in the shuffle. At Hope Grows, our Think Caregiver ™ Simple ‘Self-Care’ Suggestions help caregivers focus on reminders.
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Some of the reminders this month included laughter being the best medicine; if Mindful, nature can fill our hearts; take time to empower your soul; and focusing on the food we eat is important. All in all, we reminded those following our Simple ‘Self-Care’ Suggestions that we are in charge with how we incorporate those reminders and ultimately how we feel.
The Good Things in the World
Poet Maya Angelou once said, “Precious jewel, you glow, you shine, reflecting all the good things in the world.” I think a lot of times, we get really bogged down with the big picture of caregiving or the result of a project that we lose sight of the process that brings cheer and optimism into the joy of living. Perhaps with caregiving, if the big picture is about getting through the day or the week, try instead to think about each moment of giving.
YOU represent all the good things in the world and while you are helping someone at the most vulnerable time of their life, moment to moment, YOU SHINE!
Great Adventures
I understand this doesn’t erase the hard work, patience, and adjustments that you make along this journey called caregiving. Just know that by being mindful about the little things surrounding you, your heart can stay so buoyant that you start bouncing around like Tigger in Winnie the Pooh.
As Winnie the Pooh said: “As soon as I saw you, I knew a great adventure was about to happen.” Take a moment, look in the mirror and tell yourself that your journey of caregiving can be fulfilling. You just may need reminders to focus on the little things. Take some time and stick your hand in the honey jar and try to have a Winnie the Pooh kind of day.
Partners of the Month
As we focused on a buoyant heart, we want to take this moment to thank our Partner of the Month, Tapestry Senior Living in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. The collaboration between us fills our heart with the joy of living.