A Challenging Week
This week tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I struggled deeply—both mentally and physically—feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. Some days, it was hard to get out of bed, let alone find the motivation to face the day. But even in those heavy moments, I knew I had to push forward. It reminded me of the power of a caregiver’s reset in the garden.
Seeking Light in the Darkness
I realized that staying in my room, letting the darkness wrap around me, wasn’t helping. I needed light—both figuratively and literally. So, I made the effort to open the windows, let the sunlight pour in, and breathe in the fresh air. I needed a reset.
The Burden of Caregiving
Being a caregiver is not just challenging—it’s consuming. It demands so much of you, often leaving you drained and feeling like there’s little left for yourself. This week, it felt especially overwhelming. One afternoon, desperate for a break, I went out to my garden, hoping the simple act of being surrounded by nature would clear my head.
Frustration in the Garden
But, as if life wanted to test my limits further, my mom followed me outside. She has dementia, and while I try to remind myself that it’s the disease, not her, it was one of those moments when patience felt impossible. She wouldn’t give me space, and I found myself retreating back into the house, frustrated and unsure how to process it all. If you would like to read about another challenge I faced dealing with dementia you can check it out here.
Reclaiming Peace
As I sat inside, the thought struck me: I couldn’t let this disease rob me of every moment, of every ounce of peace. A caregiver’s reset in the garden can be transformative, providing the peace and clarity needed to move forward. Dementia may steal many things, but I couldn’t allow it to take everything. So, I made the choice to head back outside. For more information on self-care strategies as a caregiver check out these tips from the Family Caregiver Alliance.
Finding Solace in the Soil
This time, I threw myself into my garden. I cut back some flowers that had started to take over, pulling weeds that had stubbornly claimed their space. With each snip and pull, I focused on shutting out the noise—both literal and mental. Slowly, I felt the tension begin to ease.
The Small Victories
And then I noticed something: two of my strawberries were starting to turn red. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental. My peppers were thriving, their green buds promising future harvests. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of joy and gratitude.
A Reminder to Care for Yourself
Gardening has always been a source of comfort for me, a reminder of growth and resilience. Seeing those tiny signs of progress reminded me that even in hard times, life moves forward. I may not feel completely like myself yet, but being out there, surrounded by the quiet magic of my garden, helped me feel a little more grounded.
You Deserve Moments of Joy
Caregiving is hard, but it’s so important to find moments for yourself—moments that bring you happiness, even if they’re fleeting. Whether it’s tending to a garden, reading a favorite book, or simply taking a walk, you deserve those moments of peace. You deserve to smile.
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