Hi there, all you amazing Host Homes, Relief Homes, and staff. I hope this finds you well, as I present to you my first blog post!
Caregiver: a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.
I think we can agree we all fall under the definition of caregiver. By now, it’s easy to consider ourselves family members as we graciously give up room in our homes to those who are in need of family. My question to you is … who’s providing the care to YOU?
We spend a large portion of our day pouring into and providing for others. Not only our Restoring Hope individuals, but outside family, biological, adopted children , etc. At the end of the day, the only thing we want to do is pour ourselves into bed. After countless hours of this, we tend to lose motivation, desire, and the energy it takes to pour into others everyday.
So, I ask you this…. What are you doing to pour into yourself?
There are many ways people pour into themselves. For some it’s working out. Some it’s a good book at the end of the day. Some it may be video games or binging their favorite show. For me I really like to get out into nature and either walk or hike. Nothing refreshes me more than strapping on some boots, putting a small pack on my back, and getting some miles in. It’s when I feel at my best.
Do I have that time? Not really, but that’s where being honest with yourself and locking down a schedule that does allow for your thing, is important.
Let’s take a look at how we can make sure we are refreshing ourselves….
Look at your schedule and figure out when you can have an hour to you. For me, I drop off one at school at 630am and walk 1.5 miles. It’s a nice way to get the mind and heart going. I come home and do 30 minutes of strength and stretching. For me a sure fire way to get the day started right. How about you? What will make you better in the morning?
Do you have time during the day to make yourself better? Sometimes it’s just going out to lunch with a friend, taking a nap, or maybe grabbing your favorite drink and chilling out. When can you make that time?
Don’t be rigid. When I say that, I mean be interrupt able. Understand that we deal with a lot and things ARE going to come up that require your attention. It happens, and we don’t need to fall apart because it interrupts our time.
Last but not least…understand when others are pouring or attempting to pour into you. We deal with individuals that may have a weird way of showing love/affection/respect, etc but we do need to realize they are either comfortable or learning how to be comfortable in our homes and showing us love, however that may look. How can you recognize those that are pouring into you?
As I write this, I’m already thinking about my week and starting to feel overwhelmed lol. Our days and weeks run together and the next thing you know, it’s the next season and you’re wondering why you feel so drained. Take that moment to plan out your week to pour into you….you deserve it!
Written by: Kevin Styles
Restoring Hope Host Home Provider, Springfield Region
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