What Is Your North Star In Your Caregiver Season?

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I was feeling a bit wintry this week. Yes, wintery - it’s been really cold for the last couple days, so I couldn’t get outside and walk. And the sunshine is so short here in Wisconsin that I feel blahhh. I’m still getting my exercise on my treadmill and elliptical and doing weights and stretches but for me nothing replaces fresh air and sunshine.

So why I am bringing this up.... We all feel this way every so often and as a caregiver, I believe you and I feel blahhh too. Those times when we feel everyday feels the same - same routines, same locations (in your house), same conversations with your loved one and isolation. Maybe it’s the same stressors, overwhelm and anxieties.

How do you keep going?

How do you stay motivated?

Where do you find joy?

I started listening to a new podcast on my treadmill this week called Making Space with Hoda Kotb - it was an interview she did with Anne Lamott called Grace Always Meets You Exactly Where You Are - Anne talked about overcoming obstacles - she is now 35 years on the other side of addiction and has written 19 books all about her life and how she masters grace and gratitude.

The one thing that hit me that I wanted to share is her mention of “finding you north star”.

Everyone has a north star - that purpose or goal that keeps them going. No matter what season or challenge you are experiencing you need to have a north star.

A north star is the brightest star in the sky. It’s also called the Morning Star

For you as a caregiver, it is your goal or purpose right now. It excites you and lights you up.

I know what you are thinking... I don’t have time to set a goal or how can I have a goal or north star when I am so deep into caring for my loved one.

But, my friend, your north star should define who you are and what you do. It is your purpose and passion.

Your north star can being the best caregiver -

• Then identify how you can keep getting better
• Being more resourceful, better at conversations and advocacy,
• Running caregiving with a CEO mindset
• Scheduling respite care and time off for you.
• Assessing your care

But your north star can be setting new goals too. Your life doesn’t have to stop. Maybe your north start is identifying what new passion your can pursue
- hobby and you tie a vision to it like knitting hats for the homeless
- or you write a blog or start a podcast If you are thinking of starting a podcast, go to cathylvan.com/startapodcast
- Or you go back to school

You may have to get creative depending on your challenges or situation and if it is - start with something small

Take some time to ask yourself - what your north star it?

Does your north star motivate you - excite you

Caregiving doesn’t have to be giving up on you. As a matter of fact, it can be a time to discover yourself.

Will you do me a fa

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