Take a Deep Look in the Mirror

Caregivers deserve more peace of mind. You try your hardest. As a caregiver you are there for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia every day. It’s hard: the repetitive questions, the confusion, the dependency, the fatigue, the inevitable decline, the unceasing stress. And yet, through some mysterious combination of love, stoicism, and honorable values, you will get up tomorrow morning and give again.

You know that other caregivers are struggling with the same issues, and some may have even more difficult challenges. But there is no lasting remedy for the strain of endless sacrifices. There is, however, a different way to look at your situation – and it may help a little.

Think of yourself as a hero! Yes, a hero.

Heroes are usually thought to be people who perform courageous acts. But heroes are also people who repeatedly demonstrate noble character. Who is more noble than people who sacrifice every day for someone else? Particularly when your loved ones can no longer appreciate your gifts. You prove each day that you care, and you perform accordingly.

The sooner we learn that making a positive difference in other people’s lives brings us our greatest sense of satisfaction, the sooner we will find personal fulfillment.