I am a live-in caregiver for my mom 30 hours a week and when other caregivers come in there is constant chatter upstairs and i can't take it anymore...
Today I am taking a day trip to be by myself and get some peace and quiet...I was going to go with a meetup group of strangers but that would be another form of 'noise' i can't handle right now.
Does anyone just want to run away if only for a few hours?
When I have a few hours of free time, I usually go to the Mall for window shopping, or reading my book in the food court. Sometimes, the Mall has some kind of program happening (Zumba dancing, navy band, high school skits, etc...) I just go there and watch, laugh with strangers. I find myself striking up conversations with complete strangers while watching these programs. Have a normal conversation with people that have nothing to do with aches/pains and just marveling on the performers.
But most times, I prefer to find a corner table and read my book.
tradeoff ..
my caregiving days have ended, and parenting , and all my time is time for myself . i dont care for it at all . i somehow always enjoyed doing nice things for other people . i think sowing good things comes back around so ill bet a new challenge and passion will cross paths with me someday . the mouse with his head splattered in a mouse trap says all there is to say about being sneaky and devious ..mice have plenty to forage its just easier living in someone elses home and stealing . i saw my ceiling snake yesterday . he doesnt view me as a threat and hes right . i keep wood in the stove all winter , he makes mice disappear .. see , ive already found someone who needs a trade arrangement with me .
vilhelm grimm 2014
still a pretty uneventful century aside from putin's posturing in the bathroom mirror ..
It was a very good presentation on dementia. One of the presenters was Huntington Potter. He has led the Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's research being conducted at the University of Colorado. Learned something about mice. They do not develop Alzheimer's Disease. Rather they have to inject them so they can perform their research. ;)
I had to smile when I read that you chose time alone over a group. That's me in a nutshell. I have to set priorities and have spent a lot of time at seminars (and presented at them), and attended support groups, etc. But if I don't have time alone, the rest may as well go because I'm no good to anyone.
I do hope you can find a regular time. As was suggested - one of the blessings of ADC is that you may have a chance for time for yourself. I know there are so many other things to do, but if there is a chance for that kind of break, take some time for yourself.
Carol
we hired an agency for the rest of the time so I work mornings and evenings...i am SO GRATEFUL to have time for myself...i hope you can carve out me time while she's at the day care?
mindingourelders,
thank you for your feedback😊 i haven't been here in months and appreciate knowing others struggle with this. As we all know, we can't take care of them if we don't recharge!
I was planning to go on a day trip with a group of 15 strangers but quickly realized I need the time alone with nature.
I hope both of you take the time you need today doing what you love😊
blessings
I know how hard that is in a situation such as yours. It's not easy in mine, either. Some days I don't get "my time" but I get up extra early each morning in the unfailing attempt to do so.
Please consider your time alone a priority. Even if only for a few hours. Longer would be better but if that's not possible make some arrangement so that you can have a reasonable amount of quiet to spend the way you choose.
Your are not alone. We may not all choose to do the same thing with the time, but most of us desperately need it. If we don't take care of ourselves no one else will and we may not be able to take care of them, either.
Blessings, my friend. Do what is good for you to the best of your ability.
Carol