08/25/2024
Applying the ABC's of Caregiving in a Preventative/Maintenance/Recovery kind of way this season. Aware that Fall Time has me feeling like I am falling apart, rather than falling into place.
1. A - Awareness - Resistance to Fall Time
Simply put, my brain believes it is "fall down" time. Asking family their thoughts of this season, they too struggle. Aware it has deep roots in childhood and our families lifelong walk with grief. Even the wording has some resistance, how can we shift this? Simple changing of the language and story telling has been helpful. Changing the wording to Autumn - The time of "in between" rather than "falling down".
2. B- Behaviour/Boundaries
What behaviours are contributing to this feeling? Are boundaries good, and in place? 2 big questions frequently ask myself. Changed the behavior to one of foraging, harvesting and preparing for the next season, rather than entertaining the negative mindset. Foraged (searched for provisions) that will lead to positive behaviors. Searched for a larger Canvas, one bigger than the ones I usually paint on, but also not a massive one, where resistance noted. Boundaries, being aware of time - not setting a time boundary on this creative heart painting, rather letting it be boundless so creativity can flow. Autumn is a season of slow down, and wanting to honor this awareness for the need to slow down and be creative.
3. C- Care/Compassion/Consistency/Conversation/Community
Caring for myself, as a caregiver and a nurse, is met with resistance. Creating a Care Plan that helps care for emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, and environmental aspects. Focus of caring is for my whole self. For me, spending time on the creative heart aspect of myself, addresses all of these. Compassion - being kind when I am negatively speaking, and understanding that walking with grief is a lifelong journey. Consistency, set it up in my work office, with no time constraints on how long to paint for each day. Conversation, its a conversation piece as I work from home, canvas is visible, fun to chat about what each person sees as the painting unfolds. Community, inviting others to create their own Autumn Care Plan as we walk the next season of life together.
Autumn Goal: Experience Joy this Autumn
Preventative - taking action steps to set up the Autumn season to be a success, and have a decreased sense of loss/grief as we move into the next season.
Maintenance- ongoing throughout the whole season. This may require more than one canvas, and that's awesome. Consistent with daily creative heart work with painting.
Recovery- Ongoing lifelong process of walking with Grief and recovering the joy in Autumn.
What is your Autumn goal?
What are your ABC's?
What does your Autumn Care Plan look like?
Here's your invitation to fall into place this Autumn.
Feel free to share your plans, helps us to be accountable!
