Better than becoming a saint.

I wonder. If a big problem in life is that we don’t take adequate care of ourselves. And therefore, we are ill-equipped to care for others. That especially goes for care-givers. Many care-givers run themselves ragged. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. Take the care-giver dealing with an Alzheimer patient. A loved one. Such as a spouse. Or a parent. Ain’t the easiest thing in the world. I know. Spent 13 years at it. Caring for my dear wife Jeanne. Too many of those years I was an inadequate care-giver. Because I was spread too thin. In virtually every which way. Wasn’t until I started taking better care of myself that Jeanne got the care she deserved. When I started getting respite. And became an 8-10 hour a day care-giver. Instead of 24/7. In a sense, by doing less, I did more. Jeanne got quality care. I learned to exude good vibes. That happens. When a care-giver slows down. And takes time to savor the act of care-giving. To not get frustrated, or ill-tempered, or overly tired. Maybe it sounds selfish. Taking care of one’s self. But it isn’t. Instead, it’s the wise and loving thing to do. Maybe even better than becoming a saint. –Jim Broede