Expecting the world from others almost ten months into a pandemic is probably an expectation we need to adjust if we haven’t already. (Okay, maybe we need to adjust that in non-pandemic times too.) More importantly, we should probably stop expecting the world of ourselves.

Am I saying that we should expect nothing or worse than nothing? Absolutely not. What I’m suggesting is that many of us (especially those of us who are caretakers) are just terribly burnt out and we need to seek new, simple ways to refuel so that we can continue to give of ourselves. It takes a lot to keep showing up to our responsibilities day after day, especially when we’ve been worn down and are feeling like we want to tap out.

And? …I think we all deserve some damn props for NOT tapping out!

What simple new activity can we try to help us reload? First, think back on a moment of kindness someone has offered to you or a moment when you expressed kindness to someone else. Then, try to approach YOURSELF with that same understanding and kindness!

Sounds simple… but it isn’t always easy!

To help this idea along I suggest the following:

I think being mindful and really looking for little victories may help us to refill some of those buckets that have been drained. Because, honestly… we aren’t going be basking in the light of a million shiny trophies that have been presented to us by a Caregiver Committee. We have to find a way to recognize trophy moments when we see them.

Lastly, we should really keep trying to avoid toxicity. The negative impacts of those toxic situations, relationships and activities will drain us way faster than we could ever fill back up.

Ready, set, recognize!

With admiration of YOUR little victories today,

Caroline.