Breaking Free: How Journaling Shattered My Mental Prisons
Here's the truth - breaking out of these mental prisons wasn't a one-and-done deal. It's an ongoing process, and journaling continues to be my trusted tool. Some days, I still feel the walls closing in. But now, I know how to recognize it, and I know what to do about it.
The Great Escape: Finding Freedom in Setting Boundaries (Without Feeling Like a Jerk)
Boundaries aren't one-size-fits-all. It's more like a buffet. Take what you need, leave what you don't. Maybe your boundary is "I need 30 minutes of alone time every day." Maybe it's "I will not answer calls after 9 PM unless it's an emergency." Your boundaries, your rules.
The Caregiver's Companion: How Journaling Saved My Life and Can Help You Too
Now, as I navigate the challenges of caregiving for my mom with Alzheimer's, I turn to my journal more than ever. Caregiving can be a lonely journey, even with a strong support system. The emotions, fears, and questions that come with it can be overwhelming, and not everyone has access to or feels comfortable with a therapist or counselor. That's where journaling comes in.
Growing Up in Reverse: How Caring for My Mom Made Me a Better Adult
This is hard. It's messy and complicated and it will push you to your limits in ways you never imagined and may not want to admit. But it will also show you what you're made of. It will teach you lessons that you couldn't learn any other way. And it will give you a sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond anything you ever thought possible.
Hindsight Healing: Making Peace with Mom's Diagnosis and My Own Expectations
When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it was like my whole world tilted on its axis. Suddenly, all the little things that I'd brushed off or explained away over the years started to make a sick kind of sense. The forgotten birthdays, the repeated stories, the times she'd call me manic about things that were so small they shouldn’t typically have such an intense impact on people - it all clicked into place like some twisted puzzle I never wanted to solve.
I'm Not the Friend I Used to Be: How Caregiving Changed My Relationships
I'm not gonna lie; I've felt pretty isolated from my friends since my mom's diagnosis. It's hard to relate to their everyday drama and life experiences when I'm dealing with my mom forgetting who I am, trying to break out of my home, and yelling that her daughter is missing. And if I'm being brutally honest, sometimes I catch myself avoiding certain people because I'm straight-up jealous of their relationship with their mom.
I’ve HAD IT: Choosing Rest Over Wrecked
I've been running on fucking fumes, my tank so far past empty that I'm basically running on the memory of gas. Work's been bleeding me dry, leaving me a hollow, lifeless husk by the time I drag my sorry ass through the front door. The moment my body collapses onto the couch, I can feel the exhaustion seeping into my goddamn bones. It's like my brain is screaming, "I can't take this shit anymore!" in a language only I can understand.
Love, Faith, and Alzheimer’s: Embracing the Journey
Navigating life with my mom as she faces the challenges of Alzheimer’s has been an eye-opening experience. It's teaching me about the depth of faith and the essence of unconditional love. There’s a realization hitting me hard lately: the connections we have with our loved ones are much more profound than mere memories—they're rooted deep within our souls.
Sharing My Alzheimer's Caregiver Story Online: How I Found Support, Connection, and Healing
When I first started sharing my experience as an Alzheimer's caregiver online, it wasn't because I had it all figured out. Far from it. I was lost, overwhelmed, and desperate for connection. I had searched high and low for a support group that felt like home, a place where I could share the raw, unfiltered reality of my journey without fear of judgment or pity. But in my small, isolated town, those resources were practically nonexistent.