So much of what I read about our caregiving experience focuses on what we do. If we only talk about the tasks, we miss out on the conversation about * who we are * during our caregiving experience. We are so much more than our tasks.
We are:
Advocate: You champion causes, whether they be yours, your caree’s, the family caregiver’s or all of them, and speak for those who can’t.
Beacon: You shine the light so that others can find their way during their darkest days.
Broadcaster: You speak out for what you and others need. You speak up to ensure the world hears the caregiving voice.
Connector: You create a network of colleagues who do great work and make sure to nurture and share those connections to help others.
Diplomat: You effectively negotiate to get what you need and what within the caregiving systems (health care, workplace, family, community).
Entrepreneur: You can’t find what you need and want so you create and build it yourself, whether it be a hack formed by duct tape or into an app.
Fighter: Your concern for sub-standard (care, rights, results) spurs you to fight for better.
Investor: You invest in the people, services, ideas, products and resources which best help you and your caree which brings out the best in you and in them.
Mentor: You’ve been through it so want others to experience better outcomes.
Organizer: You build teams and movements in your house, your caree’s house, on social media, in your neighborhood.
Peacemaker: When the arguments begin, you step in to find common ground so everyone can agree on the compromise.
Phoenix: After losing it all, you regroup to become better.
Shepherd: When others lose faith, you bring the belief that they will be okay.
Story-Teller: You educate the systems (health care, workplace, family, community) to improve the experience for family caregivers and former family caregivers by collecting and sharing stories at events and conferences.
Supporter: You share words of encouragement as often and as much as you can which gives courage to others to continue.
Writer: You write and blog about your experiences to honor your story (and your caree) and so others know they aren’t alone.
Which ones are you? What did I miss that you would you add to the list? Share your thoughts in our comments section, below.
Resources
Share your light; join The Encyclopedia of Family Caregiving to add your insights, wisdom and resources.
(Image by David Mark from Pixabay.)
