My "New Normal"
So for a long time, meaning many many years, my normal consisted as taking care of Dick's needs for his daily life and taking care of my two young grandsons. Now that Dick has passed and the boys have both started full time school, which happed a month ago, it is time for me to figure out my "new normal". I have felt very paralyzed this month and somewhat pressured to figure this out because doing "nothing" does nothing for me.
Last week I had some positive action. I received a call from I woman I met at my dad's golf outing in July who hires people for Tri Health doctor offices. She actual told me of a full time job opening up in a month. She thinks I would be a great fit. I will still need to go through the normal hiring procedures but I already know I am qualified. I also started attending the new grief meetings that started up again two weeks ago and this week we talked about what we are doing for ourselves to make us feel better. I shared how much I enjoying sharing my caregiver past with my friends who are still going through it. I would really love to include more women who feel as isolated in their lives as I did. It funny, but my biggest message to them is to make some time for themselves whenever they get a chance and if they could at least have a part time job and have someone else come in and take care of their loved one, they would be much more a head of the game and prepared for any changes that may occur. I was not prepared. I did not fully trust anyone with Dick and my house so I pretty much micro managed instead of moving forward in my own life. There were many other great ideas at the meeting the other night to get on with life, working, journaling, exercising, praying etc. The main idea is to continue living!
One of the things I was never great at was reaching out to people for help or otherwise. I am now. I reach out to see how others are doing and even asking people to "go out". But giving back has always been a huge part of who I am. Many long bike rides have led me to self discovery. I have prayed to God and to Dick to intervene with my direction and it always leads me to "giving of myself". As a child, I spent my summer breaks volunteering at a place called Camp Stepping Stones working with children with Down Syndromes. As I grew older I volunteered at the church teaching C.C.D and working with the youth group, parish council and many other church related activities. I did until Dick had the stroke and became completely unable to be left alone.
I most definitely feel that I am finding happiness again. I absolutely feel as though I will make it through the tough times. I have many years to give and that is what I love to do. I continue to pray for direction and guidance in finding my "new normal". The Lord has never let me down, he does answer prayers and with Dick nudging him I know all will be well because I continue to have and keep the faith.
Last week I had some positive action. I received a call from I woman I met at my dad's golf outing in July who hires people for Tri Health doctor offices. She actual told me of a full time job opening up in a month. She thinks I would be a great fit. I will still need to go through the normal hiring procedures but I already know I am qualified. I also started attending the new grief meetings that started up again two weeks ago and this week we talked about what we are doing for ourselves to make us feel better. I shared how much I enjoying sharing my caregiver past with my friends who are still going through it. I would really love to include more women who feel as isolated in their lives as I did. It funny, but my biggest message to them is to make some time for themselves whenever they get a chance and if they could at least have a part time job and have someone else come in and take care of their loved one, they would be much more a head of the game and prepared for any changes that may occur. I was not prepared. I did not fully trust anyone with Dick and my house so I pretty much micro managed instead of moving forward in my own life. There were many other great ideas at the meeting the other night to get on with life, working, journaling, exercising, praying etc. The main idea is to continue living!
One of the things I was never great at was reaching out to people for help or otherwise. I am now. I reach out to see how others are doing and even asking people to "go out". But giving back has always been a huge part of who I am. Many long bike rides have led me to self discovery. I have prayed to God and to Dick to intervene with my direction and it always leads me to "giving of myself". As a child, I spent my summer breaks volunteering at a place called Camp Stepping Stones working with children with Down Syndromes. As I grew older I volunteered at the church teaching C.C.D and working with the youth group, parish council and many other church related activities. I did until Dick had the stroke and became completely unable to be left alone.
I most definitely feel that I am finding happiness again. I absolutely feel as though I will make it through the tough times. I have many years to give and that is what I love to do. I continue to pray for direction and guidance in finding my "new normal". The Lord has never let me down, he does answer prayers and with Dick nudging him I know all will be well because I continue to have and keep the faith.
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