COMING BACK TO YOURSELF
The truth is that as a raregiver, your environment includes being sleep deprived, subjugating your personal needs, having limited downtime and most likely a tendency to go it alone. Even the most self-aware and successful person can get knocked off balance once they become a raregiver. Raregivers get less time alone and less quality time with the people they love. These constraints along with decreased time for self-care often lead to an unsustainable structure that will eventually collapse. It is important to engage in the things that sustained you before you were a raregiver.
Creativity
For many of us, creativity nourishes the soul. Perhaps before you became a raregiver, you enjoyed painting, playing music or movement? You may also have enjoyed cooking elaborate meals, or developing new recipes. Regardless of what it is that was feeding your soul, the invitation is to reconnect with that earlier passion. You may not be able to cook a five course meal and you might be able to spend 20 or 30 minutes cooking something delicious for yourself. Participating in a creative activity might also mean setting it up in your home so it’s ready to go. Easy access makes a difference. For instance, if you're someone who used to paint, maybe you pull out your paints and paper and set them up in a corner so that as soon as you feel inspired or have a little bit of time, you can play with color. It can be that simple if you prioritize nourishing yourself.
Self-Care
Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is being kind to yourself by doing things you love and tending to yourself in little ways. When you tend to yourself, you will feel more resourced, and you will have more energy to give to your Rare child and your whole family. Creating a sustainable life as a raregiver happens one action at a time. Each time you take an action that nourishes you where you are caring for yourself, you are making a deposit into your resilience account. This account will grow over time and as it matures, you will feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed.
