Seven super-human powers inside of you
As you may know from first-hand experience, caregiving can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Unpaid family caregivers face daily challenges requiring a special skill set, extraordinary courage, and tremendous compassion.
Yet, the nature of the job often leaves caregivers feeling as if all these challenges are just a normal—and perhaps even mundane—part of life. On the contrary, caregivers have unique superpowers and rarely get the credit they deserve.
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash
Moreover, no one else on this planet can care for your loved one quite like you do.
In this post, we pause and reflect on a handful of ways caregivers exhibit super-human qualities that often go unnoticed. We hope you can take a moment to recognize and be proud of your valuable impact.
1. Caregiver telepathy
When reading your loved one’s facial expressions and body language, anticipating their needs, and ultimately providing what they need, you clearly possess a skill that cannot be taught.
2. Mega muscle power
As you pause, think about all the times your muscles serve you as you lend a helping hand, brace your loved one from a fall, or carry something solo. Your muscle power can be summoned at a moment’s notice.
3. Time manipulation
While caregiving demands are similar (if not far more) than a full-time job, you’re likely juggling plenty of other responsibilities. You have found ways to be efficient with your time and even bend it when more is needed.
4. Healing touch
As you dress a wound, help with remedies for sickness, lend a shoulder to cry on, and make space to listen, you offer a special healing ability that is uniquely yours.
5. Super-human empathy
When you walk through an experience like Alzheimer’s or dementia with your loved one, you gain a window into their heart and mind. You see things from their perspective and exercise empathy and patience in ways others never could.
6. Fantastic flexibility
“Curveball” is your middle name. You never know what your loved one might say next or what symptoms might arise. But you know you will find a way to take it in stride. You have gained an incredible level of flexibility.
7. Unfathomable love
Even though you likely never imagined yourself here, you’re doing it. That in itself is a sign of super-human, unconditional, admirable love. It doesn’t mean you won’t get frustrated or discouraged. But it does mean that you live a life that includes strong love and will endure this challenge.
What other super-human powers come to mind as you think about this list?
The effort, skill, and love you dedicate to caregiving is something to be proud of. When you can remember, briefly pause to notice your unique approach to caregiving.
Throughout your journey as a caregiver, you may need to ask for help. You may do or say things that you regret. You may even make mistakes. Yet none of that takes away from the fact that you are showing up for your loved one the best way you know how. Give yourself credit and pause to appreciate how capable you are.
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