Ging back into society after a decade of care giving.

Well, I was a caregiver for so long that sometimes I have flashbacks of my mother walking down my hallway with her walker! In my head, for a split second I think she is there.

How weird is that? I don’t think that I have ever admitted that to anyone before now.

Having mom in our house for 14 years changed my outlook on life completely!

I think that I am somewhat still emotionally adjusting. Mom died in 2021.

I’m really not sure how to answer this question because I’m not totally sure how I feel.

Being responsible for a parent’s well being is stressful and exhausting. I suppose that I feel a sense of freedom now. Relief too.

The ‘What next?’ anxiety has lingered a bit. When others in my family are struggling with something, I feel myself tensing up some.

You sound as if you are doing well, Cashew. I’m very happy for you!

Hi Cashew - I hope you know that You are an Inspiration...for all of us who are readjusting to life in general after some type of set-back. You're moving forward and embracing life again step by step thru all the growing pains. As you continue navigating this new road, I wish you much ease and lots of new adventures to get excited about !

For me - currently going thru my own readjusting, I'm trying as hard as I can to be easy on myself and to also give myself the time that I need...which is not always easy! Nothing for me right now feels familiar.

You are already paving the way for wonderful new possibilities...feel free to re-integrate into society at your own pace - the advances that you've already made (ie new walking route w/your dog..joining new church and gym, etc) are fantastic and super impressive ...and little by little, you will find your new happiness!

I'm wishing you TONS of Encouragement ....I am cheer-leading you on for happy new beginnings, sunny days, and much laughter to come!

One of the silliest realizations that I've experienced is when I was doing a bit of DIY and needed a part. I began thinking that I could arrange to go get it tomorrow......and then realized that I can leave my house anytime that I want to. I don't need to arrange a caregiver or a delivery.
I was stunned! lol

I hope you have a wonderful future ahead of you.

I'm still trying to find my niche all these years later. I think it's the combination of the fact we have aged and that the world continued to move on while our main focus was elsewhere.

I’m so glad you’re DONE with caregiving! Please live your life to the fullest!