I’m in search of a catchy phrase that I can say to myself other than “this too shall pass” just to keep myself going.

I've discovered some months ago a song by Disturbed : a reason to fight, I listen to it and sing along when I feel "it is a battle I m never gonna win"

Yesterday I had a long nice phone call with the journalist in charge of the Art and Exhibitions pages for the magazine I work with.
She told me this : perfection is the enemy of Good.
It was not at all about caregiving but it made me think that too often we try to do more than our best, we try to make everything perfect... But at the end we just burn out which is not good!

Anche, your insights into perfection are not only very appropriate and helpful, I think that they address one of the aspects most of us face as caregivers:  how to do a good job, w/o overdoing it while reaching for perfection.   I think it could also be said that perfection can cause a high level of frustration, and dissatisfaction with one's own performance and attitude.

I'm printing this on a little card and posting it where I can remember it whenever I start a project.   

I remember discussions had when I was working, and consulting the assigning attorney about how much "perfection" was required for the client to achieve the results it wanted.    I also recall discussions with others working at the time, to get their insights.  Men especially had good advice to offer; they were way ahead of me (and other women) on the corporate ladder.

Thanks for sharing this valuable approach.

Here is new favorite from the indomitable Eleanor Roosevelt. "Life has got to be lived - that's all there is to it. Take life more calmly. You know that 'this too, shall pass." And just for a laugh ... "When I feel confused or depressed, I remember back to junior high and I silently repeat, 'This, too, shall pass." by Josh Groban
I enjoy alliterations, and thought about "Life 2B Lived" or "Just a Jr. High Moment" but I hope these bring a smile and ideas for your new catch phrase. Remember to take care of yourself, too!

"I am going to make the rest of my life,
The best of my life."

"Things will not be like this forever" My best friend always told me that when I was a caregiver for my Dad and then for my Mom. It made me feel better about things just having my friend say that to me and it really worked.

My phrase that keeps me going is "I'm doing the best I can!" I also believe in the serenity prayer. I can't solve every one's problems.

I recommend googling Frank Ostaseski and reading his contributions. Find a place of rest in the middle of things.

I have posted on my kitchen cabinet, This Season of Dementia with my Dad will not last forever...

This is a hard journey that I never expected...my Mum died 1 year and 8 months ago, then I find out Dad has early dementia...it's been an emotional roller coaster ride mourning my Mum while dealing with all the drama my Dad created partly from grief and partly from brain changes from dementia..

Ever see Finding Nemo? " just keep swimming, just keep swimming" it has a little tune to it in the movie that I can't get out of my head, I use this one to keep pushing forward.

I have read this one in a pub/restaurant today:
Nothing is impossible. The word itself says " I'm possible".
I will write it in my journal

We can all learn from the past.

For me it’s:
“Dear Lord, please handle this day for me. I can’t do it by myself.”

"The enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan.”

― Prussian General Karl von Clausewitz, Vom Kriege, 1832

For me, it’s all about music. I hear a certain song, and it changes my mood entirely. I have a song for when I’m sad, a song when I’m furious (and need to calm down), a song for everything, really. I just play it on repeat a few times until I’ve felt it ‘sink in’ and I feel better.

Maybe:

’Downtown’ by Petula Clark

Try looking out for one that speaks to you - has a good up beat, and fills you with joy. Something energizing that has a positive message.

Once you’ve found it, you can listen to it anytime for free on youtube.

Lizbitty, I like your thoughts about the music. Here's one I use sometimes: Lord, I Hope This Day is Good by Don Williams. I hope it helps some of you as well.

I just listened to Downtown. I liked it. I often stop downtown on my way home from work in the evening for a little while before my day really starts at home.

Mine is, “ What are you going to do for FUN today?!”

This isn’t as difficult as it might seem. On some truly terrible days - parent in hospital days, that kind of thing - sometimes all I could manage was to sniff some flowers as I walked by. Or read a sci-fi or fantasy book in bed before I go to sleep. Or treat myself to a fancy smoothie from the store.

It reminds me to seek out and grab onto any good moment on any given type of day. Sometimes those little moments really really help bring me to life

There is life in you so live it!!!!