Body builders do not gain their strength overnight. It is a process that involves dedication, determination, pain, focus and commitment. Long hours are spent lifting weights and conditioning their bodies. There is a quote “Everyone wants to be a bodybuilder, but no one wants to lift heavy weights!”.
You may be questioning what this has to do with caregiving. Keep reading and you will discover it all applies to your role.
When you heard a diagnosis from the doctor or suspected there was something different about a family member or friend’s behavior, there may have been a fleeting thought of I am not equipped to deal with this. You are, you just don’t realize it yet. Each month I sit in a library conference room surrounded by caregivers. They are strong. They are courageous and they are conditioning every day for the task before them.
In my mind, I see bodybuilders laboring away in the gym. Exhausting themselves to attain muscles and toned bodies. My caregivers make sacrifices. They endure pain. They remain focused. They are dedicated! By educated themselves, by diligently pushing through hard times, by asking for a spotter when the weights are too heavy and by taking care of their own minds and bodies they are ready to endure the journey of caregiving.
Don’t ever let anyone accuse caregivers of being quitters, whiners or lazy. Caregivers are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I openly ask my group questions such as “how are you?” or “What is your biggest struggle right now?”. They are learning that our group is a safe place to be honest. They can state the truth and it is never considered whining or complaining. It is simply letting us know the weights are heavy and I need a spotter to help out for a few minutes. If that works in the gym with bodybuilders then it works for us too.
As I was seriously thinking about this post, my phone rang. It was a family member who has an elderly mom and a housebound husband. Her role is usually demanding. Our call was interrupted by a call from her mom. I turned back to writing, only to have her call back.
Our conversation was so funny, I had to share. Her mom called to let her know she had pooped. Yes, you read that right. Her mom’s medications cause constipation. My cousin then laughed as she explained her daily schedule had to revolve around when her husband pooped. What does this have to do with bodybuilders? Nothing, except I guess they poop too. Parents will be familiar with a child’s book called Everybody Poops. Well caregivers understand this way too well! The first support group I ever attended had two little women in their late 80’s who shared that shaving cream applied to the posterior region helped clean their husband’s quite well.
Caregivers serve those they care for with much humility. They don’t strut their buff bodies around the gym. They just quietly exercise their muscles expecting no ohh’s and ahh’s from a cheering crowd.
Word for Today
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Song for Today
Go ahead and get some exercise since this started with bodybuilders..
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Thank you for always being our strenghth. Some days bring surprises. Some bring challenges. You are with us through it all. Give us the courage to faces these with humility and grace. Help us to stop occassionly and simply enjoy the simple pleasures as well.
Amen
Walking Them Home 