Creating New Holiday Memories
Creating New Memories of Freedom!
So what’s it gonna be like for you today?
As we age, the meaning of holidays take on different meanings. As children, it was all about the fun. It was the break from normal activities and the chance to go somewhere different, the time to go out of town to relatives, play for hours with cousins we may not have seen in a long time and definitely to eat food that is not typically on the household menu every week. Holidays were just all anticipation and excitement.
But as we mature, the actual reason and meaning of which holidays are celebrated takes on different meanings. We begin to realize the significance behind the celebrated day, we have time off from work but we continue to relish the time we get to spend with relative, soaking in their shared experiences and making new connection, different connections with people that we have known for years.
With passing years, some faces disappear, aging young adult children are now spending holiday times with in-laws and grandchildren are forming bonds with their peers, often still present in body, but are distracted from the moment due to electronic devices and smart phones.
Holiday celebrations slowly evolve over the years and while we deeply yearn for the “good old days”, to re-live and connect in the same manners as in the past. But we must remember that nothing has ever stayed the same, life has always taken on new meanings, new ways, and forced new memories.
And as caregivers, we can feel alone, left out of family gathering due to needing to be present to care for a loved one. We can be left feeling cheated out of opportunities to break from normal, go somewhere different and celebrate with friends and other family.
My word of encouragement for you today is to forge through those feelings, and create new memories. Like you have done so many years in the past, create a new way of celebrating. Think about why Independence Day is importance to you. Think about the freedoms that you have, and choose today to be free from thoughts of despair.
Celebrate you. Create a memory today that you can smile about next year. Make today a memory that is stored in the column of your heart along with those past memories. Connect to relatives virtually, invite someone over to share a dessert with while watching a virtual celebration on television. See if there is someone who can come be with your loved one for a couple of hours so that you can create a moment of anticipation and excitement.
Have a happy Independence Day!
Bottom Line:
Make today special for you today. The gang of relative may not arrive, the yard may not be full of running children and fireworks. There may not be an ever-smoking barbecue pits or a table spread with a feast to feed an army, but it does contain someone special — you. Celebrate the moment. Create a cheerful memory today!
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver Coach
THERE IS ALSO A PODCAST! that is available on the FindingAFoothold.com website and on all major podcast streaming sites.
FindingAFoothold.com features a podcast which contains a call-in line. Tell us your caregiving challenge and receive a free response to your struggle on an upcoming podcast show. The call in button is located on the website.
Visit the consult page of the website, find out how to schedule a free 20 minute consult to discuss in more depth your caregiving challenge and learn how to receive help developing a caregiving plan specific for your needs.
Subscribe to the podcast. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram and Linkedin.
Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.