This past week went by so quickly that I could not believe it was time to write another blog. Have you experienced weeks like this where suddenly it's the next week? It was not like I was doing anything outside the norm, but time is flying by. I was trying to think of topics for today's blog and could not think of anything earth shattering or challenging - so I hope I don't bore you.
My mom had a good week with almost normal times. We celebrated my parents' 58th anniversary last Sunday. My family took my mom to a nice restaurant with a wonderful view of the harbor. She and I split a meal and she ate a good portion which is always good to see. I could tell when she got a bit tired or drifted away from the discussion. Sometimes over stimulation is a bit overwhelming for people with alzheimers as the person can not keep up with what is going on around them.
My dad/papa takes mom outside in the good weather for about an hour before lunch. She so looks forward to going outside usually because it's warmer than inside. What my dad noticed was that as they roamed the grounds she appeared to be on the lookout for her car. She has not asked directly about her car in a while. We have not told her that her car was traded in for a new car in December. So in casual conversation he brought up the fact that I'm used to a smaller car and he was giving me her car to trade in as it was older. Apparently, she gave her permission for me (not papa) to get a new car for use while here. Her only question was - will she be able to get in/out of the new car for rides? Dad told her that yes would be able to take rides easily. Dad said we can show her the new car next week after it's washed and cleaned up. One secret down.
The only secret that will be kept is about having a dog. Every time a dog is mentioned she says NO TOO MUCH WORK! My mom is not an animal person at all so we drop the subject. I think this secret will be kept for a while. Do you have secrets that you keep? This is a silly one in many ways, but why upset her when not necessary.
I stepped outside my own comfort zone this past week and had a telephone interview with a job recruiter. I have not interviewed for a job in private industry in almost 35 years and I must admit I was a bit nervous. I don't know if I'll get a job or not, but I'm glad I participated in the interview as it made me think about my attributes as well as what I might want to do if I decided to work. I'm also glad that as a coach I have worked with people preparing them for interviews so I followed some of the guidance I give to others.
I consider all time here in Plymouth as creating memories. Whether it be with sitting with my mom in the mornings, spending time with my dad or with my sister and family - I am creating memories for them and myself. Most of them are simple and fun, but they are all part of me. I do get sad, I must admit, when I'm at the nursing home and see what alzheimers has done to my mom and many others. All I can recommend to others is keep making memories and if you can take pictures or write a journal of events all the better. I know I post silly updates on Facebook, but it's my way of documenting. What do you do to create or document memories?
I have been reading quite a bit about happiness. What it means? How can I get it? Etc. From Wikipedia: "Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.[1] A variety of biological, psychological, religious, and philosophical approaches have striven to define happiness and identify its sources. Various research groups, including positive psychology, are employing the scientific method to research questions about what "happiness" is, and how it might be attained." There is a also a much longer definition that I won't put here. Suffice it to say with a definition like this happiness is something different for each person. I do not expect to be happy 24/7 and I believe it would be unreasonable for anyone to believe 24/7 happiness is around the corner. I work at being happy, by that I mean I I try to look for the positive in life,people and events. That's not to say that I don't get sad or depressed..I think this is also part of life. What I have found is that since I am working at keeping the negative to a minimum I am definitely in a much happier state of mind. I believe the coaching I had over 10 years ago is what started me on the journey of lessening negativity in my life and lightened my being. How about you? What are your thoughts on happiness? How do you seek it? Do you think coaching could help?
Have I mentioned that I have become addicted to coffee? For those that know me, for years I two pots of tea every work morning. Now I start out the day with 2 or 3 cups of coffee. I am usually up for at least an hour and finished a workout before I have coffee. Lately, I have been getting a large iced coffee in the afternoon - I so look forward to that iced coffee - of course it could be because I have it sweet, but it's so nice to sip on for an hour or two. Do you have an addiction?
I am leaving it here today. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." Charles Spurgeon
"Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life." Omar Khayyam
"I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition." Martha Washington
Referrals are always appreciated.