I wrote the other day on FB that I retired two years ago from my federal career (not from coaching) and although I'm not leading the life I thought I would lead, I am blessed to lead the life I am. I do have to say I knew I was ready for the change of retirement and was so looking forward to beginning the next phase of life. What is bittersweet about all this is that it was on 5 July that I learned my mom would not be coming home from the nursing facility because of her health issues as well as Alzheimer's and that my father could not take care of her. Thank goodness my parent's doctor is so blunt. So I am sad with this memory. I have made many changes to my life since that day and I do NOT regret one change. I am in a continual learning pattern and have opened my life and heart in many ways I did not realize possible. Whether it's advocating for my mom and other patients who may not have any one; to reaching way down inside for patience at the end of a long day; it's all about caring for others. It's remembering that others are doing the best that they can in that moment. It's mentoring young staff members on how to watch, listen, and show respect for those they are caring for as well as their families. Also, I learned to be more open in my blog, I must admit I was nervous about revealing too much, but I thought perhaps others can learn from what I put out here. Also, the support I have received has been amazing. Too many more examples to list here. I'm sure you can think of some as well.
We are in a holding pattern with my mom. It's an up and down pattern of how she feels as every time she gets an infection it impacts her overall health. Her eating patterns impact her health as it also impacts how the medicine works. She has good days and bad days and although I have steeled myself in many ways for the bad days, it's harder on my dad. When I pick him up I know as he puts his butt in the car what kind of morning he has had. I get a complete rundown before he puts the seat belt on so I know sort of what my afternoon will be. When I get home at night, he is waiting for my briefing. He was not feeling well this past week so I was run a little ragged trying to be sure they were both ok. I found out I can make a mean hot toddy though so perhaps that's a skill I can use later...LOL!
I have not actively pursued coaching in a while. I still love it and keep up with everything published by the ICF as well as LinkedIn and FB groups. I have not pursued clients although I do a bit of coaching in many ways with other families or staff at the nursing home. I tried to reach out to the local chapter of coaches here, but so far no luck. I'm not giving up though and feel when the time is right I will know. Do you have a passion in your life that you are not pursuing? Don't let it get you down, it's small steps that eventually lead to bigger vistas.
I received a bunch of books this week from my order. Within the next couple of weeks I'm going to head over to the bookstore I like to get more. It's fine that I can order online, but I really like the walking through the bookstore to see what grabs my attention. I do have lists of books for my adventure. I did finish reading: "INSIDE THE O'BRIENS" by Lisa Genova. Lisa wrote "Still Alice" so I was expecting a good story and I got one. This book is about a family dealing with Huntington's Disease. I learned a lot about the disease and the family dynamics of making some decisions surrounding the disease. What are you reading?
Before I sat down to write I put meatloaf in the oven and scalloped potatoes on to bake. I have been a bit neglectful this past week of ensuring my father eats a decent meal. He can heat everything up when he's ready, but it will be waiting for him. I was driving home last night and someone was having a fabulous smelling BBQ and I thought I don't know who you are, but I want to visit..LOL! It's part of the reason I thought I better cook today, we have so much food in the freezer and I don't want to waste it. We actually ate breakfast at home yesterday and today so we got to use up some breakfast items. With all the tourists in town, it's actually easier to eat at home on weekends.
I am going to end it here today. I hope you enjoy the week and celebrate the 4th somewhere fun. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." Soren Kierkegaard
"I live in America. I have the right to write whatever I want. And it's equaled by another right just as powerful: the right not to read it. Freedom of speech includes the freedom to offend people." Brad Thor
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." C. S. Lewis