As we approach the downhill slope of the year and the holiday period which can be busy for all of us, as carers when we think about self-care strategies…let’s not forget to pause, as hard as it may seem to do.
Carers are known to be planners and doers. In the weeks ahead, in our moments of pausing, perhaps this an opportunity to reflect on how we can create positive memories during our celebrations.
Or, if it is possible, consider how we can lean on our networks of family and friends to assist in this process.
Things you can do without leaving your home environment
Create a visual tangible memory
Snapfish and Vistaprint among many other groups provide inexpensive ways to design a mug, calendar or photos books which you can upload from your mobile phone. These can be shared as gifts, an inexpensive and thoughtful way of creating and sharing lifetime or point in time memories.
Create a special playlist
Music provides us with the soundtrack of our lives. Creating a playlist may give the person you care for, you, and your broader family and friends an opportunity to record your special events, be it Christmas Carols, summer bangers, or music that spans a lifetime of memories and milestones. The possibilities are endless and easy to do once you get the swing of apps and technology.
Create some videos
Use your mobile phone to create memorable videos of the coming together of family and friends, that silly relative who loves to make us laugh, or enjoying the summertime around the barbie, at the beach, river or pool. Share them on your social media or cherish them privately. A legacy for others in the days and years to come.
Holiday- here we come!
For those of you who can travel beyond the home environment, if you are planning to travel, it is always good to know about arrangements that you can make with airlines, handy information from disability services providers, and accessible transport. Read Ron’s travel story here featured earlier this year for some inspiration and real-life experience in overcoming the travel challenges when living with MND. Check out the links at the end of the article such as Accessible Holidays and Travel Tips and Travelling with MND - MND Victoria.
There is a myriad of ways to create memories. These are just some ideas to get you thinking over that cuppa, or while you are walking the dog, or catching up with friends to consider as we head towards the holidays.
