I have found that I am the least effective as a CarePartner when I am not taking good care of myself. If I am tired, hungry, or just feeling out of sorts, it is reflected in my interactions with my husband and that is not good for either of us. I need to make sure that I am healthy in both mind and body, and that my needs are met so that I can be here for him when his needs exceed his capabilities, I know he would do it for me.

It is also important that I not feel guilty or think that I am taking anything away from my partner when I have activities that don’t include him. I recently had an opportunity to sit in on a community meeting and found myself inviting him to be a part of it. I knew it was during his nap time, I knew that he didn’t really have an interest in it however, I felt obligated to include him as if to justify my participation.

Being his CarePartner may be the most important role I have right now, but I also have to remember that caring for myself is just as vital. It is not selfish to take time out for personal interests nor should I think that I am taking anything away from us. My husband would never try to stop my involvement in outside activities, he understands that they can actually bring more into our lives. There are many wonderful things we do together, I just have to remember that it’s alright to do some equally wonderful things on my own.