I think Buddha’s teachings say it best, “As you think, so shall you become”. Being a CarePartner is a difficult and sometimes underappreciated life. I find it can be frustrating, depressing, even heartbreaking at times as I so want to help my husband but don’t know how. It is easy for me to fall into dark thoughts watching him struggle as his symptoms progress knowing it is all out of my control. But those dark thoughts are not helpful to anyone, especially myself.

If I can take his advice and remember to look at what we can still do rather than focus on what we can’t do anymore, life becomes much simpler. Maybe we can’t hike 5 miles anymore but we can still do a mile and that’s okay. Maybe long trips are too difficult but we can still make those shorter jaunts and enjoy the world just a little closer to home. Maybe life needs to move at a slightly slower pace, and maybe that is actually better for both of us.

My thoughts need to remain focused on the fact that we are still here and we have many years to share together. I can choose to spend those being sad and looking back at what we may have missed out on, or I can spend them immersed in living fully each day and the opportunities we still have to share and enjoy. “As I think, so shall I become” happy, loving and thankful for whatever challenges and successes life gives us.