It’s summer, it’s hot and I have a ton of things that I have to do outside on top of everything I do inside anyway. The task list seems endless. Unfortunately, or perhaps not, this heat makes me want to sit in a cool spot and relax rather than tackle chores. It will all still be there tomorrow anyway, what’s wrong with taking a day off? Nothing at all!

There are things that I have to do everyday that involve providing care for my husband, and things that I can put off. It is important, no vital, to recognize which is which. I am learning that it is okay to take a break and let the less important things go sometimes. The lawns can look a little shabby and the house can be a little dusty, it’s all okay as long as our basic needs are being met.

As a CarePartner, I seem to think that I am responsible for everything all the time. That is too much of a load for anyone to carry. If I try to do it all, nothing gets done well. If I respect my body and take that rest on days when I need it, the things that matter happen and I am able to take on other tasks when I have the capacity.