I have been told by so many people that I need to take care of myself, put on my own oxygen mask first, fill my own cup that the words have become empty and useless. That’s why I was inspired by a comment I heard on a recent Parkinson’s Foundation CarePartner summit. The words that resonated with me were “stop thinking about self-care and instead think about maintaining a sense of self.” It’s a shift in perspective that gives me a clearer pathway through my journey as a PD CarePartner.

Sense of self refers to who I am inside, my strengths and weaknesses. It’s about my basic characteristics, my personal values and beliefs, understanding who I am. It is not about doing what makes me happy to relieve my stress, it’s more about being true to myself. It’s about recognizing life choices I am making, whether they relate to caring for my husband or myself, and being thoughtful with them. It’s about remembering that I am a person and that what I think matters too.

I don’t have a lot of time to give to hobbies but I do have time for contemplation and journaling. I can stop and think about who I was before this diagnosis and who I am now. I can explore what has happened and whether I am still that person or what changes have happened thanks to my husband’s illness. I can recognize growth and new capabilities that have made me stronger. I can look for the person I was and love the person I have become. That should enable me to respect and care for myself in the best possible way.

I found a great on-line article about Sense of Self on the Healthline website, view it here Sense of Self: What It Is and How to Build It.