We stay stuck when the same thoughts keep looping in our heads.  If days  start running in to each other, it's really easy to hold on to the same  thoughts! In this episode, I offer a few new thoughts for you to try on  when you begin to feel out of sorts.  Try them on and see what you  think!

Today I'm having a moment of feeling really sad and ripped off about how things are playing out in the health of the people I love.  We have lost so much time because of dementia and cancer.  My wish is that you feel supported and all the love, while we figure out how to best take care of ourselves along the way.

Spoiler Alert - every outcome of me not drinking has been positive, across the board.  In this episode I share what those changes looked like with my body, relationships, mind, time and more.  Enjoy this final episode in this 3 part series of my journey on stopping drinking.   

My relationship with alcohol had bothered me for years and in 2018, I FINALLY figured it out.  I had my last drink January 23rd.  The first 6 months I definitely was looking over my shoulder and trying to figure out how to navigate this choice.  Resources felt slim and I wasn't sure how to make it through. The Podcast that helped me the most was The Life Coach School by Brooke Castillo.  Her Stop Over Drinking episodes 1, 2 and 3, were a game changer.  Getting a handle on this habit came simultaneously with me figuring out how to manage my emotions differently and lucky for me she's a certified coach so I was already in the right spot. https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/116/ https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/117/ https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcast/118/ In this episode I share how I did it.  I decided to expand this to a 3 part series and next week share what has changed in my life as a result.

This is an ongoing conversation I began about a year ago.  In 2018, I completely changed my relationship with alcohol. Posting videos on Social Media, I invited people in to my experience and as a result, many have messaged me with what their experience is. In this episode, I share the main reasons why I stopped drinking.  I mention this is going to be a 2 part series, but will expand it to 3.  The next episode I'll share HOW I stopped drinking and then in the final will share how my life has changed.   EDIT: the birthday was Jan 21, but the 23rd was an opportunity to celebrate and the 24th is still when I decided to stop. This will make sense when you listen.

It is easy to find a lot of things to complain about these days and there are plenty of people ready to listen (hello Internet).  But putting words to our thoughts give them power, and when you are taking care of someone, that can make the days feel even harder and longer.  In this episode, I share the importance of choosing our words carefully. (PS, I'm not perfect at it, but I'm aware and sure trying!)

In my years of experience, I've never heard of a senior living community that makes you sign a year long lease.  In fact, what is required to move out is giving 30 days notice.  In this episode I share a couple of reasons why someone may make the decision to transition to senior living and a resource that can help make the process so much easier.  Remember, once you've given it a shot, if necessary, you can always give 30 days notice and move out!   EDIT: I mention in this episode that I don't know of anyone who has chosen to give notice and move out, BUT, my own grandmother did when we moved her from one side of town to another. So of course, as with everything in life, there are exceptions!

This is a comment that I see over and over in caregiver support groups and have also heard a lot in recently in healthcare.  Based on my experience and what I've read, there are three phases we go through.  Digging deep to gut it out, reconnecting with 'why', and considering shifting gears to make a change. 

I haven't met a caregiver that isn't riddled with guilt.  Guilty is an emotion you are feeling generated by what you are THINKING.  In this episode I talk about my recent experience of feeling guilty, why spending energy on guilt isn't useful and what you can do.  Change your thinking, change how you feel.

Join me in this episode as I visit with my mom, Deborah Ferris, as she shares some strategies on how to have a good visit with your older family member.  Ultimately the key was being willing to pivot when things were not going as expected. Have a monologue in case they aren't up for participating in the conversation. Take pictures or a pet to talk about Do what's right for YOU Have a plan going in if you don't think things are going well