Health and Peace for the Holidays

Some thoughts for the busy holiday season:

• Because the holidays can be overwhelming at times, here is an article to keep you focused on HEALTHY caregiving during this especially frenetic time of year. Suggestions include letting others know when YOU need help, taking time out for yourself, setting realistic expectations, and CELEBRATING what you and your loved ones have right now. We have a lot of things competing for our attention … be sure that self-care remains at the top of your list!

• Peace is a recurring theme during this time of the year. How do YOU live in PEACE? Too often, we think of peace as simply the absence of hostility. It’s interesting that “shalom,” the Hebrew word for peace, actually means much more than that. It communicates the feeling, intent, and emotion of the speaker. It conveys contentment, completeness, wholeness, well-being, and harmony. Shalom is an expression of both inner peace and universal peace. It’s what we all strive for.

• For me, especially this time of year, it takes real intention to live in peace. Focus … time management … prioritization … deep breathing … and above all, patience. We've been extremely busy with the launch of our One-to-One Caregiver Support Program(it's not too late to apply/register as a participant or a volunteer) and preparations for our two other pilot programs (Support Groups and Breathing Meditation) that we expect to launch early in the next year. It has been stressful at times, but when I think about all of the support we are receiving from volunteers and donors, and the difference we are making in people’s lives, a wonderful deep peace falls over me. 

Wishing a joyous, healthful and manageable holiday season for you and your loved ones,

Kristi

Kristi Horner
Founder and Executive Director