As a caregiver, particularly to someone living with dementia, I suppress my emotions so as not to trigger inconsolable fear or sadness in my mother. See, for someone with Frontotemporal Dementia, it can be nearly impossible for them to recognize, compartmentalize, and regulate emotional responses. Learning of the death of a loved one could lead to attempts to take one's own life, but the death of a perfect stranger or familiar celebrity may have an equally significant impact.
Category: Caregiving
Learn more about Aisha’s caregiving journey and get tips on how to care for your loved one.
Meet the Old Me
"The changes in my appearance are not due to some personal failure... [but] are illustrative of my commitment to keeping myself and my faily safe amid a global pandemic. My fluffier waist and coiled hair are badges of honor, as I choose to honor my mother and father."
Stay in Your Lane or Get a New Vehicle
If you are like me, you may feel overwhelmed and under-qualified to fully address the deeply rooted issues at hand in a way that produces sustainable, systemic change. Tensions in workplaces, places of worship, and households are running high and relationships are being tested. (Although, for me, I refuse to engage with foolishness from people who don't get it and have no desire to understand; keeps my blood pressure from rising.)
Intentions
The last couple of years, I have set intentions with my life and career. Namely, with this blog. I intended to consistently write thought-provoking, view-altering posts about life, faith, and the human condition. With the occasional sponsored post brought to you by a product or service I care a whole lot about. I failed to … Continue reading Intentions
Strong
"But just like physical exercise is not always easy, regularly fighting for my mental wellness stretches my emotional and spiritual muscles. I have to use techniques and methods that force me to deal with my emotions in the moment when I am tempted to avoid, feed, or pacify them. Sometimes that is really hard but I have seen the fruit of my labor and it is good."