Finding your new purpose in life.
We should wake up each morning excited for the day. Will it be a peaceful day with everything going smoothly, or will we end up in the emergency room? Daily life can be draining, and lacking a purpose in life, apart from your loved one, can be harmful. A lack of purpose can negatively affect mental and physical health, as well as general wellness.
Life’s purpose is your own, leading reason for being—a key goal that provides meaning, direction, and fulfillment, often involving values, passions, and a positive contribution to something bigger than yourself, such as family, job, community, or spirituality, and it grows through your experiences. It’s motivating, helps with choices, and connects to better health, resilience, and a longer life, making life less stressful and more real.
My focus was on my husband’s health after his stroke, which was a good thing. After retiring, I gave up a lot of the activities I’d loved. The impact of not having a personal purpose was significant. But I, like many caregivers, prioritized others before myself.
I found joy in my husband’s survival of his stroke and was happy to care for him as he recovered. I know he’d do the same for me too. He would frequently apologize, saying he was a burden. To be frank, I never thought that, but I can see his point.
How can having a purpose positively impact your life.
My mental health has improved because I have a daily purpose. Caregiving’s daily demands can overshadow a caregiver’s personal life. It’s harmful both to you and your loved ones. It is possible that you will feel anxious, angry, or resentful. Research shows that having a purpose can decrease anxiety, reduce stress, and improve depression.
Many minor health issues developed into more serious ones. I also failed to take care of my physical health. I didn’t pay any attention to my physical and medical health. Because of this neglect, I experienced elevated blood pressure, ulcers, joint pain, and weight gain from poor eating habits, stress, and lack of exercise. I quickly understood that without a purpose, I couldn’t help my husband. My heart health has improved, and I’ve developed healthy habits thanks to my new health plan.
In the beginning, my primary concern was my husband’s health and safety. Each day presented either a fresh problem to fix or a hospital visit. It was never a good occurrence, but hardships or negativity. It didn’t take long for me to see that I was becoming negative, which I disliked. The situation was just normal post-stroke, and I knew I had no power to change it. The only thing I could control was my response. I have always wanted to be an advocate for caregivers and to educate healthcare providers. Discovering my purpose in life improved my ability to deal with challenges and setbacks. Support and guidance came from working with other caregivers, and I didn’t feel alone.
My life’s purpose has enhanced my well-being, vitality, happiness, and patience.
How do you determine your life’s purpose?
It’s easy for some, what they always wanted, with the skills to do it. Gardening would be a good example. Wanting a perfect yard of flowers, you learn to design, read, and then plan. Come springtime, you will enjoy the outcomes of your work. I enjoy gardening; however, you should know that it needs weeding and maintenance. Whether it’s big or small, your life’s purpose is what brings you joy and gets you out of bed each day.
Most individuals need some thought and testing. I appreciate working with people experiencing hardship. Yet, what’s the implementation, and how can I do this and care for my husband? Now is the time to decide what’s important to you and brings the most joy as a caregiver.
After some research and my own self-discovery, I have found looking at the following four categories helped me.
1. Strengths and passions: What are you good at? What activities make you lose track of time? What makes you happy while you are in the process of doing it?
2. Values: What really matters to you? What principles guide you?
3. Past Experiences: Review your past. What were challenges and how you overcame them. What made you feel alive?
4. Ask Questions: What is something you frequently share with friends that you would like to change? What is something others comment on that you excel at?
I have faith that once you find yourself in your life purpose, your life will change for the better.
How I can help you
As a care advocate, I’m available to other caregivers for consultations on various topics. Frequently, it’s a practical question, yet the real value is my consultation on your present and future aspirations. My healthcare background and caregiving experience are my strengths. Many people shared “I Get It.”
If you would like to arrange a consultation, either email lana@strokeandthespouse.com or go to my website www.strokecaregiverconnectrion.com and connect with me.