Mindfulness

 Mindfulness and communication ~ I woke up this morning feeling just really good for a change and told Susan that this was a good day.  I do that every day, or at least give her an indication of how things are going for me, so she can plan her day and we can evaluate our plans efficacy.  Some days I just wake up and can't do the things that I wanted to do and make her aware of it as early as possible, so it doesn't ruin her day for her and she can make alternative plans.

We are finding that it is more important as time goes on to be communicative of our limitations.  That goes for her as well.  Somedays, when it is smokey, as it is today, Susan isn't able to be outside with her allergy to smoke.  As my Parkinson's progresses, I find it is more important every day to communicate the limitations to her, as it would be to any caregiver, to allow them to get a mindset for that day.  As we all know, every day is a brand new challenge.

The aggravation and frustration level is reduced with good communication.  To think that your plans are going forward as you had perceived them and had then in your mind and find out that it is impossible to complete them five minutes before you are ready to leave is not fair to your caregiver and does NOT improve their disposition.  It is always best to have a back up plan every day.

Thoughtfulness, mindfulness and recognizing the needs of your caregiver, as well as your own abilities, will maintain a healthy communicative relationship.  Of course, this is all my perception.