No Watch Day

               Caregivers are clockwatchers. There are so many appointments and deadlines, from seeing doctors, to paying their bills on time. On rare occasion, when you have free time, take the time to do something for yourself to make sure you practice good self-care. On the rare “days off”, I like to wing it and do what I want, when I want. I call these precious times, “no watch days.”

                Today was a no watch day for me and my girlfriend. We got up, made a good breakfast, and hit the open road Thelma and Louise style. We had a destination in mind, but decided to reroute and have a nice lunch by the harbor, do some shopping, and then end the day with more cooking. It was an A+ day all around.

                When I took care of Gramps, I didn’t have many of these types of days, where I wasn’t on a schedule, and did not need to be any particular place at a given time. When these opportunities did arise, I took full advantage and savored them. Like a dieter that indulges in a chocolate treat to be savored, it’s a delicious day indeed.

                I am in a happy place and I can afford many no watch days now. For Caregivers in the thick of it, I would suggest whenever possible to try to use the Mon-Fri routine to structure your time around the “have-to-dos” and try to find time on Sat or Sun to be looser, freer, and maybe even find time for fun. We all have our things to do list, but it really is important to find a way to let loose and allow yourself some time to breathe. Relax. Be calm. Quiet. Enjoy your life. I don’t know what those words mean to you and how you will define relaxation, calm, quiet or enjoyment. Whatever the means, at the end of the day, find a way to be fulfilled. Watching the clock and worrying every minute is no way to live. Take your watch off, take your shoes off, take a deep breath, and find your fun. You deserve it. You’ll be better for it.