Let Go

         Control is an illusion when it comes to Caregiving. I really used to believe that Gramps could somehow be immortal, if he took his vitamins, medicine, and as long as his blood tests were okay, we could beat death. I tried to control everything, our schedule, food, nurses, doctors, medicines, the house upkeep, everything had to be in perfect order, “or else” the worst would happen. If I could give advice to Caregivers reading this blog, one of the most important tips is to “Let go.” Release any expectations that you can control everything, including outcomes. Release the expectation on yourself that you NEED to control everything, including outcomes. Let the words “let go” marinate. It takes a little bit to process and then apply it to your Caregiver practice. None of this is easy. I wish I had learned the “let go” lesson, because I stressed myself silly with trying to control our environment and make everything perfect. In the end, ironically, the worst happened, Gramps died. It was nothing I did, nothing I didn’t do, nothing that I could have done. It was nothing he could control for himself either. It’s life. Let life flow by letting go.