If You Have a Lemon, Make a Lemonade

Sometimes when I read a personal growth book I like to open it at a random page to see my ‘message of the day’. Last night I started reading Dale Carnegie’s book—‘How to Stop Worrying and Start Living’ and the chapter was titled…’if you have a lemon, make a lemonade’. It is a story about a woman, Thelma, who moves with her husband to a military training center in the middle of the Mojave Desert, California. She lives in a one-room shack in the unbearable heat–125 degrees in... 

[Read The Full Article]

Brain Rule #1

Last night I snuggled into bed and opened up my new book titled Brain Rules by John Medina. He is a molecular biologist and research consultant. The book talks about how the brain works and the “12 rules” for getting the most out of it. To no surprise, Rule #1 is Exercise. Medina said…”from an evolutionary perspective, our brains developed while working out–walking as many as 12 miles a day”. He said we aren’t made to sit at a desk for 8 hours and we crave that ‘active’ experience.... 

[Read The Full Article]

My Husband with Dementia Teaches Me About Simple Pleasures

Dave loves to go on adventures. Whenever he is travelling in a car, riding his bike, or sitting on a bus, he is a ‘happy camper’. He constantly scans the fields and lampposts for birds, animals in the fields, and generally enjoying the changing scenery. Earlier this week Dave wanted to go into town and do a couple of errands. The roads are a bit icy so I drove him to the nearest city bus stop—10 km. away. When we are pulling up to the bus stop, Dave sees a young man waiting for the next bus.... 

[Read The Full Article]

Words of wisdom from a 20-something about her Dad with Dementia

This week I was finishing up my 5-week teleseminar series, Dementia Hope Formula, and for a special treat I had my daughter, Amy, speak honestly about how her life is changing with her Dad having dementia (frontotemporal) Amy : what has affected you the most about having a Dad who is different than the one you grew up with? I realize all of the great memories growing up–the teaching about the wilderness, and the patience he had. I am grateful for all that my Dad has given me in the past. I... 

[Read The Full Article]

Cranky Thursday

This morning I was reading my journal and I came across an entry for September 23, 2010. It read… Yesterday I woke up after 6 hours and I was cranky. Usually I like to stretch for a few seconds and think about one thing I am grateful for. But not yesterday. I made coffee and then I got crankier because Dave woke up at 5 am to get ready to go to the gym with his buddy, Doug. I was upset because this is my quiet time of the day and Dave was interfering with it. Then I became even madder because I... 

[Read The Full Article]

Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

Exactly 2 weeks ago, my husband and I were running along a beautiful stretch of road and I blogged about it in ‘Living with Dementia–Enjoying the Present Moment‘ http://hollyeburne.com/alzheimers-and-related-dementia/living-with-dementia-enjoying-the-present-moment/ The shortened version is that I was enjoying the sunshine and the rainbow of colours around it yet Dave could only see the dark clouds in the distance. We had different perspectives. I used this situation as a metaphor... 

[Read The Full Article]

2 More Lessons in the Day of Being a Dementia Caregiver

This morning I woke up earlier than usual and I was feeling cranky as soon as I opened my eyes. I like to spend a few seconds stretching and thinking of one thing I am grateful for before hopping out of bed. I was having none of that this morning. I LOVE early mornings–4:30 to 6:15 am is my quiet time. It is when I recharge my battery by sitting with my kitty, sipping on coffee, reading, writing or meditating. But this morning was different…it was interrupted by my husband, Dave waking up... 

[Read The Full Article]

Living with Dementia: Enjoying the Present Moment

I just came back from a run with my husband, Dave. It is an absolutely gorgeous fall morning–sun is shining, with wispy clouds and a feel of coolness in the air. Perfect for running. As we are heading towards the sun, I look up to see many layers and shapes of clouds, on a backdrop of the deep blue sky. What is interesting, and particularly beautiful, are the colours around the sun–shades of mint green and fuchsia-almost like a rainbow but without the rain. I mention it to Dave, who isn’t... 

[Read The Full Article]

Finding Humour in Dementia

Living with dementia (my husband, Dave, has frontotemporal dementia) can be challenging, but at the same time a great teacher. The other day Dave and I are sitting under a giant ponderosa pine tree, enjoying the sights and sounds of the birds around our pond. Since Dave’s dementia affects his language skills, he doesn’t talk very much and when he does, he likes to start a conversation with a question; then more questions. This time he is asking me about our springer spaniels… ... 

[Read The Full Article]

Changing Perspective is Key to Easier Living with Dementia

Life over the past 3 ½ years has been a time of massive personal growth. I never imagined that my husband, Dave, would be diagnosed with a form of dementia (Frontotemporal) at the young age of 57. I also never imagined that my life would be richer because of this diagnosis. There is no denying there are difficult times, or that there are moments when I don’t think I can handle one more change, one more responsibility. But I am finding it easier to move through those periods simply by changing... 

[Read The Full Article]

« Previous Page — Next Page »