Until Further Notice, Celebrate Everything!

By Christy Romero on November 13th, 2019

By Dr. Jamie Huysman, LCSW, CFT

It’s November, and that means it National Family Caregivers Month. This year the theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock,” about which too many of us are familiar. Your service is not unnoticed.

Thank you to all who serve, both professionally and personally. You are my heroes. A special shout out to caregivers of our military veterans, rare disease caregivers, and all those with special needs loved ones.

The 30 days of November can be a touchstone for many things – whether it is the anticipation (or dread) of another holiday season, heartfelt memories of those who are no longer with us, or winterizing our homes and wardrobes, we are aware that another year is coming to a close.

Was it a good year or a bad year? Only hindsight is 20/20. Taking each day as it comes is often fraught with the reality of life on life’s terms. So, know this:

» Your best IS good enough

» This too shall pass

» Gratitude is good for the spirit

» It’s not a moral failing to ask for help

» Taking time for yourself is not being selfish; it is absolutely necessary.

As another year ticks off its final days, and aside from the obvious sacred and secular holidays in these final months of the year, it’s important to take some time for yourself – to rest, to reflect, and to have some fun.

Did you know that there is a national “something” day for just about every day of the year? Here are some noteworthy celebrations for these final weeks and days of the year: November 15 – National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day November 17 – National Take A Hike Day / November  29 – National Day of Listening / November 30 – National Personal Space Day / December 8 – Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day/ December 15 – Cat Herders Day / December 18 – Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day / December 30 – National Bicarbonate of Soda Day.

Hey, why not make up some a calendar of special days of your own? Create your own roster of days to celebrate. Take time and have fun.

As another year comes to its end, please remember to ‘take your oxygen first,’ take each day as it comes, and find joy wherever you can (It’s not just dishwashing liquid).

Warm wishes for the happiest of holiday seasons,
Dr. Jamie

Dr. Jamie is a popular keynote speaker, media expert, and author. He co-authored the acclaimed “Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health & Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss.” Dr. Huysman writes for Caregiver SOS, Connections, JoanLunden.com, Huddol.com, and blogs on PsychologyToday.com.