What Gives Your Life Meaning?
By Linda Fodrini‐Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC
Founder & Chairman, Eldercare Services
What gives your life meaning? That is a question I ask most of my new clients. I can’t help them get unstuck if I don’t know where they are going or what is missing in their life.
When it comes to caregiving, I ask what gives your life meaning because I want to be sure it is never far from the equation of life balance for a busy spouse or adult child caring for an aging family member.
It is so easy to let go of that bridge or book club, the golf or fishing buddies or just playing with or babysitting the grandkids because of caregiving responsibilities. When we let go of that which once gave us pleasure we can find ourselves grumpy, disappointed, angry, depressed and ill and not even realize why. It is vital to our survival to re-energize our souls in order to care for another and our own health.
I was looking at the wallpaper trim in my home office/guest bedroom and realized it has three or four important elements in my life. Those are trees, pets and angels (for me, angels represent both family and spirituality). Interesting I chose that, but not an accident.
Remember to keep what you value the most a part of your life despite any care giving tasks, health challenges or world crisis. If you are stuck in those negative emotions, give us a call. One of our therapists (who are professional Care Managers as well) can see you, or we can find someone like us in other areas of the country.