💖 Week 4: Reclaiming Yourself — When Joy Becomes Shared Purpose

Caregiving may change your life, but it doesn’t erase who you are. In fact, it may uncover the strongest, most joyful version of you.

Our family grew up around music.  Whether that was playing an instrument, playing in a band, or dancing.  My brother Clint played drums, my sister played flute, our dad played guitar, wrote music, and sang.  I played bassoon and flute in high school.  And we all enjoyed dancing.  Me especially!

I always wanted to learn modern dance, but mom couldn’t afford it.  So, I found opportunities to dance during cheerleading season but mostly during competitive baton twirling growing up.  Once an adult, I found freedom on the dance floor, wherever the dance floor was.

While caring for my brother, I used music to allow the “Clint” we knew to shine, especially getting him on his feet to dance, in his own way.  It was during these moments that I realized I wasn’t losing my identity.  Music still brought me joy.  Dancing still gave me a sense of freedom and escape.  When caregivers accept that they are not losing themselves but evolving, the light at the end of the tunnel appears closer.

Keep hold of the things you enjoy.  It was two years after my mom and brother passed away, but an opportunity for me to do two things I enjoy presented itself.  I got my license to facilitate a group fitness program that is centered around dancing, called Groove.  Being on the dance floor is my freedom, my escape.  I can release all stress or tension from the day and just “be”.

As stated above, caregiving may change your life, but it doesn’t erase who you are. In fact, it may uncover the strongest, most joyful version of you.