V is for Value

As I look at my mother I truely value our relationship and I still see hope.  I know that if we focus on the things that she can do we will have a much more rewarding encounter.  She can still communicate, laugh, and in some instances learn.  She still has a kind word to say to those she meets and asks you if you are alright.

When encouraged she can also make you laugh and you forget that it is she that is dependant on you. I sometimes look at my mother and wonder when I reach her age if my son will find qualities in me to celebrate and I hope I impart to him the importance of valuing relationships.

Words so far....

A is for Alzheimer’s, B is for Behaviour, C is for Carer, D is for Dependant, E is for Enough, F is for Fear, G is for Guilt, H is for Health Professionals, I is forIdentity, J is for Judgement K is for Knowledge, L is for Love,  M is for Motherhood, N is for Neighbourhood, O is for Opportunities P is for Purpose, Q is for Quietness, R is for Regret, S is for Strategies, T is for Tradition, U is for Understanding

These posts are part of the A-Z Challenge taking place during the month of April.  I have been sharing about my experience as a carer to a mother with Dementia.  If you would like to know more join the Arts in Health Network and also check out my website for information on some of the work I have done with Creativity and Dementia.

Creative Every Day Challenge - Nest

For Creative Every Day Challenge Our topic for the month is nest and I have been pondering over it  for the past few weeks and for me it represents a place of safety, a place where nurturing, growth and security is present.  Just as a bird rears its young, so we hold on to our core values and beliefts that are at our very foundation. 

While doing the Crafting my best life course with Jenny Doh at Cresendoh we did an exercise where we identified our core values and we put these on stones.  Bringing the two together with this challenge serves as as a great reminder.

On a creative front I am becoming more at peace with my adventures as an artist, exploring, creating, journalling, stepping out, experimenting and on the way meeting some cool, supportive, inspiring and talented artists...

As you think about the challenges that are coming your way, think about the values that are at your foundation, the support network that you surround yourself with and that place of peace that you can retreat, to strengthen yourself as you face another day...