How to preserve our energy. As caregivers, how do we create boundaries and still be loving?

How…set the intention.

One thing that I have learned is that we cannot control the actions, the energy and the words of others. 

Furthermore, I find that people like to project their feelings onto me. Because of that, I’ve learned to become more aware of who depletes my energy and who fills it up. Self-isolation has actually helped me in this regard as there are people who I don’t miss as much as I thought that I would.

As a caregiver, we’re in a unique situation because the person for whom we are caring may have unflattering behaviour – but that is not to what or whom I am referring.

I’m talking about people outside of our circle who we need to interact with such as friends, family, co-workers and community members. We can choose to start setting intentions before such encounters where we remind ourselves to stay positive, to not take things personally and to not give our power away so easily to others.

As caregivers, I believe that it’s our loving nature that can make it more challenging to identify these people and then set the necessary boundaries.

I appreciate that this is NOT easy. There have been times when I set very clear intentions before meeting with people and yet I still got triggered by a sarcastic comment or passive aggressive comment. My goodness, we are human and everything takes baby steps.

That being said, it is an important part of our overall wellbeing. I believe that we owe it to ourselves and our families.