Creating Caring Communities

One of the greatest gifts in this life, is the opportunity to care for one another.
In a world that often emphasizes huge accomplishments, it is easy to feel that our care for those around us is insignificant.  But that is not the case.

Those ‘little’ things we do for our children with special needs, our neighbours, the professionals with whom we interact, or the grocery clerk at the store down the street – they matter!  True caring often takes place in private moments – a smile, a hug, a note of encouragement, a homemade meal, cleaning up a mess (for the tenth time in a day). Quietly and humbly, one small action at a time, caring communities are created.

One thing that having a child with special needs teaches you, is how to become a more caring individual.  But parents of children with disabilities often forget, that to provide quality care for others, we must also care for ourselves.

February is a great month to talk about love and CARE.
For more information and links to resources on the topic of self-care for the caregiver, continue reading…

If you can’t remember the last time you did something to care for yourself, be encouraged!  Self-care does not have to be time consuming, nor does it need to be expensive.  It is not a luxury or simply a reward; it is an ongoing necessity!  It can be as easy as taking some deep breaths, recording 5 things you are grateful for, or taking a moment to identify something beautiful you can see/hear/smell/taste/feel – right where you are at!

CLICK HERE for a link to a collection of printable resources from Caregiver’s Alberta, intended to help you on your caregiving journey.

Are you in need of some respite, so you can focus on yourself for a bit?
Caring family support workers, with lived experience, are available to help you locate resources on our website that will suit your needs. Just give us a call at (877) 835-1105 or CLICK HERE to search the Community Resources section of the Children’s Link website, using the keyword, respite.

If you are need of some general self-care ideas, here is a link to an article that might help you out Positive Steps to Wellbeing, as well as a short 2-minute video to inspire you to practice self care Nourish Your Inner World on the Journey with Your Special Child.

Establishing regular self-care routines can be difficult, but it is always worth the effort.  Just start with one small way you wish to care for yourself today, and you’ll have a self-care rhythm going in no time at all!  Then you will have the energy, motivation, and compassion you need to continue caring for yourself, your loved ones, and the people in your community.  We are all worth the effort!

With care and compassion,

Sandra Cicman, M.Ed.
The Children’s Link Society