How are you all holding up? I hope you are ALL safe and well. For me, my family has taken over groceries and such therefore eliminating my need to be in crowds. I am thankful. xo Video chats, phone calls, well…… it works. A great anticipation of hugs and kisses in the weeks to come is a wonderful thing to look forward to!
Isolation, for most of us living with Dementia, has been a skill we have honed over the time since, and possibly before diagnosis. WE are your “GO TO PEOPLE” if you need any advise!
During the time prior to getting a diagnosis, the time when I notice changes, the frustrating times, I began to pull back. I wrote about that before. It was a time when the changes within myself were so frustrating that I just stepped back.
My family & friends (from what I know now) became “slightly” uncomfortable with my constant absence and tiredness; but with all honestly, I was exasperated with my inability to successfully perform tasks, keep year long routines and maintain daily living as I always had. I drew back, I dropped out.
Those years ( 4 years) threw me into a turmoil of self doubt, self image loss, strange habits, odd rituals and for the first time in my life, self loathing. Even though my career was going great, I look back thinking how I changed from a career fully populated with people, happy faces, constant human physical interaction and connectivity, to a career working independent, very little human to human physical contact, smiling faces and general chit chat. It was like my mind and body geared me up for the future, all unbeknownst to my outward self.
Anyway……. the whole self isolation thing, I got that covered! Most of us do. It is an odd state of affairs that once a family member, friend or co-worker are diagnosed with one of the many forms of Dementia, that person is no longer a big part of the connectivity that allows you to continue to flourish as a human being; did you know, Dementia is not catchy, its not like chicken-pox.
The devastating effects of this terminal illness are broadcast in details of despair, diaper changing and the distinct ability not to be able to take of oneself. Seen as “old people disease”. Well that’s not so true.
I was 54 when diagnosed. I was certainly NOT “old”. However, in the eyes of the public, through the vast reporting of media and the stories of dismay, my diagnosis perpetuated on multiple levels, as with many, social distancing before it was a thing.
My self imposed isolation started out of sheer frustration, the inability to answer either myself or through professionals like Doctors what the hell is going on with me, small things and large. We, I, many of us, didn’t mean to drop out; we, I, many of us, just needed to protect ourselves, our sanity and or humanity.
Now, in this time of imposed isolation, our society of younger aged, Dementia diagnosed, living well people are successfully navigating this epidemic. (Standing ovation inserted right here!)
Look, this is hard for everyone. My point is, take it in stride. Stop looking at what you “think” you are missing, but take a clear look at what is right in front of you, the company you are keeping today……family.
You are currently surrounded by the ones you love the most in the world, that is far from being bad. Discover what you have forgotten about your partner. Sit with your kids and really have a chat. Grow a flower, build a garden. Renew connections, those intimate ones. Love.
In my view, we have been given an opportunity to truly develop the the connections we always thought that would be there, the ones that for years have remained only on the surface of the barrel; now we can dig deep, we have the time and we should all try to understand the importance of that.
“Social Isolation” is a mindset no matter how you end up being in that lifestyle. Any lifestyle change is a grounded dedication to your inner-self to adapt to the changes, either sanctioned or by choice ( like diet and good eating, physical exercise for weight loss and muscle building) and is good for you, your family and friends.
Having the opportunity to save a life is a wonder thing. In the words of Spiderman, ” With great power comes great responsibility, use it well.”
Next…….
I want to just say thank you to all of you. Thank you for reading my stories. Thank you for being there. This journey is and has been hard at times, so I just wanted you all to know that it means alot that I have so many people, lovely, caring people, encouraging me and sending good vibes.
I have a Facebook page, you are welcome to join it . I often post other interesting things, happy comments and updates. I will happily respond to any questions you may have, comments you provide or laughter you share. I appreciate you, everyone who has continued to read and even share my stories. Here is the link to join my FB page. No pressure, its just available if you ever want to connect to it. https://www.facebook.com/lylljt
There are so many other ways to connect. A great fiend, Christine, has a blog, she too has been diagnosed with Dementia, and has been living well for more than 5 years with this disease, her FB page is Chrissy’s Journey, https://www.facebook.com/groups/379774099053632, I’m certain she would be happy to have you with her. Christine has been an advocate for Dementia for many years and has had her voice, story and dedication heard all over the world. Christine brings you into her personal world in dealing with Dementia, no holds barred, and that’s what I love.
Another wonderful friend, Kate. Her site is https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/1737237
Kate has been pivotal part in ensuring, defining and guaranteeing the rights of those living with Dementia. Her Organization remains on the forefront and on the global stage for Dementia, a forthright & peak organization representing people with Dementia. Kate”s writing too, is from first hand accounts living with Dementia; her writing is compelling and at times, thankfully, in your face. I love her for never mixing words, telling the truth, and doing it all with love and compassion.
Cheers! to my friends and all those who continue to provide all of us with encouragement, fearlessness, ability and voice. I will add, in later bloggy thing entries, the other authors I follow once I have their approval to do so. Stay tuned!
Segue……………………
Whoa! I had THE MOST amazing experience EVER! April 4th was a global meditation and I participated. It was so cool.
I was at home, all by myself, @ 10:45pm, sitting on my floor meditating, with a few million people all over the world, doing all we can through thought and vibration to help heal this crazy world.
Now, I understand that this concept might just be far fetched for some, I mean, a global meditation? Are you kidding me? Well, nope! To me, it meant the possibility of healing, and to be possible, it means it could be.
Throughout my life I have believed in the “possible”. There have been times when I could not see what was “possible”, but I always found my way there. I have faced great adversity in my life, some times so adverse that I can still not talk about those things, but I found it “possible” to get through them.
If it is “possible” to help heal this world, keep my family and friends safe and well, to add to the innate vibration we hold as being vibrant, living humans on this little blue planet, I am happy to participate in that “possibility”.
I hope you felt the good vibes I sent out, the millions of people who joined together to promote and spread healing and increase the energetic vibration of the world. It was a fantastic experience!
An now, the Beach Boys! Happy listening!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdt0SOqPJcg
Stay well my friends! xo Jan xo
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