When we are active listeners, we allow the other person to have our full attention without distractions. Active listening means putting away distractions, making eye contact and really hearing what is being said. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #communication

As a caregiver, if there's anything I've had the opportunity to grow in experience - it's to listen. Effective communication starts with listening - really listening. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #communication

Can we think of being prepared for difficult conversations with effective communication as a "pre-coping" tool? #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #communication

ADVOCACY is defined by the Missouri Foundation for Health as “any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.” #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #advocacy

There are numerous ways we can be advocates, but, as Erin Galyean emphasizes in her book "Badass Advocate," we can't do them alone. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #advocacy

There are actually three types of advocacy - self-advocacy, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #advocacy

As we dug into caregiving advocacy we stumbled upon the work of Erin Mulqueen Galyean - author of "Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves" and her accompanying journal. ⁣@badassadvocate #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #advocacy

"All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy.” ~ Samantha Power⁣ #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #advocacy

Resilience and persistence are very similar. When we show persistence, we are being resilient and demonstrating motivation and commitment to achieving a goal, regardless of the barriers we encounter. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

Persistence may be the characteristic most often connected to caregiving. The tasks and responsibilities may feel (and be) never-ending. Any prognosis or progress for your loved one may be difficult to recognize. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

Persistence allows you to achieve goals and face challenges. While you may want to stay inside your comfort zone and avoid risk, persistence is the drive that pushes you to face challenges. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

Success is so very personally defined. You, and only you, get to define what success looks like for YOU. It's been all about not giving up when things go "wrong" - the persistence of trying AGAIN .. and again .. and again. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

There's a Chinese saying "rest so that we can go further." Just as life is a journey - your caregiving is a journey, too. On that journey, it should never be seen as a race to the finish. Instead, slow down, and try to enjoy the little things along the journey. #caregiversupport

Realistic optimism is a key component of resilience, as it enables individuals to face challenges with a balanced mindset. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

The way we think about current problems and the future can fall along a continuum. Either end are the extremes and the spaces in the center allow for personal growth and improvement. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

What's the difference between optimism and positivity? “Optimism is not a denial of the current state, it’s a belief that the future is bright, but it accepts current darkness.” ~ @SimonSinek (Optimism great!) #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

You might feel stuck identifying yourself as an optimist or a pessimist, but YOU control your thoughts & beliefs. An attitude of realistic optimism allows for a growth mindset - problems become challenges to overcome, not roadblocks. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

By accepting the reality of both success and failure, realistic optimists build the mental strength to stay persistent and adaptable, cultivating a more fulfilling and growth-oriented life. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity

When faced with a stressful situation, we all use coping mechanisms to help us get through it. Some coping mechanisms are healthy and helpful while others may reduce our emotional or physical distress but ultimately cause more harm than good. #caregiversupport #tenacity

We all use coping mechanisms to help us manage stress. The key is to find those behaviors that help, not hurt. #caregiversupport #burnoutprevention #tenacity