This Disney Quote Can Ease Caregiving Stress
The Lion King (1994)
Walt Disney Pictures
OK, this is definitely not my most Pollyana moment, but it just needs to be said. I will preface this by saying that I believe that most people genuinely mean well. Their intentions are good. But, there were times when I was tired and frustrated and people, probably thinking that they were helpful, offered suggestions or opinions that were inappropriate or out of touch or thoughtless. There were times when people were judgmental and insensitive. There were times that they would speak about Ben, in front of him, as if he was not capable of an opinion (he was very capable of opinions and he had many!). In those moments, I secretly resorted to a mental image of Scar saying, “I’m surrounded by idiots” while I smiled and nodded and exited the situation as soon as possible, to avoid an argument or a pointless conversation. Try it. Summon your best Jeremy Irons impersonation-even if it’s only that little voice in your head- the next time you hear someone offer up some ridiculous unsolicited advice or misinformation and you don’t want to lose your temper. You’ll thank me. You’re welcome!
Get Some Pollyana In Your Life with The Glad Game! – Pixie Dust for Caregivers
December 4, 2016 @ 9:54 am
[…] There’s always a pressure to be in the holiday spirit, and that can be stressful for anyone. I’ve been feeling a little down since Thanksgiving. It bothers me because I’ve been feeling more empowered since I went to London. I can intellectually understand the grief, I can analyze it, I can say that what I am going through is completely normal. Grief, however, is sneaky and unpredictable. And, I have become more self-conscious about grieving. People ask how I’m feeling and I’m not sure how I should react. If I say I’m fine, they either respond with “really?” as if I am betraying my loved ones or could not possibly be fine, or they have a sense of relief. Of course, there are the people who are genuinely interested and are happy for my good days, but sympathize with my bad ones. But, there are also the people who have given me a time frame for grief, and are impatient if I do not appear to have “moved on,” and, for those people, I am never anything but superficial in my responses. I don’t see any point in foolish discussions or being defensive about my feelings. I do, when necessary, rely on the wisdom of Scar (click here for that post). […]
On Blogging and Pixie Dust- Looking Back and Looking Ahead – Pixie Dust for Caregivers
January 13, 2017 @ 2:06 pm
[…] There have been, and continue to be, times when I have to think like Scar. […]
Oh Bother! – Pixie Dust for Caregivers
March 26, 2017 @ 10:18 am
[…] And, if we don’t question it ourselves, we often have people around us who will point it out (click here for a way to deal with them)! I am finding that there are and will be steps forward and steps back, there will be adjustments, […]
Hakuna Matata- Not Always – Pixie Dust for Caregivers
April 22, 2018 @ 11:19 am
[…] I take so much comfort and find enlightenment and inspiration from Disney quotes, and they have guided me through caregiving and grief. But, there are always times that “Hakuna matata” has eluded me, and I’m feeling that right now. I know, it is a kind of coping skills anthem, but when I am at the height of anxiety, hearing “Hakuna matata” antagonizes me. It makes me want to summon my inner Scar (click here for that post). […]