Blog
Blog on the caregiver journey featuring my own story and tips for thriving during challenging times
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Family
September 2023 I delivered this webinar as part one of a three part series on caring for aging loved ones hosted by Forty W Advisors, a financial planning firm in Maryland. We talk about holding those #challengingconversations around awkward topics like ceasing driving, hiring help in the house, moving to a new residence where one might be safer, and so on. How you say it is more important than what you say and this webinar focuses on how to #createCollaboration rather than conflict when you begin these talks. Engaging a team to help and bringing more people into the collaboration for care is also included. Please reach out with any questions you might have. fern@illberightthere.com
We Are Interconnected, Never Alone
I received two messages. One was a video by Lisa Miller about how #WeAreNeverAlone. That we are all interconnected. Fascinating both scientifically and spiritually. I found this uplifting and encouraging and wanted to share it because so many of us who are finished caregiving and have their kids out of the house and have no spouse or significant others can feel alone. The second message to me came via a posting by my friend Robert Pardi. Robert posted a challenge for us to say to the universe, every day for a week, “Today is going to bring me everything I need.” I incorporated that into my morning meditation today and will continue to include it for the next 7 days. I include personal affirmations, “I am Enough!” and “I am Worthy” in my meditations as well. My sincere hope is that when you read this, you will find these messages helpful to you as well.
Forty W Free Webinar Series Featuring Fern Pessin
FortyW Advisors group has invited me to offer my thoughts on caregiving topics in a series of web events. All three education programs are free and open to anyone but pre-registration is required. Feel free to share with anyone you know who might find this information helpful.
Part One: Tough Talks- Navigating Difficult Conversations With Family
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2023
11:30AM EST
When someone dies while you’re there…
Being present in the moments after death is an incredible gift to yourself, it’s a gift to the people you’re with, and it’s a gift to the person who’s just died. They’re just a hair’s breath away. They’re just starting their new journey in the world without a body. If you keep a calm space around their body, and in the room, they’re launched in a more beautiful way. It’s a service to both sides of the veil.
Breadmaking Failure? Or is it?
What did I learn from baking this week? Patience. Ask for help. Don’t cook when you’re hungry because you can get hangry if things don’t work out. Follow the instructions. So there… my Gap Year lessons for this week. I guess not everything in my attempt to be bold and different going forward in my life is going to succeed right away. When I get finished eating the Dutch Apple Bread, I’m going to try the French Bread again and will hopefully have better luck.