I wanted to share a few blogs I've discovered that you might like as well. There are so many places to visit on the internet, but what I look for are voices that are more personal, more seeking to connect in ways that feel real. Sometimes the discussion is solely about being a caregiver, othertimes it veers, to talking about life, love, health, emotion, mood, loneliness, loss, grief...the list goes on. Of these five blogs, three are more obvious in their relevance to caregivers, two are less obvious. Nonetheless, each speak to the issues many caregivers and/or those in the "Sandwich" are discussing.
Here they are:
Food & Love
Nurse Elizabeth Hanes has created Nourish the Caregiver about...food! As she puts it: The blog is about "sharing fresh and nutritious—yet quick and easy—recipes for caregivers. Because we need to take better care of ourselves if we're going to provide good care to another.
Let's celebrate the joy of cooking good food and sharing it with the ones we care for. It's the best gift we can give ourselves and them. Visit NOURISH THE CAREGIVER.
Practical + Advice
Karl Pillemer, professor of human development in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, and Professor of Gerontology in Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College, has started The Legacy Project. Back in 2004, he started collecting practical advice from older adults—elders—about a variety of topics. Visit 30 LESSONS FOR LIVING. Also, check out the book: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans.
You Are Not Alone
Over at MidLife Matters, health writer Sheryl Kraft speaks to the concerns of those of a certain, ahem, age. She writes like the neighbor (the nice one) who lives next door, with a focus on caring for the self, examining life's issues from the viewpoint of a writer (she is one), a baby boomer (she's 57) and a friend.
"Midlife Matters is an informal conversation where we discuss all matters—and why they matter, pertaining to women in midlife. I cover the latest in health, fitness, nutrition, wellness, fashion, beauty: in other words, life as it happens," Sheryl says. Visit MIDLIFE MATTERS.
The Medical + The Personal
This year I was asked to participate on the social media committee for the Journal of Palliative Medicine blog, which, as I see it, is the more personal side of the ethical, medical and psychological issues that surround palliative care. The blog is a good place to find personal stories, many written by healthcare providers who work or have worked in the field of palliative medicine. Visit JOURNAL OF PALLIATIVE MEDICINE blog.
Twirling Through
Journalist Kathy Sena, who also happens to be the social media reporter for Consumer Reports, started Bad Ballet last year. Sena, aka, Prima Bad Ballerina, has created a community that is all about "leaping onto the next stage of life—no tutu required." When one is a caregiver, a new direction may seem almost impossible, but Sena's uplifting site proves that small changes can lead to bigger changes, and, most importantly, honoring how important it is to find a way to take time for oneself—that your life matters—wherever you are, whatever you are doing. Visit BAD BALLET.
