The Caregiver Coffeebreak
A new book is like a new baby, but not as messy. I remember the excitement I felt as a child on Christmas Eve, the week before school started (new shoes!) and the anticipation of the arrival of our children – all days filled with surprises and new beginnings. I’m feeling that way right now as I await the arrival of The Caregiver Coffeebreak, a new book for caregivers. I’m also preparing to launch the video and speaking aspects of my mission to support caregivers. It’s exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time. My head is filled with ideas, my heart is bursting with enthusiasm and my soul is telling me this is the right thing to do and the right time to do it.
Fear
Still, it’s a bit scary. Still, I doubt myself. Still, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time or money. But I am still doing it, moving forward. Every day, one step at a time.
Excitement
This little book is something I am terribly proud of and excited to share. My goal was to create the book that would have helped me when I was caring for my mother. A resource that would be both comforting and informative. Accessible and really useful, but not overwhelming. Each page has one idea, resource or suggestion to help caregivers and in the end, help the person receiving care. An early reviewer described the book as “distilled wisdom”. I didn’t create every idea or suggestion, rather I curated the best advice I received, the best resources and what actually worked for me. I wrote it in a manner that might bring a bit of honesty and comfort to stressed out people managing difficult situations. Whether a caregiver at the moment or not, I hope that readers will find time spent with The Caregiver Coffeebreak to be time well spent.
Writing a book is a daunting project, not unlike stepping up to become a caregiver. It takes courage and the ability to deal with whatever comes your way. I keep an image of Gumby in mind whenever I get overwhelmed and stressed – “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape”.
Hope
My hope is that I make a positive difference in the lives of caregivers with my new little book, with the Caregiver Coffeebreak Club videos and all the other fun and supportive ideas that percolate in my world. At the end of January The Caregiver Coffeebreak book will be available on Amazon, on my website – BreedaMiller.com or if you’re in my neck of the woods, I will probably have some in my car. If you are interested in purchasing a quantity of books to distribute to caregivers at organizations, please drop me a line or give me a call and we will create a plan.
Exhilarated, exhausted and enthusiastic – pretty much sums it up. Most of all, I am grateful for all the love and support of so many friends, family and colleagues to bring me to this extraordinary place in time. Thank you.
Breedamiller.com
