This morning when walking with the dog, viewing the surrounding hills and valleys, the thoughts that enjoined me were that, from on high and looking down over it all, it resembled many a person's life path. The compartmentalised fields divided by the limestone walls, the deep valleys, the deserted and dilapidated stone barns which once gave shelter and warmth to both cattle, sheep and farmer, many now near collapsed, due to years of neglect and the ravages of the weather. These places hold countless memories for and of, many people over centuries. Those people were real, as were the livestock they looked after. Not only the people who worked the land, but also the many thousands of walkers and visitors who have visited the area.
The patch quilted scenery, like life, contains many seasonal changing aspects and yet also the steadfastness of the main physical features. The river, whose waters disappear into the underground limestone caverns during the summer and then reappear during the autumn rains and winter's snow. To be able contemplate these things is a wondrous aspect of this life journey. To be able to peacefully reflect on such things brings a great joy. This far exceeds the benefits of being able to remember every happening of the day or everything that has to be done. The frustrations and annoyance, due to lack of understanding, confusions and memory loss, verbal fluency etc, fade into insignificance as silent witness of the depth and beauty of lives past and present and creation are contemplated, helps to make journeying this way a "Good Life With Dementia"!
JSAFGA.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Friday, 17 February 2012
MISSING LINKS
I feel disposed to write about "Missing Links" as this can be an occupational hazard / challenge on the road of the "Good Life". Missing links can be frustrating for everyone in all walks of life and at all stages of life. They often eventually reveal themselves sooner or later. Even when they don't, their relevance has usually passed, as has their significance.
Now, what are the sort of links that go missing? They can be many and varied, sometimes words, sometimes ideas, sometimes thought processes, sometimes emotions, sometimes relating to memories. The fact that the link goes missing, whether temporarily or long term, can cause a moment or two or even longer, of disruption / consternation. However, it is important to try and adapt as quickly as possible to the new situation, without the unrecalled, yet real, link that is missing.
Sometimes, although a thought process is interrupted, due to a missing link, it is possible that this may be advantageous, provided that the frustration associated with it can be quickly overcome. The potential advantage, is that the brain has to devise another strategy for dealing with this new found situation. It helps, if one can get oneself into a long-term positive mindset. This then ensures that every set back, while being acknowledged as such, is still seen as an opportunity, to draw on the hidden resources that the brain and ones personality can muster. This positive attitude, if able to be adopted, will help to overcome the disadvantage of no longer having the "Missing Links".
JSAFGA
Now, what are the sort of links that go missing? They can be many and varied, sometimes words, sometimes ideas, sometimes thought processes, sometimes emotions, sometimes relating to memories. The fact that the link goes missing, whether temporarily or long term, can cause a moment or two or even longer, of disruption / consternation. However, it is important to try and adapt as quickly as possible to the new situation, without the unrecalled, yet real, link that is missing.
Sometimes, although a thought process is interrupted, due to a missing link, it is possible that this may be advantageous, provided that the frustration associated with it can be quickly overcome. The potential advantage, is that the brain has to devise another strategy for dealing with this new found situation. It helps, if one can get oneself into a long-term positive mindset. This then ensures that every set back, while being acknowledged as such, is still seen as an opportunity, to draw on the hidden resources that the brain and ones personality can muster. This positive attitude, if able to be adopted, will help to overcome the disadvantage of no longer having the "Missing Links".
JSAFGA
NB. MISSING BLOGS
I realise that I have posted 5 of 2012 blogs on another blog page of mine that has the same name, i.e. "A Good Life With Dementia". I had unwittingly created that site when setting up the original one. I will endeavour to ensure that all future blogs are published on the one site, namely this one!
Sorry about the slip up!
JSAFGA
Sorry about the slip up!
JSAFGA
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
YOU ARE STILL WHO YOU WERE
It is easy to become disillusioned by the fact that, due to the dementing process, one is aware that one is not as one was, and also therefore that this will no doubt be apparent to others.This may specifically apply to those who have known you for a number of years. The differences may not be too significant or discernible to others. To some, the changes they may seemed marked. Your nearest and dearest will be the ones who have experienced and will be most aware of the gradual changes that are and have taken place over the years and months. Those who did not know the old you, will therefore be non the wiser and it is easier for them to accept you as you are, as they have no reference point from the past with which to compare.
The relevance of the above, is that, I believe, we dementees should remain cognisant of the following:-
Although subtle and sometimes not so subtle changes are taking place, both in relation to how we are and how we are perceived by others, never the less, it is a fact that "You Are Still Who You Were". I mention this, as it occurs to me that, although on occasions, recent events may be difficult to recall and behavioural issues may not be perceived to be like "the old you". The fact is that, the You are still You, the combination of, the You of the past and the You of today. These will combine to be an integral part of the You of tomorrow. To retain this view, I find helpful, as an aid to maintaining an essential degree of self esteem, that dementia has the potential to undermine.
JSAFGA
The relevance of the above, is that, I believe, we dementees should remain cognisant of the following:-
Although subtle and sometimes not so subtle changes are taking place, both in relation to how we are and how we are perceived by others, never the less, it is a fact that "You Are Still Who You Were". I mention this, as it occurs to me that, although on occasions, recent events may be difficult to recall and behavioural issues may not be perceived to be like "the old you". The fact is that, the You are still You, the combination of, the You of the past and the You of today. These will combine to be an integral part of the You of tomorrow. To retain this view, I find helpful, as an aid to maintaining an essential degree of self esteem, that dementia has the potential to undermine.
JSAFGA
Friday, 3 February 2012
UNCERTAIN TIMES
Uncertain times at the moment - Not sure what to think or do. Motivation waning slightly. Might be the time of the year. Slight loss of motivation and enthusiasm. Hopefully this will pass. Still thinking positively although the future does not seem as bright as previously. Slightly demotivated - not inclined to play the guitar for past few months. Still thinking positives thoughts and general health is still good. Still making sure the daily walks happen and enjoying the blue skys and the frost. The outdoors and hillside a great blessing. Intend to keep looking on the bright side - have got so much to be grateful and thankful for. Got to be able to take the rough with the smooth us problem solvers. The snow drops look beautiful in the lane. The dementia journey is a challenging one yet life is still Good.
JSAFGA
JSAFGA
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