Ebb and Flow
The ebb and flow of life is a natural cycle that is closely interconnected with the rhythms of nature. Just as the tides of the ocean ebb and flow, so too does life go through periods of growth, change, and renewal. Nature provides a powerful metaphor for the ebb and flow of life. For example, in the springtime, plants begin to grow and bloom after a long period of dormancy during the winter. Similarly, in…
Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – May 2023
Morning glory flowers shine in the morning, bloom vibrantly through the day and then stagger toward their end in the evening. Life, death and rebirth, all in 24 hours, and all on the vine of a plant many people regard as a weed! The ebb and flow of life is our focus for May. At…
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Anticipation
What does anticipation do to our psyche? Anticipation can have both positive and negative effects on our psyche, depending on the situation and our individual personality traits and experiences. On the positive side, anticipation can create a sense of excitement and motivation. When we are looking forward to something that we expect to be enjoyable…
Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens April 2023
I don’t think there is any time during the
year when I’m not anticipating one or more of Mother Nature’s hat tricks. Forsythias in bloom,
sometimes referred to as the “Easter Tree,” bear the hope and good news of early spring.
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens March 2023
If you’re a caregiver, I’m sure there are times when you find yourself
neglecting your own nutritional needs for the good of your care receiver. The great thing about
nutrition, though, is that if you take the time to prepare healthier meals, even just once a day,
benefiting from the built-in healing mechanisms within the food, it can be good for both of you.
Continue Reading Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens March 2023
Vitality
One metaphor for this journey of vitality is that of a tree. Like a tree, we need strong roots to withstand the challenges of life. These roots can include social support systems, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-care practices. Just as a tree requires sunlight and water to grow, we also need to nourish ourselves with positive experiences and healthy habits
Loneliness
Being a caretaker for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but it can also bring feelings of loneliness. We spent the month of February talking about loneliness and the Think Caregiver™ Simple ‘Self-Care’ Suggestions helped with those feelings. We also talked about being alone versus loneliness and then the word, solitude entered the…
Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – February 2023
“When it’s inhospitable outside, what other forms can nature therapy take?”
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – January 2023
The past month at Hope Grows has been one of new beginnings. The December ribbon cuttingmarked a new era as the Iris Respite House is finally poised to welcome its first guests. HopeGrows now has a brand new (big!) sign that is actually readable from the road. And, the wintersolstice heralded the return of the…
Continue Reading Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens – January 2023
Rest, Relax, Restore
The impact of providing care takes a toll on the mind, body, and spiritual wellness of the caregiver. The Hope Grows Care Model is about helping the caregiver to find ways to take time for self, which is the main reason the #ThinkCaregiver™ program and the Simple ‘Self-Care’ Suggestions, which are popular among those reaching…
Feel Trapped Caring for Elderly Parent? Here’s How to Get Help
Adult children take care of elderly parents out of love and loyalty, but they must stay aware of signs of burnout and feeling trapped.
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Be The Season of Giving With Kindness and Cordiality
Be the cordial change you wish to see in the world by setting healthy boundaries and understanding where your energy is being spent.
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The Connection Between Faith, Acceptance and Giving Up Control
Acceptance can be interpreted in many ways. Avoiding a negative connotation & learning how to embrace the positivity is what we’ll explore together now.
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The Importance of Freedom and Peace of Mind
The power of freedom is an amazing gift many take for granted. What does freedom mean to you and in what forms does it materialize?
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Quiet Time: It’s More Important Than You Might Think
We explore quiet time ideas for busy people including caregivers who are in need of some relaxation and alone time.
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Botanical of the Month: December
December Healing Herb: Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) doterra Essential Oil: Peppermint Rishi Tea: Moroccan Mint Does peppermint make you think of candy canes and Christmas? It does for me. In the language of plants, peppermint stands for cordiality and warmth of feeling, sentiments that definitely exemplify the spirit of the holiday season. After researching it…
Finding the Dignity in Nature And Yourself
Dignity means understanding you deserve respect and to be treated as someone with value – and also that you offer the same to others.
Can You Give Hope to Caregivers?
In the midst of a family crisis, there’s no one more vital than caregivers. Learn how to give hope to caregivers.
Botanical of the Month: November
November Healing Plant: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Doterra Essential Oil: Clove Rishi Tea: Masala Chai In the language of flowers, clove stands for dignity, being worthy of honor and self-respect. This makes me want to keep a steady supply of fresh cut clove flowers in every room. This would be quite a challenge in Pittsburgh though,…
Ways to Empower Yourself and Feeling Safer
It can feel difficult to empower yourself when balancing caregiving with your own life, but these ideas can put you on the right track.
Making Connections With Others Is Among Most Important Things in Life
Making connections is an integral part of ones health. From connecting to the earth to connecting to support, learn why connection is so important!
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Reflections from the Iris Respite House Healing Gardens
October 2022 The kids are back in school, I can hear them when I’m working in the garden. Their voices mark time in my workday, while the plants mark time in the garden. It’s an autumn garden now, alive with purple beautyberry, dahlias, mums, and autumn joy. All summer, nature and the gardens give abundantly:…
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Botanical of the Month: October
Plant: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Doterra Essential Oil: Ginger Rishi tea: Masala Chai The healing plant for October is our old friend ginger, a plant that has been relied upon for its healing properties for over 5000 years. Known for its abilities to quell nausea, soothe inflammation and assuage some cold and flu symptoms, it lives…
Can I Get Paid to Care for My Disabled Child?
While providing 24/7 caregiving to a disabled child is beneficial to the child, it can take a financial toll on the caregiver. Many might feel guilty about seeking caregiver pay, but they shouldn’t. There are many resources available to help them because others understand the value of what they do. Many government agencies offer alternatives…
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Becoming a Spiritual Warrior and a Soldier of Light
Autumn Equinox, as we all know, marks the beginning of the fall season. I can’t help but feel elated. I love the fall season and all its transitions. With the shift of seasons comes a shift in our mind, body, and spirit. It’s also an opportune time to strengthen yourself into a spiritual warrior. The…
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What Is A Respite House?
Caregivers are constantly attending to those in need, but what about their needs? A Respite House is a quiet place to get much needed rest.
Botanical of the Month: September
September Healing Plant of the Month: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Doterra Essential Oil of the Month: Sandalwood Rishi Tea of the Month: Dandelion Ginger In the language of flowers, Echinacea is a leader. It means spiritual warrior, making it the perfect flower to present to someone who needs courage in the midst of a difficult…
How to Find a Senior Living Community
While finding a good senior living community might seem complicated, focusing on important issues make it easier.
Clearing the Mind and Lifting the Spirit
The Think Caregiver™ Simple Self-Care Suggestions from Hope Grows can help caregivers clear their mind and list their spirits.
Why Are We So Attached to Things?
Every expert advises seniors to downsize when they are preparing to move into a smaller residence in their golden years. But letting go is not that easy.
Botanical of the Month: August
Herb of the Month: Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Doterra Essential Oil of the Month: Clary Sage Rishi Tea of the Month: Peppermint Sage In the language of flowers, clary sage represents “clearing the mind,” and “uplifting the spirit.” Derived from the Latin word “claris,” meaning “clear,” the plant earned its common name(s) after being used…
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