Expect the Best, Be Prepared For the Worst, Then Live in the Present

Since the phenomenal success of "The Secret" DVD, I have noticed there are many more books out now about the power of visualization, "living in the moment", focusing on gratitude, and using positive affirmations. Even Oprah and the talk shows are doing more programs about the "new" innovative concepts-which have actually been around forever.

The other day I watched a program about famous people down through the ages who creatively used the power of their minds to overcome life's obstacles. And when I was a little girl, I remember my mother teaching me the mind-focusing techniques as she read Norman Vincent Peale's, "The Power of Positive Thinking".

But even after a lifetime of practicing positive thinking, when I became the sole fulltime caregiver to both of my parents (with Alzheimer's not properly diagnosed for over a year), I just couldn't pull myself out from the depths of despair and sadness. I was so overwhelmed and so frustrated that I couldn't make my parents better; that my life was on interminable hold with no idea how long the heartbreaking situation would last; and that I have to live with a constant ominous feeling of impending doom and death.

What helped me the most was when I finally got my parents into Adult Day Care (which gave me several hours respite a day), and getting myself into a support group with others going through similar situations. Then, my positive thinking started to work again and I was able to focus. I made action plans for everything, including the worst-case scenarios so I felt more in control. I also prepared for a natural disaster by getting a Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit for each of us and one for the car.

With guidance from the support group and having contingency plans in place, I was able to live more often in the moment and effectively care for my elderly parents-the hardest thing I have ever done.

 You can learn more about Jacqueline and find information about her book at ElderRage.com