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Hello!
A lot has happened in the last few months, and it has been quite a ride between birthing a book and a rare disease diagnosis. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those who may be new to my work and offer updates for those who have been following and noticed that there has been a communication gap. I have a few exciting announcements and health challenges to share, contributing to several months of silence. Rather than bury the lead, let's start with the exciting news! I have a new book, which will be available in Fall 2023!
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Using my 40 years of professional experience in the healthcare industry and 14 years of lived experience caring for my mom, I gathered the mistakes and lessons learned. I compiled them in 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them.
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My book guides caregivers through common mistakes and empowers them to thrive in their roles with solutions, tips, and strategies to reduce stress and increase happiness. While caring for Mom, I learned many lessons through trial and error and want to help caregivers avoid the pitfalls and roadblocks that can derail their path to meaningful journey.
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I was honored to be interviewed by Jack Canfield. In the interview, I share the concept to creation story of 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them.
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Jack's words of support and encouragement are on the book's cover, "Thanks for writing your book and being a consultant. Your comprehensive book will save people a lot of time and heartache." I am very proud of this book and hope you will share it with family, friends, and colleagues who care for or will care for an aging adult. As Rosalyn Carter famously said, "There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." I am excited to share this work that comes from the heart, and I appreciate your support in making the launch successful! Please support the caregivers in your circles by sharing this empowering guidebook with them.
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In addition to being busy writing a book, I launched a new business to support family caregivers, Heart of Caregiving! After years of caregiving followed by years of supporting family caregivers, it became clear that while caring for a family member is an act of love that comes from the heart, we can lose touch with our heart's connection to our care journey when the struggles and the challenges begin to outweigh the cherished moments and memories.
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Heart of Caregiving helps caregivers reconnect with the purpose of their journey and keep love at the forefront. My work centers on empowering caregivers. I will share frequent blog posts, connect caregivers with resources, and I am currently accepting offers to speak and conduct caregiving workshops.
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Heart of Caregiving Presentations & Workshops guide caregivers through the caregiving journey so they are equally prepared for the challenging and the happy moments. My approach allows the caregiver to appreciate the rich opportunities experienced when we lead with our heart.
My Press Kit and Speaker Kit are available on HeartofCaregiving.com. Presentations can be tailored for a particular audience and include topics such as 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them, Learn to Lead & Follow in the Dance of Caregiving, The Empowered Caregiver, and Celebrate & Create Your Meaningful Journey. Please share this opportunity with people or organizations who may benefit from my expertise.
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You can also connect with me on social media! Please follow and share with friends, family, and colleagues. Join me in the Heart of Caregiving Facebook Group, on LinkedIn, on Twitter @HofCaregiving, and Instagram @heartofcaregiving.
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My personal life has also experienced transformation. I am grateful to have a partner in all things work and play. Dennis Dulniak and I co-founded Dementia Friendly Dining in Central Florida.
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Dennis is also the founder of Nana's Book Foundation, which provides children with books about Alzheimer's and dementia.
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Dennis and I have a few big trips planned this summer. We will visit Boston, New York City, Cruise to Norway, and other exciting destinations. Dennis and I are passionate about our work and often combine travels with speaking engagements and conferences where we can continue to learn and connect with like-minded, passionate peers.
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On a more challenging note, in 2018, I was diagnosed with a rare disease, ocular myasthenia gravis, "a chronic autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle, resulting in weakness of the skeletal muscles. Myasthenia gravis affects the body's voluntary muscles, especially those that control the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs." The diagnosis was recently changed from ocular to generalized, but it is in the early stages and is not yet affecting my muscles. As with all things in life, this diagnosis has brought trials and gifts.
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I am grateful for this community and the support I have received, and I look forward to continuing to support members as we manage the challenges that come with this disease.
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Your continued support means so much! Thank you in advance for helping me support the underserved family caregivers.
Please consider taking the following actions to support my work.
- Go to HeartofCaregiving.com, subscribe to the newsletter and receive the 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them eBook that inspired the book that will be available in the fall.
- Engage with me on social media. Like, follow, and comment.
- Share the Heart of Caregiving newsletter with caregivers in your circles and encourage them to sign up.
- Sign up to receive information about the fall 2023 release of 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them.
- Connect me with organizations that want to empower family caregivers with Heart of Caregiving Presentations and Workshops.
I am grateful for each of you and welcome you as fellow travelers on this journey.
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