Blooming in Place

Your growth may be quiet, but it is real—and it is happening!

As the warmer months approach, it inspires us to reconnect with nature, family, and friends. Everyone is outside, making plans and enjoying the beautiful weather. However, as a caregiver, you may not have such freedom. Much of your time is dedicated to caring for your loved one, which can be an isolating experience.

Caregiving can be profoundly isolating—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. While others enjoy their freedom, caregivers may feel forgotten or disconnected. It's perfectly okay to acknowledge this feeling of isolation as a form of loneliness. However, it does not mean you lack value or the ability to grow. Just like flowers that bloom and thrive in unexpected places, you, too, can flourish right where you are. Even if you can't actively participate in outdoor activities, you can still experience personal growth.

As a caregiver, you recognize the importance of scheduling care for others; the same principle applies to your own self-care.

Anything we value or find essential must be prioritized. A good way to achieve this is through intentional acts of self-care and reflection while embracing moments that bring you joy.

Here are three ways you can thrive during the warmer months:

(1) Find Small Connections 

As a caregiver, you may often find that people don't call or check in on your well-being. While this can be discouraging, the best way to address it is to reach out to them yourself. There's a proverb: "The liberal soul shall be made fat," meaning that a generous person will find rewards in many ways. Even if you need care and connection, you'll discover that your needs are met when you take the first step.

Take a moment to send a text, make a call, or send a thoughtful card or email. This effort will not only remind others that you are there but also help you combat feelings of isolation by staying connected.

(2) Let Nature In!

Depending on your environment and the health challenges of the person you are caring for, simply opening a window or adding fresh flowers to your space can help lift your mood. If the person you're caring for has respiratory issues, an open window can pose a challenge. Instead, consider lifting the blinds or opening the curtains to let natural sunlight into your space. Sunshine has multiple benefits, including improving mood, boosting energy levels, enhancing sleep quality, and providing essential vitamin D.

(3) Speak Kindly to Yourself

Self-doubt and the opinions of others can impact our mindset. Start your day with positive affirmations, scripture, or motivational messages to remind yourself that you are not alone and that your efforts are valuable. You can write these affirmations on sticky notes, place them where you spend the most time, or record them on your phone. Position them in a way that benefits you best so you can stay encouraged throughout the day.

Though the demands of caregiving may limit your ability to fully engage in the season’s usual activities, they don’t have to hinder your ability to thrive. Even in confined circumstances, joy, connection, and self-care can be cultivated with the same intention you give to others.

Your growth may be quiet, but it is real—and it is happening! Growth doesn’t always require a change in circumstances or location; sometimes, it begins with a simple shift in perspective.

Be encouraged about where you are and what you’re doing. Caregiving may be demanding, but it is both necessary and beautiful—and so are you. Your presence, efforts, and love are of great value to the one you care for. You matter.

So this week, choose one small act of self-care—something just for you—and make it part of your day. You deserve that space to flourish.

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Meet Selah Viva's Guest Writer - Gala Lawrence

Gala’s storytelling is authentic and powerful. Her debut book, Love Amplified: How Caregiving Reveals the Heart’s True Capacity, is a deeply moving account of caring for her mother during a terminal illness. Through Gala's writing and speaking, she delivers messages that resonate, inspire, and invite reflection.

Whether on the page or behind the microphone, she connects with her audience on a soul level, offering encouragement rooted in her lived experiences and spiritual truth.