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NikNikSenior Contributor
Hi everyone,
Welcome to our third Topic Tuesday 🙂
Tonight a topic has been chosen thay is something you all have such insight and wisdom about - Reconnecting with ourslves.
It's easy to put ourselves second when we care for someone else. We can let go of who we are and what we want in life. It's important to find ways to reconnect.
What are the 3 top tips you would give to others about reconnecting?
Ready... go 🙂
In response to: Topic Tuesday 3: Reconnecting with ourselves *CLOSED*
coffeegirlSenior Contributor
For me I know I need to reconnect with myself when someone asks me "What have you been up to?" and the answer doesn't actually contain anything about me... but more about everyone else in my house 🙂
In response to: Topic Tuesday 3: Reconnecting with ourselves *CLOSED*
coffeegirlSenior Contributor
JT - have you taken any respite since then?
I've always wondered what "respite" actually involves - I guess is differs from organisation to organisation?
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
JTSenior Contributor
I've never taken any formal 'respite' from any organisation to be honest. It's different depending on the organisation and what they have going. I know people who've been given a carer for a weekend while they go to a hotel, or just for a day. I took on a job that involved travel - so my respite was work trips lol but I enjoyed them because at least I was away from home. And it was all done when my kids were old enough to look after each other with people just checking up on them.
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
kenny66Senior Contributor
I spend time looking after orphaned animals
Volunteer at abused kids home
Read to blind people
This makes me realise I have a soul and are worth something. It makes me realise how lucky I am an lets me know I am a good person with deep emotions
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
NikNikSenior Contributor
Hi everyone,
10 mins until we wrap up this Topic Tuesday!
So to finish up - What is one thing you're going to do for yourself this week to reconnect with yourself?
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
JTSenior Contributor
Well I'm at the TheMHS conference so I am going to connect with some relaxing nights with a tv remote and no housework!!!
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
NikNikSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
-karma-Senior Contributor
I like this, taking my eyes off myself, perspective 
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
SnooSenior Contributor
Rather than finding that I need to reconnect, I find trying to stay connected pretty vital too. Of course, there have been times where I've felt I've lost myself and needed to reconnect (that's natural as a carer) but I try use these as lessons to learn about what I could do differently. Anyway... things I do to stay connected are:
1.) Know my boundaries. Be honest with myself about what I can and can't do for the person I care about. I tend to reflect a lot about what I am really capable of. Sometimes accepting this is hard because I feel like I should be doing more, but the more honest I am, the easier it is for the both us.
2.) Communicate. Talk about boundaries the above, talk about how you're feeling, and what's on your mind. I find it helps to work through issues and it lightens the load
3.) Doing things I enjoy. I make time for activities that I did before I was a carer. It helps me realise that was and still is a me that is not just a carer.
In response to: Re: **Tonight!** Topic Tuesday 2: Reconnecting with ourselves
NikNikSenior Contributor
Well tonight we covered a lot of different elements of 'reconnecting' with ourselves!
It looks like we all have different strategies to make ourselves a priority, from connecting with others, to yoga and through to creating your own goals.
You're all such a wealth of knowledge and I know many will reflect on this discussion & benefit.
I ask one thing of you all.... commit to doing one thing to reconnect with yourself, this week.
Challenge accepted? 🙂
Thank each & every one of you for sharing!
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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