STRIKING A BALANCE Going All in Without Overdoing It If you set out to do something, you have to give it your all. July 26 is All or Nothing Day, reminding us to put forth our best effort and fully commit to our goals. It’s a concept I, and many others, often struggle with. I sometimes joke that I can never have just one cup of coffee — I go all in and make multiple. This all-or-nothing mindset has emerged in many areas of my life. For example, while I’m not currently running, I put everything I had into it when I was. I couldn’t just run 5Ks like most people. I signed up for several half-marathons and an 18-mile trail race. I was training for a marathon but had to throw in the towel due to illness, which reminded me not to push myself too hard. This tendency to take things to the extreme is something I constantly balance. While it’s important to give our all to the things we’re passionate about, it’s equally crucial to listen to our bodies and minds. Overcommitting can lead to burnout, injury, and a lack of enjoyment in the activities we once loved. I’ve learned that there’s a fine line between pushing ourselves to achieve our best and overdoing it to the point of exhaustion. No matter how much we want to, we can’t fully commit to everything. Thus, it’s important to choose the areas where we want to focus our energy and effort. By doing so, we can ensure that we are giving our best without spreading ourselves too thin. All or Nothing Day is a great opportunity to reflect on our goals and how we approach them. It’s a reminder to put our best foot forward and to give our all to the things that matter most to us.
to feel these emotions without judgment and understand that it’s okay to have them. Seek Support You aren’t in this alone — reach out to family members, friends, or support groups who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others in similar situations can offer comfort. Educate Yourself Understanding dementia can help alleviate some of the stress. The more you know about the condition, the better you can anticipate and manage challenges. Many resources are available, including books and online articles, that can provide insight into what your loved one may be experiencing. Set Realistic Goals Trying to do everything perfectly can set you up for disappointment. Celebrate the small victories and understand that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Take Care of Yourself Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or simply taking a long bath, these moments can recharge you. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking care of your well-being is paramount! Caring for someone with dementia is a journey filled with challenges, but by taking steps to manage your emotional health, you can find moments of joy and
fulfillment along the way. Remember, asking for help and caring for yourself is okay — you’re doing a great job!
Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
• • • • •
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder
• • • •
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream 2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 large egg
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until blended. 4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until blended. 5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan before serving. 6. Whip cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. 7. Arrange strawberries on top of cake and spread whipped cream over top before serving.
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