why caregivers are important
honoring the acts of care
I tend to attract many caregivers and gentle and sensitive souls in my work. In writing this, my intention is to celebrate what may go uncelebrated.
First, What is a caregiver?
Before we explore why caregivers are so important to this world, it may be helpful for us to get an idea of what a caregiver may be. I’m currently reading Deepa Iyer’s text, “Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection.” Within her book, Iyer discusses the different roles one can engage in as part of contributing to social change. One of the roles she discusses are caregivers. I found her descriptions helpful and this can be a wonderful starting point. I wonder if any resonate with you or if you see yourself in any of her descriptions.
Some of the characteristics she includes are the following:
I have an instinct for knowing what other people around me might need.
I enjoy making people I care about feel better.
People often tell me that they appreciate my thoughtfulness.
I don’t need credit, publicity, or visibility. I’m satisfied with a direct “thank you” from individuals.
I believe that individuals and communities need space, time, and resources to reflect, heal, and connect with each other. (emphasis are mine)
I sometimes feel drained and exhausted when I’m constantly centering other people’s needs.
I sometimes have a hard time recognizing whether any of my actions are leading to broader social change. (Iyer, 2022, p. 93-94).
Caregivers, you are important…
With Iyer’s words in mind, would it be cliché to say caregivers make the world a better place? If so, then let me explain why, better yet let’s do a visual exercise. Imagine the world did not have folks that cared and were thoughtful. Imagine a world absent of folks that took the time to reach out to their communities, their families, their friends and made sure they were okay.
A lot of these folks don’t broadcast their care and it may leave many of us to believe they’re not out there, but they are. I see them everyday. As Iyer notes, they don’t ask for visibility or publicity. They’re reaching out to their little sister to make sure she’s okay. They’re making sure their aging parents have what they need.
So while the world or whomever might overlook or dismiss your care, I want to say thank you. I wish the world cared more and was more sensitive like you. I agree with Iyer about the need to be aware of when you may be centering everyone else and may overlook your own exhaustion and need for support. You absolutely deserve the care you so freely and lovingly provide to your communities.
I don’t know if I answered why caregivers are so important or probably I did a very poor job. Yet, I wish caregivers knew how beautiful and how much they’re needed in what can be a cruel, cold, callous, and chaotic world.
Whether your care is in the form of art, creation, design, caring for your furry companions, hugs, mentoring and encouraging others, conversations, helping that one student, playing with the child, offering your presence, guidance, support, grocery shopping, connection, laughter, food, warmth, a listening ear, advocacy, really love and nourishment in all its forms and manifestations…thank you.
So, I don’t know about the world, but that’s why as a caregiver you are so important to me.
References
Iyer, D. (2022). Social Change Now: A guide for reflection and connection. Thick Press.
P.S. If you’re a caregiver in need of support, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 🤗
