Author of After the Shock and International Resilience and Crisis Recovery Speaker, Becky Sansbury, has provided so much support for the rare disease community. She joins the podcast to share her best self-care advice with our listeners.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
What inspired the work you do?
Decades ago I was affected by a family crisis and realized I didn’t have resilience. I received help along the way and taught me that help is available and that I could help myself. I served as a hospice Chaplain and I realized through that work that quality of life can mean different things, that it’s not defined by timeframe, and that it spreads beyond the person who is ill or in crisis, extending to the caregivers. Over the years, that principle has guided my own life.
What are the risks of not practicing self-care?
Not caring for yourself leads to decreased effectiveness, health and damaged relationships. Caregivers are also patients, whether or not you have a diagnosis, when you don’t care for yourself, you run the risk of depleting energy, vitality and coping ability. Taking care of yourself is one of the most unselfish thing you can do for yourself and anyone who is depending on you.
Can you introduce your concept of The Four C’s of Stability?
Thinking about a car, there are 4 wheels (the four c’s) required to move the car down a road. The Four C’s of Stability include: comfort, control, community and connection. One of the ways we can feel less overwhelmed is to be aware of when any of your tires may need air. All of the wheels are affected by the components of the other wheels because they roll together.
What about your idea for creating a recipe?
Thinking about a pie, crisis or a chronic condition may prevent you from having the whole pie. But you can break it down, sliver by sliver. The recipe concept says that each sliver is something you can do today to feel comforted, in control, supported by community or connected to resources. While the recipe may change, when you put the concept into practice, it’s like a vacation from whatever may be winding you down.
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