Empower Partner

Words and terms can make a huge difference when it comes to getting over hurdles and challenges. I hold the same sentiment when it comes to using the term “caregiver”. It sounds so very dated and depressing, though the situation and circumstance may be just that.

I wanted to discuss how we can make a very personal and life-changing situation that may be despair, and turn it into something that leads to encouragement with strength.

Caregiver is a dated term

I couldn’t quite find where the term “caregiver” came about. The Merriam-Webster definition states: a person who provides direct care (as for children, elderly people, or the chronically ill). It seems about correct in what it says and means but psychologically what the word says for the patient, and more importantly, the person who is now given this title who has a lot on their plate in handling and being the support system that is needed in this time and space.

Those in the position usually know what the role will involve, but it’s something about this term that gives the impression of a burdened role, and that’s not usually the case. As this present time can be overwhelming as it is, why have a term that just continues to suggest solemnly and negativity, because we know that in this time and place negative emotions are not suggested or called for at this moment.

We are empower partners

Words are so powerful and it also matters what attention you give to those words, and possibly rebranding the term that makes you feel sad and uncertain. For me the word caregiver means sadness and doom in battling the situation, so why not take this and turn it around.

Our role is to be positive (even when there’s little to celebrate) and empower. We want to lift up our loved ones who are struggling with beating lung cancer, and though we’re caring for them, we’re also empowering them for survival. Not only are we empowering but we’re partners in this long haul, and our role is to stand them up and remind them they are not in this alone. We are here for this long journey, through thick and thin.

Changing perspectives

Now let's look to focus on who are the faces of Empower Partners, and what are the many faces of those who must come to the forefront and assist as needed in helping their loved ones? We range in who we are, as many are spouses, extended family members, parents, friends, and in my case children of lung cancer survivors. Based on the age and role we push those we love because we want them to be around for as long as possible. It’s about turning that news around and doing the work in asking the right questions and being present to what is happening.

Now though this word caregiver has been around for a long time, and I doubt it will be changed any time soon, but wouldn’t it be great in this network if we could change it around and make it fitting and optimistic for those we fight for?

Hum, the power of a word!

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile...when you feel like it