If you have ever played a slot machine you know that when you pull 3 look-alike pictures, you win the JACKPOT!  Well, I feel like I won the jackpot, but it isn’t money.  My jackpot is pulling my actions (body), desires (mind), and divinity (spirit) into alignment.

When I am not aligned, I suffer.  When what I want doesn’t match what I have, I get angry, frustrated, confused, grumpy.  Sound familiar? 

Twenty years ago, I met and married a strong, healthy, virile man.  He was so independent that even after we wed, he continued to fix his own breakfast, book his own personal appointments and run his own business. I was equally independent with my own business, writing a weekly blog, and organizing workshops.

Although it didn’t happen overnight, it seemed like one day I woke up extremely cranky, frustrated and annoyed.  I checked my calendar and tracked things taking a dramatic turn in our marriage when George turned 89.  I didn’t want my life with George to change but it was changing with or without my consent.  My strong, healthy, virile husband had transformed into a dependant, old man with unpleasant symptoms.  His feeling bad days were multiplying.

Not by choice, but by circumstance, I found myself in a new job: caretaker of a loved one.  After getting over the shock of it, I realized I had to get myself into alignment. George and I had entered a new phase in our life together. I could resist it; I could complain about it; I could run from it; or I could get on board with the new direction. So I made a choice to look at this “end of life” phase as an adventure.  I chose to align with my reality. 

The moment I made that decision the most amazing thing happened.  I actually felt my body, mind and spirit come into alignment.  All feelings of being overwhelmed or burdened vanished. All feelings of being frustrated or annoyed disappeared. What I felt was space. 

Now I joyfully take care of George.  I fix his meals; I help him dress when he asks; I take him to his doctor appointments; I manage his medications; I run his business; I hold his hand.  My reward is love, appreciation, and many hugs and kisses. But my greatest reward is knowing I am in my right place, doing the right thing with the right person. There is nowhere else I would rather be than by my husband’s side giving and receiving love.  It is transforming both of us.  Who would have believed that caretaking a loved one could be like hitting the JACKPOT!

Until you return, fill your days with GIGGLES, JOY, APPRECIATION and ALIGNMENT!

Sylvia Silk, D.D. Director of the Institute For Balanced Living, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Doctor of Divinity, Spiritual Coach, Reconnective Healing Practitioner, Writer