Recently, I shared a powerful tip from one of our Careblazer members… something that had truly helped her in her caregiving journey. But when I posted it on social media, someone immediately jumped in with all the reasons it could never work.
It got me thinking…
There’s a habit I see far too often, and if you recognize it in yourself, now is the time to break it.
It goes like this:
You hear a helpful strategy, a hopeful story, or a tip from someone who’s been in your shoes… And your brain instantly fires off: “That won’t work for me.”
And not just once. You could list a dozen reasons why, past attempts, worst-case outcomes, all the things you’ve tried before.
But here’s what that habit is really doing:
Most people say they want life to feel easier. But few are willing to start practicing new beliefs that make that possible.
Let me be clear. This isn’t about pretending things are fine. It’s about being open to the idea that they could be better.
So the next time your brain says, “That would never work for me,” try asking:
✔️ How could this work in my situation?
✔️ What’s one small piece of this I could try?
✔️ If this could help me, what would I do differently?
Even if you don’t have the answers right away, you’re signaling something powerful to your brain: I’m open.
And when you do that consistently, your brain will respond.
Not because of magic. But because of science.
And most people are unknowingly using that science against themselves.
So today, let’s flip it.
Stop defending the very things you want to change. Start creating space for the possibilities that could change everything.
Each week, I answer a real question submitted by a Dementia Dose subscriber and share a private video response exclusively for this community.
This week’s question comes from Sharmayne, who writes:
Q: “Should a caregiver set boundaries for their person with dementia? My mom can be up late pulling out things from the fridge, pots & pans, etc. (even during the day) leaving the kitchen a mess and then I have to clean up along with doing everything else in the house. It’s exhausting. Do I tell her to stop and take things from her?”
A: This is such a relatable and important question, especially for overwhelmed caregivers trying to balance safety, boundaries, and respect.
While it might feel easier to just stop the behavior, the better approach is usually not removing, but replacing. In this week’s private video, I share why that distinction is so important and what to try instead.
The stages of dementia can be SO confusing! It’s not like there is one simple reference that we use to figure out what stage someone with dementia is in. There are many different references. PLUS, a person with dementia can struggle a lot one day and seem so much better the next, making it even more difficult to understand the stages.
In this week’s video, I share information on the stages of dementia that most Careblazers wish they knew sooner! Click here or the photo below to watch.
🧰 Careblazer Favorites: Peace of Mind, One Step at a Time
This week’s pick is a favorite among caregivers, especially those caring for someone who tends to wander at night.
It’s a small motion sensor alarm that can be placed by the bedside, near a bedroom door, or even at the front/back door — anywhere you want to be alerted when your loved one is on the move.
It gives many of our Careblazers extra peace of mind, knowing they’ll be alerted before something happens, not just after.
If you’re looking for a simple way to sleep with more ease, check it out here.
Sending love,
Board-certified Geropsychologist
Founder, Dementia Careblazers
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