Productivity Smarts 064 - How to Care for a Loved One Without Losing Yourself with Delia Chiaramonte

Productivity Smarts

Have you ever found yourself unable to focus at work because you're constantly worried about someone you care about? It's undeniably tough, but focusing on gratitude in these challenging times could make a world of difference.

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Delia Chiaramonte, the visionary behind the Integrative Palliative Institute and the voice of the Integrative Palliative Podcast. She is also the author of Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself.

During their sit down, Delia delves into the world of integrative palliative medicine, blending holistic care with palliative methods to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. She offers practical advice on balancing caregiving responsibilities with professional life, stressing the importance of embracing an "imperfect plan" to stay on track. She introduces the concept of "finding the flowers in the poop," which involves acknowledging the challenges of caregiving while seeking out positive moments to maintain emotional resilience and enhance productivity.

This episode shines a light on the transformative power of positivity and gratitude, even during tough times, don’t miss it.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] - Introduction to Delia Chiaramonte

• [08:40] - Coping with difficult situations

• [11:15] - Control and letting go

• [13:20] - Finding flowers in the poop

• [13:56] - Common productivity pitfalls for caregivers

• [22:07] - Imperfect plan for caregiving

• [28:58] - The importance of focusing on the now

• [36:07] - Facing the darkness

• [43:41] - Tools for sustained productivity

Notable Quotes

• [03:27] “Palliative medicine is the care of families who are facing serious illness, focused on improving symptoms, improving well-being, and reducing suffering.” - Delia Chiaramonte

• [04:33] “Many people are mistaken, they think that palliative care and hospice are the same thing, but they're not. Hospice is a teeny tiny part of palliative care.” - Delia Chiaramonte

• [09:21] “When someone might die, they often change the way they're living. They stop doing things that they don't want to do, they stop seeing people that they don't like, and they focus on what really matters to them.” - Delia Chiaramonte

• [12:43] “People cause a lot of suffering for themselves by trying to control the things they can't control.” - Delia Chiaramonte

• [19:30] “Sometimes we wait to get through something difficult to be grateful. But I think it's more important to be, like you said, looking for those flowers while we're going through.” - Gerald J. Leonard

• [40:18] “When we are depleted, hard regular things become impossibly hard.” - Delia Chiaramonte

• [47:43] “If we're brave and willing to face the darkness, it can create such depth, connection, and meaning, and it can be a really powerful and even positive experience.” - Delia Chiaramonte

Resources

Delia Chiaramonte

• Website - https://integrativepalliative.com/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/

• Book: Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself

• Podcast: https://integrativepalliative.com/podcast

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

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