Minimalism

Today Keith has challenged me to take his approach towards his mother. I would go into what we've been through the last couple of days, but there really is nothing new to note. The crying spells continue and Keith and I have a debate over the best way to approach Alma and her sensitive state of being.

Therefore, I have opted to take Keith's approach for one day. He challenged me to take this minimalist approach for several days. I'm going to be realistic and committ to one. If it seems productive and helpful, I will continue. Keith's "hands off" way of dealing with his mom feels counterintuitive to me but that doesn't mean he's wrong. It simply involves doing the bare minimum; a lack of engagement so to speak. "Do not give choices or overly explain things", he says. Give her food at mealtimes and just allow her to be. I'm thinking he sees this as a more enlightened approach with his explaining that he fears I will burn myself out if I keep pouring all of my energy into Alma. However, he also makes another good point that I had not thought of. He shared with me that Alma is simply not used to all of this attention and "input" (a kind way of telling me I'm way overstepping with the micro management-it's totally true. I really am). She has lived alone for 20 years and prior to that was quiet and withdrawn. She just isn't used to having someone take care of her. He said it might be too much stimulation. He may be right so I'm going to try this. More on that later...