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Page 2 Senior Times - February 2026 February, the month of love, when we focus on how we can let others know just how much we love them and how much they mean to us. We are going to step out the box though and turn the focus on a love that many overlook and hardly ever want to discuss %u2013 loving yourself and finding who you are by really focusing You.We are going to start with a question, and will you please read until the end because most caregivers have a very difficult time when it comes to thinking about their own needs? So here is the question, when was the last time you took some time for yourself? Seriously stop and think about this; when was the last time you took even five minutes for you? I do not mean the five minutes you locked yourself in the bathroom to keep from really having a moment. I mean when was the last time you took some time doing something you really enjoy, finding the joy in something that fills your cup?I often talk about self-care and the importance of making sure you take time for yourself. In the family caregiver world, there are many different purposes for this: you want to be the best you can possibly be so you can provide the best care possible while still managing everything else that is on your plate. The unpaid unsung hero plays so many different roles that we just do naturally, but you are a very important piece of life as well.There are struggles and we often have to learn new skills, but we spend countless hours caring for others, and we are constantly pouring everything we have into providing that care we often forget that we are a person too and deserve some attention. In speaking with a family caregiver recently, we talked about long-term plans, the conversation most of us do not want to have. The discussion turned to what happens when life shifts, and you are facing a life you knew would come but never thought it would come this quickly. Where will your life be and more importantly WHO will you be?Many of us spend an entire lifetime trying to discover who we are and when caring for others it is easy to put those thoughts on the back burner. Please remember, you are important too and no matter where you are in this journey called life, you must find a way to keep yourself a priority and find who you are.This is not something that happens overnight, so it really takes some time to think about the little things you enjoy, before you can move on to bigger paths.Starting simple and small will help to build a positive %u201chabit%u201d of how to think about what brings that happiness into your life and keeps you smiling. When I stop and think about what brings joy into my life, I like to think about watching children play, listening to their laughter, watching how they stretch their imaginations, and find new ways to occupy their minds. I don%u2019t even have to know the kids, I just watch. Treat yourself with tenderness, rest before you are exhausted, be as kind to yourself as you with others, and feed your spirit, not just your responsibilities. Reclaim one thing you used to love, something that made you feel alive. Was that dancing, reading, taking a nap without guilt, sitting outside to enjoy nature, painting, drawing, sitting in the quiet? There are so many ways people fill their cups, it is unique to all of us; starting is the most important step you can take.You matter, not just what you do, who you help, or all the roles you fill. When you pour into yourself, you do not love others less, you love and care for them better.We will go back to the question %u2013 when was the last time you took time for yourself? I hope you can realize the importance of you and understand that by finding yourself and truly taking care of you; you will have more inner peace and joy.So, take a breath, make a list if you must, but love yourself enough to make you a priority. It truly is the best gift you can give to those you care for!Have a very loving February and please love yourself enough to make you a priority.FINDING YOUBy: Anne Clark, Program Manager, Senior Health PartnersThe Senior Fitness and Fun program and Community Care Options are funded by the Calhoun County Senior Millage.Senior Fitness & Fun!SIGN UP TODAY! CALL 269-441-0948Tai Chi ClassesSenior Health PartnersYour Partner in Health, Support, and Fun!Free & Open to the Public Age 60 & Older!ExercisesAnyone Can Do!Nurse Provided Health Screenings%u2022 Stretching and Flexibility%u2022 Balance and Strength Building%u2022 East Leroy Community Church%u2022 Homer Public Library%u2022 Marengo Township Hall%u2022 Kingdom Builders, Battle Creek%u2022 Heritage Commons, Marshall%u2022 Trinity Episcopal Church, Marshall(Must Preregister, Call 269-986-1583)%u2022 Blood Pressures%u2022 Blood Sugars%u2022 Pulse Ox%u2022 Medication Management%u2022 Wellness EducationSilver Sneakers Yoga %u2022 Kingdom Builders Worldwide%u2022 Kool CenterLocations%u2022 Albion Caring Community Church%u2022 Albion Forks Senior Center%u2022 Athens Lighthouse Event Center%u2022 Battle Creek Kingdom Builder%u2022 Battle Creek Trinity Neighbor Center%u2022 Battle Creek Woodland Church%u2022 Convis Township Hall%u2022 East Leroy Community Church%u2022 Homer 1st Presbyterian Church%u2022 Marshall Trinity Episcopal Church%u2022 Marshall VFW%u2022 Pennfield Calvary Baptist Church%u2022 Tekonsha Fire Dept%u2022 Urbandale Christ United MethodistCommunity Care OptionsWhat Services are Provided?%u2022 Care assessment and planning%u2022 Home safety assessments%u2022 Referral and linkage to community resources%u2022 Light in-home services including homemaking assistance, meal preparation, non-medical personal support, and limited errands%u2022 Respite care for family caregivers%u2022 Advanced care planning documentsAre you 60 or over, living in Calhoun County, and beginning to experience aging challenges? Do you have a chronic condition like arthritis, chronic pain, Parkinson%u2019s Disease, heart disease, or back issues and find some of the tasks to keep your home clean and safe are becoming difficult? If so, Community Care Options may be the program for you.Call Senior Health Partners at 269-441-0948 to learn more. Our friendly staff will complete a brief intake and guide you through the next steps.Do You Find Yourself Needing Some Assistance?Stay Healthy And Happy With Us! Call 269-441-0948We Help Seniors Stay Independent LongerNEED ASSISTANCE? CALL 269-441-0948shpcalhoun.org