When you’re tired and you’ve done as much as you can…
This statement, “Oh, there’s more”, has become one that my husband and I say often and it floods back memories of a difficult hike we took along the Cliffs at Cheddar Gorge, in the County of Somerset, England. It can be applied to many aspects of life including caregiving. To set the stage for the context of this statement, I’d like to tell you more about the Cheddar Gorge hiking experience.
Hikers can walk the Cliff-top loop, which is a three mile walk, starting at one side of the gorge and crossing over to continue along the opposing side.
My husband and I hiked along the cliff top on the bottom side of the gorge, according to the above map. We then walked across to the other side and ventured up Jacob’s Ladder to the look-out tower, before continuing on our hike. The views from the lookout tower were spectacular. We could even see a lake in the distance. This climb had been manageable and quite enjoyable.
After we had descended the tower however, we looked up and saw we were not done with climbing. There was another steep, rock-laden hill before us; and my husband said the now infamous statement, “Oh, there’s more!”
It’s OK to sit down and take a rest
We started up that next hill, but I was tired and I needed to take a rest. So I plunked myself down on the steps, taking in the scenery, catching my breath, and collecting my resolve to continue on the climb. We had the whole other side of the gorge to tackle and enjoy. My time of rest was brief, but it was adequate to allow me to feel empowered to proceed.
As we walked, we enjoyed more of the stunning views from atop the cliffs. I also enjoyed the work-out provided by the climbing, as long as I paced myself.
We saw goats and beautiful scenery along the way.
Caregiving Applications
There may be times when we embark on a caregiving journey that we don’t realize where the journey will take us, or how challenging it will be. We don’t have the luxury or benefit of a map to follow, or warning signs of difficult tasks ahead. However, we do have the experience of other caregivers to tap into. Taking a hike such as this Cheddar Gorge Cliff-top walk, isn’t something I would have likely done on my own, and yet, when caregiving we may not have a choice. That is where resources come into the picture.
Caregiving Resources
If you find that you don’t have anyone to support you initially on your caregiving journey, that doesn’t mean you have to manage the journey alone. Resources, such as listening to the wisdom of other caregivers who have travelled a similar road before, can be empowering. They’ve been there. They’ve asked questions and found answers. They know what works and what doesn’t work. They’ve navigated the health care system. They know where to look for signs and how to manage when they encounter roadblocks. Sarah Merriman, in the Island Treasures podcast episode called “Roadblocks and Signposts for Caregivers” is a caregiver who has been there and now signposts for caregivers who are currently caregiving and needing resources.
Thankfully, as awareness for caregivers’ needs grows, the number of caregiving resources is also increasing. I address some of the resources for caregivers in a recent blog post titled, “Caregiving Supports Matter“. Beyond support groups and podcasts, a wealth of resources exists to guide caregivers. Social workers, caregiving consultants, insightful books, and caregiving blogs can all offer valuable assistance and support. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or if you simply need a helping hand, take a moment to explore online. You’re likely to find supports that align with your needs and help empower you on your journey.
Closing Thoughts from Cheddar Gorge on Caregiving
Much like a challenging hike along the Cheddar Gorge Cliff-top walk, the journey of caregiving can feel overwhelming. There will be moments of exhaustion, times when every step forward seems to reveal yet another uphill climb. You may catch yourself saying, “Oh, there’s more!” as new tasks arise just when you thought you had accomplished something big.
It’s perfectly okay to pause when you’re feeling tired. Taking a moment to rest isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an essential part of making it to (and through) the next stretch. These pauses provide the chance to reassess priorities, ask for help, and simply allow yourself a moment to breathe.
And while the challenges may feel never-ending, there are also beautiful moments to cherish along the way. A shared laugh, a comforting touch, or an unexpected expression of gratitude—these are the scenic views on a caregiving journey. If you take the time to look up, even for a moment, you’ll find that joy exists alongside what at times may feel like a heavy responsibility. If I hadn’t been on this hike, I wouldn’t have seen the goats or the fantastic scenery. Embracing these moments can make all the difference when caregiving… or hiking, especially when you find there’s still more steps ahead.
