When I was a kid, there was a popular show called “Gimme a Break,” starring Nell Carter. I used to crack my friends up by imitating Nell Carter singing the theme song. (Don’t worry - that’s not in the video!)
Companies have also used break time in their marketing:
“Gimme a break, gimme a break, break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar!”
“Homework, homework, gimme a break! Try Summit candy bars.”
“You deserve a break today - at McDonald’s.”
Can’t you just hear those jingles in your head?
Time to take a break.
I’m not always great about taking breaks. My husband says I have “high inertia.” If I’m doing something, I don’t want to stop. If I’m sitting around, I don’t want to get up.
When you are a caregiver - whether you are caring for your grandma living with dementia, or your child going through chemo, or yourself - it’s so hard to take a break.
Whether we don’t think we need one, or we can’t imagine a single moment of non-vigilance, it’s hard.
Who has time for a spa day or a vacation? What we need are micro-moments of release from the chaos pressure cooker. That’s what Balanced Caregivers Adventure is about.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful? You are in the right place.
In other news . . .
My green smoothie recipe pictured above is based on Thyroid Pharmacist Izabella Wentz’s “Root Cause Green Smoothie” with some minor adjustments.
1 c. full-fat no guar coconut milk
1 bunch basil
2 cups baby greens
1 cucumber
1 large carrot
1 stalk of celery (I threw it in leaves and all - why not?)
1 T. chia seeds (substituted for an avocado, which I ate 1/2 with a spoon)
1/2 peeled lemon (add)
1 t. turmeric (add)
1 t.ginger (add)
What is Grace Notes?
Grace Notes is the Balanced Caregivers Adventure community singing group. We laugh a lot, and sometimes we sing. We meet tomorrow, May 1, 2026.
There is an online option, too! Join as a paid subscriber to receive the weekly Zoom code.
My name is Amy Standridge. I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist, Certified Humor Professional, Keynote Speaker, and a balanced caregiver. I believe that caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia and other health challenges deserve to experience joyful moments together. My mission is to empower families living with complex needs to rediscover joy and hope through uplifting experiences. This is why I created Balanced Caregivers Adventure…
While you still have your loved one around, upgrade here. ⬇️ Make your limited time count by making powerful positive memories together.
Upgrading your subscription gives you a chance at lifting some of the heaviness of dementia through uplifting live music experiences.
What’s Next?
Friday, 5/1/26 - In-person/online rehearsal, 10:30-11:45
