• Provision is also made in each of the four branches for you to design your own ‘Leaves of Positivity’. However, a restriction has been placed on the number of characters that are available.

 

• Given that changes have been occurring in our brains long before an official diagnosis was made, it will take a long time before any noticeable changes if any, become apparent.

 

• Once designed and completed, your tree should be placed in a position where it is always visible to you.

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A Word of Caution

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Each of the leaves of positivity in my tree were only included after consultation with my primary carer (Nicole), friends and members of my Professional Health Care Team. I would strongly advise, that if you decide to create your own Tree of Awakening your Positivity then it is ESSENTIAL that you also do the same to ensure that you are constructing a tree that is not only achievable but is also reflective of your own circumstances, needs, requirements and stage of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease at this point in time.
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Are eleven leaves enough for each aspect?

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At first, I thought having 11 different ‘leaves of positivity’ for each aspect of self would be excessive and
place unnecessary demands on my time and overall well-being. However, I found that when I teased apart
the different things that I do on a daily basis, it was the complete opposite. I now need more ‘Leaves of
Positivity’ to fully capture everything that I’m doing to manage my Alzheimer’s disease.

To illustrate this point, I have teased apart a number of activities that I undergo on a daily/weekly basis.

Example One – Taking my dogs for a walk

Every morning, at around 5.30 am, I meet my care worker, Daniela, at South Curl Curl Headland, and we
walk along the beach towards North Curl Curl, and then back along the coastal walkaway that connects

South Curl beach to Freshwater Headland. I take one of daughter’s dogs (Nadia) on this walk, covering a
distance of 5,000 steps in about 80 - 90 minutes (as programmed in my Perx app). During this morning
walk, we watch the sun as it rises over the ocean, meet and say hello to many people and watch the waves as
they roll onto the beach or crash into the rock platforms. I usually arrive home just after 7 am to have
breakfast. Besides drinking plenty of water through the night, my body, after completing this morning
activity, has been fasting for over 12 hours. After I have breakfast, I then shower and get dressed for the day.
During this 2-hour activity, I have now accessed at least 12 different ‘leaves of positivity’ from the 4
branches. These include: Daily Routine, Keep Active, Reduce Stress, Enjoy nature, Acts of Kindness, Pets,
Care Support worker, Socialise with People, Regular Fasting, Hydrating, Self-reflection and Quality sleep
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Example Two – Attending DAI Webinars

By being part of a weekly Dementia Alliance International webinar group, I find that it is extremely
beneficial for me to listen to the thoughts and opinion of others, share my ideas and offer comment on a
range of issues.

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During this weekly 1- hour activity, I have accessed at least 11 different ‘Leaves of Positivity from each of
the 4 branches. These include: Exercise your Brain, Socialise with People, Friends, It’s okay to Stumble,
Reduce Stress, Daily Routine, Self-reflection, Advocacy work, Acts of Kindness, Personal Hygiene, Look
for the Silver Lining