Bruce Williswas diagnosed with the neurological disorder aphasia, which hinders the cognitive ability to understand and use language. The condition forced him to retire from his status as an action hero to focus on his health. While the condition can be devastating for those who have it, it can also be extremely difficult on their loved ones and caretakers. In March, Willis’ loved ones announced his diagnosis on Instagram, writing, “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.” Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, revealed in an interview with The Bump that the stresses of taking care of everyone else made taking care of herself harder. “I put my family’s needs above my own, which I found does not make me any kind of hero,” Heming Willis admitted. “That amount of care for everyone else within my household had taken a toll on my mental health and overall health, and it served no one in my family.” Heming Willis, who shares daughters Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, 8, with the Die Hardstar, added, “Someone told me not long ago that when you over-care for someone, you end up under-caring for yourself. That stopped me in my tracks and really resonated with me.” Self-care isn’t all bubble baths and journaling for everyone. For Heming Willis, she explained that to maintain balance, “It’s important to find that one thing that makes you feel good and build from there.” For Heming Willis, that means breaking a sweat. “I don’t mother myself perfectly,” she said, “but I know that I have some basic baseline needs that are a must, like first and foremost, exercise. It’s a time I can disconnect and can do something that I know makes me feel good overall.” One way Heming Willis stays grounded is to simply remember how precious life is. “I always wanted a family for as long as I could remember. If I had a vision board (which I don’t), family would be the center and everything else would filter around that,” she said. “The girls bring so much love, laughter, and life into our home. For us as a family, it’s always been about making memories. I’m not even sure we have rituals or traditions. We just love spending time with each other and we know that time is precious, and I don’t take that for granted.” Next, check out 15 habits happy caregivers swear by.
