In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, we explore a quiet but powerful part of caregiving that rarely gets talked about: why certain places like parking lots, hospital rooms, waiting areas can instantly bring you back to the hardest moments of your life.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why caregivers have strong emotional reactions to specific places
• How your brain stores medical trauma and caregiving memories
• Why your body reacts before your mind can explain it
• The concept of “caregiving geography” and how environments hold emotional weight
• Why these reactions are not a sign that you’re stuck but a sign of what you’ve carried
• How to gently reframe these places as evidence of your presence and strength

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this place still affect me?”

This episode will help you understand—and feel less alone.

🎧 Press play for 15 minutes of insight, validation, and self-preservation.

You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, we talk about a deeply unsettling but incredibly common experience for caregivers: what happens in your mind and body when you hear that someone else, especially someone with the same diagnosis as your loved one, has died.

It might start with scrolling your phone. A trending post. A familiar name. And then you see it: they had cancer.

That’s when everything changes.

Your mind starts asking questions:

• What happened?
• How fast did it progress?
• Could this happen to us?

And before you realize it, you’ve spiraled into a future you never wanted to imagine.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why cancer caregivers are more affected by death-related news
• How the caregiver nervous system processes threat and uncertainty
• The “spiral” from curiosity to fear to future projection
• Why your body reacts as if the threat is happening right now
• The quiet, intrusive thoughts caregivers don’t say out loud
• The mix of relief and guilt that often follows
• Why imagining “what if” does NOT make you disloyal

If you’ve ever:

• Felt your stomach drop reading cancer-related news
• Imagined life after your loved one (and felt guilty for it)
• Experienced sudden waves of fear, grief, or anxiety out of nowhere
• Struggled with scanxiety or constant “what if” thinking

This episode will help you understand what’s happening and remind you that you are not alone.

Your reaction isn’t weakness.

It’s what happens when love lives next to uncertainty.

🎧 Press play for 15 minutes of grounding, validation, and self-preservation.

In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, we explore one of the most invisible parts of cancer caregiving: the way your nervous system learns to listen for trouble before anyone else notices it.

Maybe you know the difference between a normal cough and the one that means something is wrong. Maybe you wake up to a small change in breathing, a shift in movement, or a sound from another room that instantly puts you on high alert. Maybe your attention is never fully at rest because part of you is always scanning, always listening, always ready.

That is not you being “too sensitive.”

That is caregiver hypervigilance.

Over time, caregiving teaches you a quiet, invisible language one built from sounds, body movements, breathing patterns, tone of voice, and subtle changes in energy. It’s a kind of deep attunement that most people never see, but cancer caregivers live with every day.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. The invisible mental load of caregiving
2. Why cancer caregivers become hyper-aware of small physical changes
3. How caregiver hypervigilance affects the nervous system
4. The hidden exhaustion of always listening and scanning
5. Why this level of awareness is a real skill not a flaw
6. A simple self-preservation moment to help you return to your own body

This episode is a powerful reminder that caregiving is not only about appointments, medications, insurance calls, and logistics. It’s also about the constant vigilance no one talks about the quiet monitoring, the emotional labor, and the energy it takes to stay alert all day and all night.

If you’re caring for a spouse or loved one with cancer and feel like your nervous system never fully powers down, this conversation will help you feel understood.

Your body adapted to protect someone you love. That matters.

And the cost of that constant awareness matters too.

🎧 Press play for 15 minutes of validation, insight, and self-preservation for cancer caregivers.

Download your Scanxiety toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

If you're a cancer caregiver carrying thoughts you would never say out loud, this episode is for you.

In this final installment of our four-part emotional series, The Things You Don’t Say Out Loud, we go to the deepest layer of caregiving: the quiet, 2 a.m. thoughts. The ones that feel too honest. Too scary. Too revealing.

Thoughts like:

• Sometimes I want to run away.
• I’m scared of what’s coming.
• I don’t know who I am anymore.
• I miss who I used to be.
• I’m grieving someone who’s still alive.
• I can’t keep doing this.

These thoughts do not make you a bad caregiver. They make you human.

Cancer caregiving often comes with emotional exhaustion, caregiver burnout, anticipatory grief, compassion fatigue, and identity loss. And yet, many caregivers feel they must filter their truth sorting the “acceptable answer” from the real one every time someone asks, “How are you holding up?”

The cost of that silence adds up.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why “dark” caregiving thoughts are normal
• The emotional toll of suppressing caregiver stress and fear
• Anticipatory grief and grieving someone who is still alive
• Caregiver identity loss and missing who you used to be
• Why thoughts of escape are a pressure valve—not a plan
• A simple self-preservation exercise to release shame

You are not your worst thought. You are not the sentence you whisper in the dark.

If you're navigating caregiving for a loved one with cancer, living in scan-to-scan anxiety, or quietly questioning how much longer you can carry this weight, this episode will help you feel seen.

You don’t have to pretend here.

🎧 Press play for 15 minutes of truth, relief, and self-preservation.

Find more caregiver support go to https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com

In this powerful episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, we unpack one of the most unspoken emotions in caregiving: resentment.

If you're caring for a spouse or loved one with cancer and quietly thinking:

• “Why is it always me?”
• “Why does no one ask how I’m doing?”
• “I didn’t sign up for this version of my life.”

This episode is for you.

Caregiver resentment often hides beneath exhaustion, burnout, scanxiety, anger, and guilt. It can show up when:

• You feel invisible in your own crisis
• Family members offer opinions but not help
• Friends check on your loved one but never check on you
• The endless oncology appointments and medical tasks never stop
• You grieve the life, career, travel, or retirement plans you lost

Here’s the truth: resentment is not a character flaw. It’s an overcapacity signal.

When you're stretched beyond your emotional and physical limits, resentment is your nervous system’s warning light. It’s often grief wearing armor grief for the support you didn’t receive, the freedom you lost, or the version of your life you thought you'd have.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why caregiver resentment is normal (and common in cancer caregiving)
• How resentment is connected to caregiver burnout
• The hidden grief beneath bitterness
• How to turn resentment into information instead of shame
• A 3-step reflection practice to respond to resentment with curiosity instead of guilt

You can love your person deeply and still resent what caregiving has cost you. Those truths can coexist.

This episode is part three of our four-part series, “The Things You Don’t Say Out Loud,” where we explore the hidden emotional realities of cancer caregivers including loneliness, anger, resentment, and the thoughts you only admit in the dark.

If you’re navigating caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, or emotional exhaustion while supporting a loved one through cancer, this conversation will help you feel seen and less alone.

🎧 Press play and give yourself 15 minutes of self-preservation.

Find more caregiver support at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com

If you’re a cancer caregiver feeling angry at the medical system, frustrated with family, resentful of the constant responsibility, or secretly furious at yourself… this episode is for you.

Caregiver burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like a tight jaw. A short temper. A bathroom cry you don’t fully understand.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why anger is a normal response to caregiving stress
• The hidden link between caregiver resentment and grief
• How suppressing anger fuels burnout
• A simple 2-question tool to process anger without exploding or shutting down

If you're navigating cancer caregiving stress, scanxiety, emotional exhaustion, or caregiver guilt... press play.

Because self-preservation starts with telling the truth about what you feel.

Find more caregiver support at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com

But instead of relief, you felt dread.

In this first episode of our four-part series, The Things You Don’t Say Out Loud, we’re naming something many cancer caregivers experience but rarely admit:

Loneliness.

Not the kind that comes from being physically alone.

The kind that settles behind your ribs.

The kind that shows up at 2:00 AM.

The kind that grows when everyone calls you “strong.”

Caregiver loneliness is complicated. You’re surrounded by people—doctors, texts, meal trains, family. And still, you can feel completely unseen.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why hospital discharge can bring dread instead of relief
• The loneliness of being “the strong one”
• The quiet erosion of friendships during caregiving
• The weight of making medical decisions alone
• Why well-meaning support sometimes misses the mark
• The difference between solitude and loneliness
• What it actually means to be witnessed

And most importantly, you’ll walk away with a simple nightly practice you can do in less than 2 minutes to begin seeing yourself again.

Because the goal isn’t to fix you.

It’s to help you feel seen.

This final episode in this series is about pausing long enough to recognize who you’re becoming in the middle of everything you’re carrying. Not after things calm down. Not someday. Now.

We reflect on the small shifts that happen when you give yourself moments of presence how your nervous system responds, how your identity begins to root back into you, and how self-compassion often shows up quietly, not dramatically.

This episode helps you see the progress that doesn’t get celebrated, the growth that happens under the surface, and the ways you’ve stayed connected to yourself even when it felt impossible.

It’s a closing chapter... and a bridge into what comes next.

When the house finally quiets down, everything you didn’t have time to feel shows up at once. The worry, the fear, the tension, the emotional leftovers of the day.

In this episode, we explore why evenings feel so heavy, what’s actually happening in your body after a day of vigilance, and how to create an evening ritual that helps you land instead of collapse.

You’ll learn how to build simple, repeatable rituals that signal to your nervous system that the day is done, without adding more tasks or expectations.

This episode offers gentle, practical ways to release the day, reconnect with yourself, and move toward rest with a little more ease.

If nights are when everything catches up to you, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we give five minutes a new job, not to fix you or restore you completely, but to help you remember that you exist.

You’ll learn the simple but powerful framework of Notice, Name, Nourish, and how to use it anywhere: bathrooms, hallways, cars, waiting rooms, hospital corridors.

We talk honestly about why caregivers struggle to stop, what happens when needs go unacknowledged, and how tiny moments of care can prevent emotional collapse.

This episode is for caregivers who feel like they’re running on empty, who believe that small pauses don’t matter and who are ready to discover that five minutes can be enough to change how the rest of the day feels.

We’re letting go of the fantasy morning routines that don’t survive contact with real caregiving life, and replacing them with something far more useful: tiny, portable rituals that help you arrive in your day without needing extra time, silence, or perfect conditions.

You’ll learn why mornings are especially destabilizing for caregivers, how your nervous system wakes up already on alert, and how micro-rituals can create moments of presence inside even the most chaotic start.

This episode offers practical, grounded ways to reclaim yourself in the middle of real mornings, not by doing more, but by noticing yourself inside what you’re already doing.

But caregiving doesn’t work on a clean-slate calendar... and neither do you.

In this episode, we unpack why traditional resolutions often fail caregivers, and what to do instead. You’ll learn the difference between brittle goals and flexible intentions, and how to choose an intention that actually fits inside a life shaped by uncertainty, exhaustion, and responsibility.

We explore how to set intentions that don’t demand perfection, don’t add pressure, and don’t require more time... only more honesty. You’ll be guided to identify what you want to feel more of this year, and how to anchor that intention into moments that already exist in your day.

This episode is for caregivers who want January to feel different, not because life changes, but because the way you meet it does.

Maybe it wasn’t graceful. Maybe it didn’t look the way you hoped. Maybe you crossed the finish line exhausted, resentful, relieved, and still unsure how you’re standing. But you’re here and that deserves recognition.

This episode is not about resolutions, goal-setting, or pretending January magically fixes everything. It’s about acknowledging what you survived, naming the invisible work you carried, and giving your nervous system permission to stop bracing for just a moment.

We talk about the caregiver “January hangover,” why the pressure to start fresh can feel unbearable, and how recognition, not reinvention. is often what caregivers need most at the beginning of a new year.

If you’re entering January already tired, already stretched, already wondering how much longer you can keep doing this, this episode is a place to land.

Drawing from her own experience of 14 moves over 30 years of marriage, and the isolation caregiving can bring, Charlotte explores how togetherness must evolve when energy, proximity, and tradition no longer fit your reality.

This isn’t about finding your way back to how things used to be. It’s about discovering the many ways connection still shows up: in text messages, shared silences, candlelight across distance, and the invisible thread that ties you to people who truly see you.

Charlotte guides listeners through a powerful Connection Visualization Practice, offers gentle new rituals for sustainable connection, and invites you to honor presence over performance.

Whether you're feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or simply exhausted by the effort of staying connected, this episode will help you remember: you are not alone. Even now. Especially now.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

This episode explores one of the most tender truths about caregiving: joy and grief often show up together. One breath might carry laughter. The next, tears. It doesn’t mean you're confused. It means your emotional capacity is expanding.

Charlotte shares a deeply relatable story about a moment at the airport that brought back joy-filled memories of her daughter and grief right alongside them. She unpacks why we feel pressured to “pick one emotion” and how this emotional performance keeps us from feeling whole.

With her signature mix of compassion and clarity, Charlotte invites caregivers to stop compartmentalizing their feelings and instead, practice both/and awareness. Through the One Breath for What Hurts, One for What Helps exercise, listeners learn how to hold the full spectrum of their emotional reality without apology.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Samira shares how navigating her own diagnosis exposed the emotional and logistical gaps in oncology care gaps that patients and caregivers are often expected to manage on their own. The conversation explores patient-first design, the role of caregivers in treatment decision-making, cultural barriers to cancer communication, and how better navigation tools can reduce overwhelm during an already fragile time.

This episode highlights the often unseen burden carried by caregivers and patients alike, and why empowering people with timely, accessible information can change how they experience cancer care.

Find Samira at www.mantacares.com

In this deeply emotional episode, Charlotte gently guides caregivers through the quiet grief that lives in everyday spaces: the scent of a familiar cologne, a tradition now missing someone, a chair no longer filled. 

Charlotte explores the invisible weight of anticipated grief, the myth of “moving on,” and the raw honesty of loving someone even when they’re no longer here in the same way. You’ll learn how to stay present with the absence without rushing past it or forcing a silver lining. This isn’t about closure. It’s about continuing.

She offers a beautifully guided Memory-Holding Ritual and shares tender reflections on the complex truth of memory, the layered grief of caregiving, and why love always leaves a mark even when the chair is empty.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this deeply moving episode, Charlotte speaks to a form of loneliness caregivers rarely name but nearly all experience: the kind that blooms inside a full house. The kind that grows louder in a room full of visitors. The kind you carry behind the brave face and constant managing.

This episode explores the profound disconnection that happens when the world sees your function but not your fatigue. It offers honest language for invisible burdens, quiet acknowledgment of emotional isolation, and practical ways to stay tethered to yourself when connection with others feels impossible.

Charlotte doesn’t try to fix the loneliness. She names it. Validates it. And offers small, sacred practices for honoring what you carry in silence.

Because sometimes the loudest place in the world is the dinner table. And the most crowded room is the one where you feel least seen.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this powerful episode, Charlotte gets real about something every caregiver has felt but few say out loud: the need to hide from the world, and the overwhelming guilt that follows. 

Charlotte explores why rest is repair, not rebellion; why guilt floods in when you try to protect your peace; and how to rewrite the internal script that says your worth depends on your presence.

With compassion and clarity, she offers caregivers a lifeline, practical strategies, breathing practices, self-talk rewrites, and boundary-setting scripts to help you opt out without apology.

This episode is a sacred exhale. You don't need to earn rest. You don't have to perform wellness. And you’re allowed to say, “I just can’t this year.”

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

We explore how this advanced technology improves early detection of breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue—and why male breast cancer is often overlooked. Dr. Bard also shares insights on environmental exposures (like toxins, firefighting, and military service), how caregivers can support loved ones in getting second opinions, and why patient involvement in diagnostics can be life-saving.

If you’re a caregiver navigating cancer or someone searching for answers about screening and treatment options, this conversation will give you the tools, language, and confidence to ask better questions and advocate for your loved one.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Bard

02:00 – What inspired Dr. Bard’s focus on early cancer detection

05:00 – How 3D Doppler ultrasound improves on mammograms & MRIs

08:00 – Understanding male breast cancer and why it’s overlooked

13:00 – Environmental toxins, firefighters, and screening risks

16:00 – 3D imaging for treatment guidance

20:00 – Alternative & complementary approaches to cancer care

23:00 – Why patients should always ask questions and get a second opinion

28:00 – Firefighter and first responder screening programs

30:00 – Upcoming global male breast cancer conference & resources

Credits

Guest: Dr. Robert L. Bard, Bard Cancer Diagnostics

Learn more at: www.BardCancerDiagnostics.com

Both naturopathic doctors, Dr. Kaser and Dr. Sherman blend science, warmth, and humor in conversations that help people navigating cancer feel informed, supported, and truly seen. And in this episode, they’re taking on something that can feel complicated for anyone touched by cancer: gratitude.

But don’t worry—this isn’t one of those “just think positive” chats.

Instead, you’ll hear:

• What real gratitude looks like when life is genuinely hard
• The science of how it impacts your health
• How toxic positivity and cynicism can cloud the experience
• Personal stories and clinical wisdom from two seasoned professionals
• And a surprisingly sweet lesson from a dog named Panda about waking up grateful

This episode is honest, funny, and refreshingly relatable. It won’t tell you what to feel—it simply gives you space to feel it all.

So take a deep breath and settle in as The Cancer Pod explores gratitude in a way that feels real, not forced.

Miguel shares the one piece of advice he gives every caregiver, the challenges men face in caregiving roles, and how caring for a spouse while raising three young children reshaped his sense of identity and resilience.

They talk openly about self-preservation, the emotional toll of patient portals, maintaining connection during long cancer journeys, and the quiet loneliness that can come with caregiving. If you’ve ever felt unseen or unsure how to take care of yourself while caring for someone else, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.

You can find more information about the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc at http://www.thyca.org

In this episode, Charlotte explores the grief, guilt, and quiet relief that can come with releasing old traditions and why it’s okay to do so. Through personal stories, reflection prompts, and a breath practice for letting go, she invites you to examine the rituals you’ve been maintaining. Are they still nourishing you? Or are they quietly exhausting you?

This episode is about evolving with honesty. It’s about recognizing that letting go of how things used to be doesn’t mean letting go of love it means making space for what your life needs now.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

If you’ve ever sat at a table, forced to answer “What are you grateful for?” with nothing but a lump in your throat, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode, Charlotte speaks directly to the caregivers who feel emotionally spent, overwhelmed by expectations, and disconnected from the glossy gratitude culture of November.  

Charlotte redefines gratitude in a way that’s real, accessible, and grounded in survival. She introduces the practice of micro-gratitude, noticing the smallest moments of relief, without forcing positivity or emotional performance.

With honesty, compassion, and practical tools, this episode gives you permission to stop trying so hard to “feel grateful” and start honoring the truth of what you’re carrying. Because sometimes, survival is the win, and noticing one moment of ease is more than enough.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

There’s no to-do list here. No lesson to absorb. No advice to implement. Just a guided, gentle space to rest.

Through breath, body awareness, and quiet affirmation, this episode leads you out of survival mode and back into your body. It offers the kind of restoration caregivers rarely allow themselves, but so deeply deserve.

You don’t have to wait until everything is done. You don’t have to feel guilty for taking 10 minutes. You don’t have to earn this moment.

You can rest now. And you’ll still be enough.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In caregiving, time always feels tight. So mindfulness? It sounds like a luxury you can’t afford. But what if mindfulness isn’t about carving out more time but simply showing up to the time you already have?

In this episode, Charlotte shares how presence, not perfection, is the most powerful act of self-preservation. You'll learn the difference between mindfulness and meditation, how to shift your focus from spiraling to grounding, and how to use ordinary moments (like washing your hands or starting the car) to return to yourself.

Using the Anchor Practice, Charlotte walks you through how to integrate mindfulness into your caregiving life without needing more time, silence, or space. Just presence.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, Charlotte explores how the physical body holds stress, tension, and emotional weight long before we consciously recognize it.

If your shoulders are constantly tight, your breath is shallow, or your patience is wearing thin, this isn’t weakness; it’s your nervous system asking for help.

You’ll learn how chronic caregiving stress impacts your biology, why burnout doesn’t always announce itself, and how to start noticing the small signals your body is sending before they become a scream.

With a calming guided practice and real-world insight, this episode offers more than information—it gives you permission to reconnect with yourself through quiet, consistent attention.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Mentioned in this episode:

Find Overlooked at www.overlooked.pod

This episode isn’t about returning to who you were before cancer. It’s about reconnecting with the person you're becoming now.

In this season finale of Becoming You Again, Charlotte shares four powerful entry points to help caregivers reintegrate into their own lives: presence, choice, expression, and boundaries.

Through personal stories, simple grounding practices, and real-world tools, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for beginning the next chapter, not by fixing yourself, but by including yourself.

This isn’t about becoming your “old self.” It’s about coming home to the person you are now with all the strength, wisdom, and humanity caregiving has shaped in you.

But what if preserving yourself isn’t selfish but essential?

In this episode, Charlotte challenges the belief that caregiving means disappearing. Through real examples and deeply relatable moments, she redefines what strength looks like for caregivers.

This episode explores how caring for yourself: your body, your mind, and your nervous system, isn’t a luxury. It’s survival.

You’ll walk away with practical, grounded ideas for integrating small acts of self-preservation into your caregiving life. From setting boundaries to taking conscious breaths, Charlotte shares how these quiet actions are acts of resistance against a system that often overlooks you.

Caregiving comes with a weight no one else can see. It's the emotional backpack you carry every day: filled with guilt, fear, responsibility, hypervigilance, and resentment. 

You can’t always name what’s inside it, but you feel it in your body, your mood, and your energy.

In this episode, Charlotte helps you take a closer look at what you’ve been holding. Through real caregiver stories, simple grounding practices, and a framework for emotional awareness, you’ll begin to understand how this emotional load builds up and how to start setting it down, one feeling at a time.

This conversation offers tools to help you:

• Differentiate between your emotions and the ones you’re absorbing from others
• Create space to process difficult feelings without judgment
• Loosen the grip of guilt, fear, and grief
• Reclaim small moments of relief, clarity, and personal truth

This episode is not about pushing through, it’s about pausing long enough to acknowledge what you’ve been carrying, and realizing you don’t have to carry it all alone.

Find your Scanxiety toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Before the doctor’s calls, the waiting rooms, and the constant updates… there was you. 

In this episode, Charlotte invites cancer caregivers to pause and remember the version of themselves that existed before cancer took over. Through personal stories and gentle, practical guidance, you’ll explore how to find that person again and why reconnecting with your own identity isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to recognize when you’ve slipped into “caregiver autopilot.”
• Simple ways to reconnect with your pre-caregiving self without adding to your to-do list.
• Why caring for yourself makes you a more present, sustainable caregiver.
• The difference between “performing the role” and being yourself while caregiving.

Listen now and take the first small step toward remembering and reclaiming the parts of yourself that have been waiting quietly in the background.

Find your Scanxiety toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

But what if that pressure is exactly what’s breaking you?

In this final episode of the Holding It Together (When You're Falling Apart) series, Charlotte invites you to reimagine what caregiving strength really looks like. This is not a call to collapse, but a gentle, powerful invitation to release.

Through deeply personal stories, grounding breathwork, and emotional honesty, Charlotte asks:

What might rise if you stopped trying to hold it all together?

This episode offers a new definition of resilience, one that honors your humanity, your vulnerability, and your right to set something down.

Key Topics:

• The hidden cost of “looking fine” while feeling overwhelmed
• Why “holding it together” can actually prevent emotional presence
• Charlotte’s personal story of breaking down after pretending to be okay
• The difference between holding it together and holding space
• Guided breathwork and reflection prompts for letting go gently
• Evening rituals to release what isn’t yours to carry

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Hold It Together Handbook – Free caregiver support guide at cancercaregiverpodcast.com
• Daily Reflection Practice – What did you carry that wasn’t yours? What did you do well?
• Heart-Anchor Breath Practice – A calming ritual to remind you: “I can loosen my grip. And I’m still safe.”

Favorite Quotes:

“Holding it together isn’t the same as holding it all.”

“Your worth doesn’t depend on how much you can carry. It never did.”

“Maybe what’s falling apart isn’t you—it’s the impossible standard you set for yourself.”

🗂️ Resources:

• 📘 Download the Hold It Together Handbook: cancercaregiverpodcast.com
• 📲 Share your “letting go” moment on Instagram @charlottebayala
• 📝 Leave a review to help other caregivers find this series

In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, Charlotte names the quiet, invisible experience caregivers face every day: brain fog, forgetfulness, indecision, and mental static even when high-stakes decisions are on the line.

You’ll learn why this happens (hint: your brain is trying to protect you) and what you can actually do about it. With compassion and practicality, Charlotte offers tools and strategies for functioning through fog without shame.

🔑 Key Topics:

• What caregiver brain fog really is and why it’s not your fault
• How prolonged stress affects memory, focus, and cognition
• The 3-3-3 Reset for re-centering in the moment
• “Fog Day Protocols” to plan for the days you can’t think clearly
• How to use external systems (tech, notes, voice memos) as your “backup brain”
• Why lowering expectations is not failure but wisdom

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Hold It Together Handbook — a free toolkit for functioning through overwhelm
• The 3-3-3 Reset — a grounding tool using sight, touch, and breath
• External Brain Strategy: how to offload mental load onto paper or devices
• Fog Day Protocols: real-world caregiving tips for low-functioning days

Favorite Quotes:

“You don’t need to be sharp to be a good caregiver.”

“Your brain is doing its best under impossible circumstances. And that’s not failing—it’s adapting.”

Resources:

• Download the Hold It Together Handbook: cancercaregiverpodcast.com
• Share your fog day protocols or caregiver wins on Instagram @charlottebayala
• Learn more about caregiver cognitive support and scanxiety tools in past episodes

In this episode, Charlotte explores why cancer caregivers often feel constantly on edge, anxious, and overstimulated, even in moments that seem “fine.” You’ll learn how caregiving rewires your nervous system to brace for impact and how you can begin offering that system the compassion, grounding, and presence it actually needs.

This isn’t about fixing your reactions, it’s about understanding them. And it starts with one simple message:

You’re not overreacting. You’re overwhelmed.

Key Topics:

• Why panic and anxiety are normal caregiver responses
• How chronic stress trains your nervous system to scan and brace
• The physiology of "fight, flight, or freeze" in everyday caregiving
• Real-time tools to help your body feel safe enough to soften
• Reframing “overreaction” as valuable information from your body

🧰 Mentioned in This Episode:

• 4-4-6-2 Nervous System Reset – A grounding breath pattern for immediate regulation
• Anxiety Brackets – A scheduling tool for managing anticipatory stress or “scanxiety”
• The Hold It Together Handbook – A practical, trauma-informed toolkit built for caregivers in the moment

Favorite Quotes:

“Your nervous system isn’t broken—it’s remembering.”

“You are not weak for reacting this way. You are human. And your body is trying to protect you.”

Resources & Links:

• 💡 Download the Scanxiety Toolkit at cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools
• 💌 Subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive caregiver tools and reflections
• 📲 Follow @charlottebayala on Instagram for daily cancer caregiver support

Spoiler: It’s not color-coded calendars or calm conversations with doctors. It’s clenched jaws, shallow breathing, and crying behind a locked bathroom door. In this episode, Charlotte shares the subtle, invisible ways caregivers brace themselves through the unimaginable and how that strength often comes at a cost.

You’ll learn how to:

• Recognize the hidden tension you carry in your body
• Understand the nervous system’s role in caregiver stress
• Interrupt cycles of bracing, numbing, and burnout
• Use the “Check & Choose” practice to return to yourself in small, daily ways

This episode isn’t about letting go of control, it’s about letting go of the pressure to do it all perfectly. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re the only one holding your breath while holding it all together, this conversation will remind you: You’re not alone. And you don’t have to hold everything by yourself.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Hold It Together Handbook: A real-world toolkit for caregivers navigating overwhelm, available at cancercaregiverpodcast.com
• The “Check & Choose” Practice: A micro-reset tool to help you notice your feelings and take one small, kind action in response

Key Topics:

• What “strength” really looks like in caregiving
• The cost of staying composed all the time
• Physical signs your body is absorbing stress
• Permission to be honest, soft, and human
• Sustainable self-preservation for long-term caregiving

Favorite Quotes:

“You weren’t built to live in constant tension. Your nervous system wasn’t designed to be perpetually braced for impact.”

“Holding it together doesn’t mean holding it perfectly. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is set something down.”

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to the podcast.
• Download your free tools from the Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools 
• Join Charlotte on Instagram @cancercaregiverpodcast for daily caregiver encouragement

In this opening episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, Charlotte invites you into that moment. Through real stories, gentle honesty, and a grounding tool called The Two-Minute Truth, she shows why breaking isn’t a sign you’ve failed, it’s proof you’re still human in the middle of something impossibly hard.

If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t hold it together one more second, this episode will help you breathe, feel less alone, and remember: you are not broken for breaking.

Listen to learn:

• The quiet ways “invisible breaking” shows up for caregivers
• Why strength isn’t the absence of breaking
• A 2-minute practice to interrupt overwhelm and anchor yourself in the moment

💬 “You are human. And your humanity—including the broken parts—is a gift to the world.”

In This Episode:

• The small, everyday moments that quietly crack us open as caregivers
• Why breaking is not a sign of weakness but of humanity
• The emotional weight of carrying the unspoken parts of caregiving
• A guided grounding practice to help interrupt overwhelm: The Two-Minute Truth
• How to identify what you need in your “invisible breaking” moments and start asking for it

Links & Extras:

thecancercaregiverpodcast.com – Show notes and resources

www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools - Scanxiety Toolkit

In the final episode of the "Things I Wish You Would Know" series, Charlotte speaks directly to oncologists, nurses, and care providers.

This is not about blame, it's about partnership. It's about being seen as more than "just the caregiver," and recognizing how much caregivers carry when the appointments end.

If you've ever wanted your voice heard in those clinical rooms, this episode says what so many cancer caregivers feel but can't always say.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

When a caregiver disappears from the potlucks, PTA meetings, or yoga classes, it’s not because they stopped caring. It’s because cancer changed everything. 

In this moving episode, Charlotte speaks directly to the community, the people who surround caregivers, often without realizing how vital their support can be. 

Whether you're wondering how to help or feeling unsure about what to say, this episode offers practical, heartfelt guidance on how to show up when it matters most.

Cancer caregivers, use this as a way to frame what you want to say to your community or simply send them this episode to help start that conversation.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

When caregiving enters the picture, family dynamics shift in ways no one expects. 

In this episode, Charlotte speaks directly to the family members who care but don’t always know how to help. It’s a vulnerable, eye-opening message about what caregiving really demands and how family can show up in ways that truly matter. 

Caregivers, share it with your people. Let it say what you’ve been carrying in silence.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

When words feel too hard to find, this episode becomes your voice. It speaks directly to the friends in your life who’ve stepped back, stayed silent, or just didn’t know how to show up. 

Whether you send this to someone or just let it guide your own conversations, it's a powerful message about presence, support, and the kind of friendship that makes caregiving a little less lonely.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Cancer caregiver, let this be the beginning of a conversation you’ve been carrying in your heart.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this moving finale to our Midyear Reset series, Charlotte guides us through the quiet but powerful work of remembering who you are outside of caregiving. 

Through tender stories, calming breathwork, and actionable reflection, this episode invites you to reintroduce a forgotten part of yourself, not by overhauling your life, but by making space for joy, identity, and choice. 

If you’ve been feeling invisible or like you’ve gone silent in your own story, this episode is your gentle call back home.

Download your free Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Grief isn’t just for funerals. 

In this episode, Charlotte explores how caregivers can feel deep love and overwhelming grief at the same time. With touching stories, grounding breathwork, and powerful mindset shifts, she shares how naming your grief is an act of love, not betrayal. 

If you’ve ever questioned your emotions as a caregiver, this episode is your permission slip to feel it all.

In this eye-opening episode, Charlotte breaks down the hidden toll that caregiving stress takes on your mind, body, and identity. 

You’ll discover how chronic stress reshapes your brain, disconnects you from joy, and rewires your nervous system to live on high alert, even after the crisis has passed. 

Through deeply personal stories, practical nervous system tools, and powerful micro-shifts, this episode invites you to start reclaiming your presence, one conscious breath at a time.

Find the free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, Charlotte unpacks why asking for help is so hard, why that doesn’t mean you’re failing, and how to start making small, specific asks that actually connect you to others.

 If you’ve ever said, “I’m fine” through clenched teeth, this one’s for you.

While listening, download your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

If you're feeling numb, exhausted, or disconnected, this episode is a wake-up call wrapped in compassion. Discover why burnout sneaks up on caregivers, how to check in with your emotional dashboard, and how micro-moments of self-awareness can help you reconnect with yourself, without dropping your responsibilities.

Find your Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, Charlotte shares a gut-wrenching story that turned into a breakthrough for sustainable caregiving. 

If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting to sit one out, this is your permission slip, and your playbook, for protecting your energy so you can show up when it counts.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Survivors Arvind Natarajan and Steve DelGardo share their raw, real journeys: from diagnosis delays and cultural silence to reclaiming strength through humor, information, and advocacy. 

Dr. Leone of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings essential insight on the medical side, explaining the gaps in research, care, and support for men. 

Whether you're a caregiver, survivor, or someone who loves a man in your life, this episode will change how you think about breast cancer and why silence is no longer an option.

When a dismissive tone, a careless comment, or an unwillingness to collaborate shakes your confidence what do you do?

In this episode, Charlotte shares personal stories and practical tools for navigating uncomfortable interactions with medical teams. If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling worse than when you walked in, this episode is for you. 

Tune in for real talk, real strategies, and a reminder: your advocacy matters.

Find your scanxiety toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, Charlotte explores the quiet, unseen moment you stepped into caregiving. 

Not when the doctor said, "It's cancer," but in the silent shift that happened inside you. 

Through vivid storytelling and deep emotional resonance, she names what so many caregivers feel but can’t always articulate the grief, the overwhelm, the invisible weight. 

This episode is your mirror, your breath, your permission to matter. Tune in and reclaim your role, not just as caregiver, but as a human who deserves care too.

Download you free Scanxiety ToolKit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or wondering if connection is even worth it, this episode is for you. Through compassionate insight and practical guidance, Charlotte reminds us that connection doesn’t have to be a big event; sometimes, a simple “hello” or shared smile can water a part of us that feels like it's been withering away. 

Tune in for small shifts that can bring back big feelings of belonging.

In this powerful episode, Charlotte guides caregivers through the grief of losing the ability to enjoy life with the person you care for the way you used to before cancer. 

She offers a hopeful, practical shift: focus on how those moments made you feel… not what they were. With touching stories and actionable steps, she shows how to intentionally recreate connection, meaning, and even joy in new ways right where you are, as life is now. 

This episode is a healing breath for anyone missing what once was and wondering how to love what is.

Find your scanxiety toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

When the stress of upcoming scans weighs heavy, how do you stop the spiral of fear before it takes over? 

In this episode, Charlotte shares the powerful "S" in her ESCAPE framework: Shift Your Focus. Discover practical, unexpected ways to redirect your thoughts, reclaim precious moments with your loved one, and stop Scanxiety from stealing your peace. 

If you're ready to stop letting fear run the show, this episode is your guide.

When was the last time you made a wish, for yourself? 

In this intimate and powerful episode, Charlotte takes us through a quiet moment that sparked a life-altering realization: she hadn't wished for herself in years. 

Join her as she explores how caregivers often lose themselves in the act of giving, and what it means to reclaim your own hope, your own care, and, yes, even your own wishes. 

This is more than a reflection, it’s an invitation to rediscover yourself.

When caregiving feels thankless and resentment starts to bubble, it’s easy to ask: “Why should I be the one to fix this?” 

In this episode, Charlotte addresses the anger and emotional fatigue caregivers often carry, especially when the relationship with a loved one feels strained or one-sided. 

With honesty and vulnerability, she explores how cancer changes both partners, why connection feels like a burden, and how to find clarity in the chaos. 

If you’ve ever felt invisible in your own relationship, this episode is for you.

When caregiving takes over, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to just be with your loved one. No meds, no schedules, no survival mode. In this episode, Charlotte shares how a simple hospital TV show became a lifeline to connection, laughter, and love. Discover how to find “date night” moments in the most unexpected places, why it's okay to miss what was, and how to intentionally spark joy and reconnection, even during the hardest chapters.

From therapy taboos to scanxiety spirals, we explore how to support yourself when life feels like too much. 

In this episode, Charlotte invites you to sit with the discomfort, explore what it’s really telling you, and understand that sometimes, the most powerful self-preservation isn’t fixing anything, it’s allowing yourself to feel.

But you don’t have to stay stuck in the fear. In this episode, Charlotte shares the first step of her ESCAPE plan: Engaging Your Senses. 

Learn how simple sensory shifts—like noticing colors, listening to familiar sounds, or feeling comforting textures—can help break the cycle of anxiety and bring you back to the present.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

As caregivers, we often feel like we’re flailing in a world that seems to know what it’s doing. 

But what if no one actually has it all figured out? 

Tune in for a heartwarming reflection on stepping outside of our comfort zones, embracing imperfection, and finding moments of joy amidst the chaos of caregiving.

In this episode, we guide you through the power of pausing. No schedules. No rules.  Just a moment for you. 

Learn how stopping, even briefly, can reset your mind and body, helping you reconnect with yourself beyond the weight of being a cancer caregiver. 

You don’t have to earn a break. You deserve it. 

Take this moment, because you are worth stopping for.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this deeply personal episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of how cancer can erode intimacy and connection—and what you can do to fight for the love that once defined your relationship. 

Do you have to sacrifice love to save a life? Or is there a way to hold onto both? 

Tune in for an honest and supportive conversation about navigating love, loss, and longing as a spousal caregiver.

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Do caregiver appreciation days make you feel seen, or do they just remind you how invisible you are the rest of the year?

In this episode, we get real about the fleeting recognition caregivers receive and why it’s time to stop waiting for permission to prioritize your own needs. You deserve more than a single day of acknowledgment. You deserve real support, every day of the year.

Tune in for a powerful reminder that your worth isn’t defined by a calendar.

But here’s the truth: you are not failing. You’re doing something incredibly hard, and that deserves recognition. 

Tune in for real, practical strategies to carve out moments of peace, set boundaries, and find support in your workplace.

Sign up for the Cancer Caregiver Newsletter here: Newsletter

In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, Charlotte breaks down the paralyzing cycle of scanxiety and how it can leave caregivers stuck, exhausted, and unable to function.

But there’s hope. Learn how to recognize your patterns, prioritize what truly needs to get done, and let go of unnecessary guilt. From practical household hacks to mindset shifts, this episode will help you manage stress, reclaim your time, and show up for both yourself and your loved one.

Tune in now to break the cycle!

Find your scanxiety toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, Charlotte reveals a powerful, actionable strategy to break free from anxiety’s grip before and after medical appointments.

Introducing the ESCAPE Plan.

 A simple but effective tool to help you ground yourself, shift your focus, and find relief during stressful moments.

Tune in to learn how to reclaim your peace, even in the craziness of being acancer caregiving.

Find your Scanxiety Toolkit at: https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, Charlotte explores the guilt that often creeps in when caregivers try to prioritize their own well-being and offers practical advice for overcoming it.

Through understanding your important role and reframing the idea of "selflessness," this episode will help you learn how to balance caregiving with self-care, so you can continue being there for your loved one in the best way possible.

Find your scanxiety toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, we dive into the all-too-familiar experience of "scanxiety"—the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the anticipation of medical appointments. From the creeping anxiety weeks before to the physical and emotional toll it takes on you, we break down how scanxiety shows up in your life.

Join me as we explore practical insights for recognizing these patterns, managing your stress, and showing up for both yourself and your loved one during these challenging times. You’re not just a caregiver; you're a person with needs too. Let's talk about how to take care of both.

Find your scanxiety toolkit at www.cancercaregiver.com/tools

Tune in for an empowering message that will reignite your pride, courage, and belief in your strength as a cancer caregiver.

Find your Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Find your free meditation downloads at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Download the free Scanxiety toolkit at : https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Duration: 5 minutes

Level: Everyone

Focus: Mantra Meditation - I AM

Episode Tie In: "The #1 Way to Handle Unsolicited Cancer Advice This Holiday Season!" The Cancer Caregiver Podcast

In this episode of The Cancer Caregiver Podcast, we’re ditching the pressure of New Year’s resolutions and exploring a more compassionate approach—setting intentions.

Learn how a simple ‘I AM’ statement can guide your decisions, reduce stress, and help you find clarity, even in the chaos of cancer caregiving.

Plus, discover a quick mantra meditation to help you embrace calm in just five minutes.

Listen now and start prioritizing yourself today!

Download the Free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Download the free Scanxiety toolkit at : https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Duration: 5 minutes

Level: Everyone

Focus: Square Breathing

Episode Tie In: "The #1 Way to Handle Unsolicited Cancer Advice This Holiday Season!" The Cancer Caregiver Podcast

In this episode, Charlotte shares the 6 most common awkward holiday conversations cancer caregivers face and introduces a simple yet powerful tool—Square Breathing—that helps you stay calm, centered, and in control.

Whether you’re navigating family dynamics or protecting your peace, this episode will empower you to reclaim joy during the holiday season. Tune in for actionable strategies and a dose of self-compassion!

Find your free Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Download the free Scanxiety toolkit at : https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Duration: 10 minutes

Level: Everyone

Focus: Guided Visualization

Episode Tie In: "Caregivers, STOP Saying No—Here’s What To Do Instead!" The Cancer Caregiver Podcast

Discover how saying 'Yes' to the right things can transform your journey.

In this episode, we’ll redefine boundaries, shifting from a mindset of negativity to one of empowerment. Through a guided visualization and practical tips, you’ll learn how to prioritize joy, create meaningful moments, and take back control—even during life’s busiest seasons.

Say 'Yes' to yourself and the life you deserve.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

A deep breath in through your nose fills your body with calm, while a strong breath out through your mouth helps release any tension or extra energy. This simple exercise can help you stay balanced and in control, no matter what you’re feeling.

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Duration: 6 min Level: Everyone Focus: Strong Exhale

 In this episode, we dive into the real struggles of balancing caregiving, traditions, and expectations during the festive season. Learn simple strategies to set boundaries, manage emotional overwhelm, and rediscover small moments of joy.

Plus, I’ll share a quick breathing technique that can instantly help you feel grounded. Whether you love the holidays or dread them, this episode will help you make them work for YOU. 

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpdocast.com/tools

This 10 minute breathing exercise will help you find the pauses in your day. This technique will give you the ability to reset and give you the opportunity to shift your mindset. 

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Duration: 10 min

Level: Everyone

Focus: Find the Pause in your breath

Find the Scanxiety toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

This is a 5 minute breathing exercise that will help you learn how to use your breath as a self-preservation tool. 

Technique: Long Emotional Exhale

Duration: 5 min

Level: Everyone

Focus: Learning to focus on a long exhale through the mouth to temper emotions.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

This six minute breathing exercise will help you learn how to use your breath as a self-preservation tool. 

Technique: Counting Breath Duration: 6 min Level: Everyone Focus: Learning to focus on counting breaths as a tool to fall back to sleep.

Click play to explore how acceptance can be a pathway to peace in the chaos.

Go to www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools to find the resources mentioned in this episode

This five minute long exhale exercise will help you learn how to use your breath as a self-preservation tool. 

Duration: 5 min

Level: Everyone

Focus: Learning to focus on an exhale slightly longer than the inhale.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Join Charlotte as she explores why letting yourself cry is not a sign of weakness, but rather a vital release that helps relieve stress and build emotional resilience. Learn the science behind the benefits of tears, personal insights from her own journey, and why embracing vulnerability, even in front of others, can deepen connections and create support.

Tune in for a compassionate reminder that it’s okay to let it out—you’re not alone in this.

Find the Scanxiety Toolkit at www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Learn practical strategies to help filter out the noise, set boundaries with media and people, and regain control of your well-being. Understand how to shift focus away from fear and anxiety by recognizing the good that still exists, practicing gratitude, and creating boundaries to prioritize what really matters—both for yourself and your loved one.

Listen to hear how Charlotte manages the weight of caregiving during uncertain times and learn how to reclaim your sense of peace, even when everything feels like it's falling apart.

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at Http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Dowmload your Scanxiety Toolkit at Http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Listen to the episode and find out how a Cancer Moon could be the transformative escape you both need.

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

This five minute slow breathing exercise will help you learn how to use your breath as a self-preservation tool. 

Duration: 5 minutes

Level: Everyone

Focus: Learning to breathe slow for a count of 4 in breath and out breath.

Episode Tie in: Episode 4 Frozen in Place: How Caregivers Can Overcome Decision Paralysis”

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In today’s episode, you'll discover:

1. Why your brain might feel like it’s stuck on autopilot when you're stressed and how to snap out of it.
2. The science behind stress and its impact on your decision-making and memory.
3. A practical breathing technique that you can use anytime, anywhere to immediately start reducing stress.

So, grab your headphones and get ready to transform your stress into calm – you deserve it. Let’s begin!

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Why it's not your fault you struggle to ask for help – discover the deeper, underlying reasons beyond just feeling busy or overwhelmed.

2. How to break down the communication barrier between you and potential helpers – understand why your friends and family seem to stop offering help and how to open those lines of support.

3. The surprising positive impact on others when they help you – realize that asking for help can actually make your friends and family feel good and strengthen your caregiving circle.

Don't miss out – your path to feeling less trapped and more supported starts here. Listen in and let's make your cancer caregiving life just a bit easier together!

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

Here are three things you'll discover in this episode:

1. The reality of how the self-care industry has been monetizing your need for relief and the true cost it has on your well-being.

2. How to pivot from the empty concept of self-care to the practical act of self-preservation, putting your genuine needs first.

3. Practical techniques to listen to your body’s cues and meet your own needs, thus making you a better caregiver in the process.

Imagine this: Charlotte shares a candid moment when her smartwatch tells her to breathe right in the middle of teaching a yoga class. She’s already focused on her breath, yet this reminder frustrates her, underscoring how hollow and misplaced the modern self-care industry can feel. If you've ever felt this way, you're definitely not alone.

Join us for an eye-opening episode that challenges the mainstream self-care narrative and offers you realistic steps towards self-preservation. Listen Now!

Here's what you'll learn:

1. Recognize Your Own Needs: Learn to identify when you're starting to feel overwhelmed and understand why acknowledging these feelings is crucial for both you and your loved one.

2. Self-Advocacy Skills: Discover how to confidently voice your needs and create space for your own well-being without feeling guilty.

3. Taking Effective Action: Understand how to implement small, actionable steps that cater to your well-being, making you a more resilient caregiver.

And for a moment of true connection, picture this: you're in the exam room, watching the oncologist remove a seemingly endless drain from your loved one's neck, your vision blurring, and you're teetering on the edge of fainting.

What could you do differently to keep yourself grounded and effective in such a crucial moment?

Listen to find out, and let’s make your caregiving journey just a little more manageable.

Download your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

In this episode I challenge the narrative of the 'cancer warrior' and shed light on why your role as a caregiver is equally heroic. I share personal insights and practical advice on why prioritizing your needs is crucial—not just for you, but for your loved one.

If you're ready to transform your caregiving journey and reclaim your joy, listen now.

 Life's short, cancer sucks, but you deserve to enjoy your life. Tune in, subscribe and find the newsletter at https://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com

Find your Scanxiety Toolkit at http://www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com/tools

I deeply understand the universal needs and challenges that all caregivers face. 

We all crave acknowledgment, support, and a break from the overwhelming responsibilities that caregiving brings. 

But I've realized that while our core desires are the same, our experiences differ greatly depending on the specific illness, injury, or disability we're dealing with.

As a cancer caregiver for my husband, I know firsthand the unique struggles and joys that come with this journey. 

I've decided to shift the focus of this podcast entirely to the world of cancer caregiving. 

Drawing from my personal experiences and my expertise as a meditation and yoga teacher, I’ll be offering specialized support and practical self-care tools tailored just for us.

Moving forward, The Cancer Caregiver Podcast will be dedicated to helping you preserve your energy, find joy, and build resilience amidst the chaos. 

Join me as we navigate this new chapter together, making a meaningful impact on the cancer caregiving community. 

Thank you for being here, and let’s get started.

In Episode 270, we explore creative ways to go on dates at home, even when leaving the house feels impossible. We'll discuss setting the scene for special moments, sparking joy through shared experiences, and intentionally cultivating mindful, loving connections. 

Join me as we uncover two simple but transformative strategies to help you reconnect with your spouse, reignite your bond, and find joy in your caregiving journey. 

Whether your loved one is bedridden or just unable to leave the house, this episode offers heartfelt advice to help you feel revitalized and closer to your partner. IG

Summer is almost over, have you had a chance to reconnect with your spouse? 

In Episode 270 of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast, I share practical tips to create unforgettable date nights at home. 

Whether it's a cozy movie date or a special dinner in bed, it's all about rekindling that spark while navigating the challenges of being a caregiver. 

Listen now and embark on this transformative journey to find joy and connection! 💖 

🎧 Listen at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Discover how the tactile experience of penning your thoughts and emotions can rekindle your love and appreciation. Whether you choose to share your letter or keep it for yourself, this exercise can help you remember why you give so much of yourself to this one special person. 

So grab some paper, a cup of your favorite drink, and maybe even some tissues, and join me in this meaningful journey of rediscovery. 

For more resources and a transcript of this episode, visit www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com.

As caregivers, we are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities and forget to cherish the moments with our loved ones. 

I'll be sharing personal stories about my journey with my husband through his battle with cancer, and how we both struggled yet found solace in simple acts of connection. 

Whether you care for a spouse, parent, sibling, or child, these insights apply universally. We'll discuss the power of being present, allowing emotions to flow, and the significance of just being there for each other. 

Stay tuned for tips on how to stay connected and navigate the emotional landscape of caregiving while keeping love at the forefront. 

Join us as we explore how to not just survive, but truly live and love your caregiving life.

For more resources and a transcript of this episode, visit www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com.

Charlotte dives into the importance of understanding your needs in conversations and communicating them clearly to the people in your life, whether they are fixers or listeners. 

With practical advice and empathetic insights, she encourages us to be proactive in setting expectations with our loved ones to feel seen, heard, and understood. Listen now to explore how to create more meaningful connections through effective communication.

Find episode transcripts as well as more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Find episode transcripts as well as more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

As caregivers, we can become so consumed with our responsibilities that we forget to appreciate the little moments that bring us joy and fulfillment. From connecting with the outside world to making a habit of truly noticing the people around us, I will share five practical steps to help you break the cycle of tunnel vision and rediscover the simple pleasures in your day. 

Whether you’re looking for a sense of hope or just a few tips to brighten your routine, this episode is here to remind you that even in the midst of caregiving, life’s precious moments don't have to be missed. Let's not let any more seasons pass us by unnoticed.

Find episode transcripts as well as more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

She discusses her personal experience of looking back and finding gaps in her memories due to not documenting some of the most challenging periods of her life, such as her husband’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Charlotte emphasizes the significance of taking photos and keeping journal entries to hold onto the small, daily experiences that define our lives and relationships. 

This episode is a reminder that every day is unique and filled with moments worth remembering, encouraging you to document your journey to both remember and celebrate the ordinary yet special instances that we often take for granted.

Find episode transcripts as well as more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

She delves into the importance of truly seeing and appreciating our loved ones, not just as care recipients but as individuals with their own struggles and triumphs. 

Through her narrative, Charlotte emphasizes how these fleeting moments can profoundly reinvigorate caregivers, providing the emotional fuel necessary to face the challenges of caregiving with resilience and love. 

Join us as we explore these intimate insights and learn how to cherish the invaluable, yet brief, moments that often go unnoticed in the busy lives of caregivers.

Find episode transcripts as well as more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Whether it's waking up at dawn or just in time to enjoy a cup of solitude, Charlotte advocates for morning rituals that resonate personally and support our caregiving roles. 

Join us as we explore how redefining our mornings can bring us closer to loving our caregiving life, making each day not just manageable but meaningful.

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Whether it’s through breathing exercises, visualization, or simply focusing on your breath, these small steps can greatly enhance your sleep quality and reduce stress. 

Remember, creating moments of calm in your caregiving journey isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Listen for insights on making caregiving a more joyful and manageable part of your life.

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Learn the importance of starting and ending your day with intention, focusing on the small habits you can shift to bring peace and positivity into your life. Charlotte shares personal strategies like pausing thoughts upon waking and being mindful while brushing teeth to set a calm tone for the day. 

Tune in as we dive into how these simple changes can make a significant impact on your overall well-being and provide a much-needed structure for caregivers. J

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Often, caregiving can overshadow personal wellness, leaving us overwhelmed. But by redefining simple actions—like enjoying a morning beverage mindfully—we invite moments of peace and joy into our routines without needing extra time. 

Remember, it's about starting small and focusing on consistency to manage stress. Join us next episode as we delve deeper into creating rituals that nurture relaxation amidst our caregiving lives. 

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Through my personal journey as a caregiver, I discovered that the rituals integrated into my daily life serve as the backbone of my self-care routine. They allow me to maintain my sanity in the chaos of life's unexpected challenges. 

From the simple act of brushing teeth with intention to taking a quiet moment to just breathe and notice our surroundings as we wake up, these rituals can significantly impact our wellbeing. 

Join me as we unpack how you can cultivate your own rituals to navigate the intense landscape of caregiving with resilience and grace. 

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

It’s easy to dwell on the negatives, those standout moments like not being chosen for a program, a spill, or a near miss on the highway. But what about all the times things did go according to plan? 

Learn how about the importance of acknowledging and even listing the positives and the ordinary, which often go unnoticed yet form the baseline of our experiences. Together, we’ll explore how shifting focus from the exceptional to the everyday okay can prevent us from feeling overwhelmed by the negatives and help us appreciate the often overlooked moments of calm and normalcy in our busy lives. 

Find the full transcript of this episode as well as more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/

Whether it’s the people who are in the trenches with us or those we share light moments with, navigating these relationships requires tact, empathy, and an understanding of each other's capacities. 

This episode explores not just the act of sharing difficult news, but also the broader implications of friendship, support, and personal boundaries within the caregiving space. Join us as we unpack these themes and consider how to appreciate and maintain the invaluable friendships that help sustain us through tough times.

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find the full transcript and more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find transcrips and links at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/blog

She discusses the challenging balance between acknowledging these feelings and not letting them overpower her. With self-care as her tool, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of staying present and enjoying the good moments, despite the looming medical appointments. Recognizing the importance of being the best caregiver she can be means being mindful not to exhaust herself before critical moments where her support is needed the most. Charlotte's message is clear: being a caregiver is about acknowledging the tough reality while also finding ways to love your life and allow happiness in, despite the hardships.

Find the transcript and support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more support and episode transcripts at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/blog

Find more caregiving support and the transcript for this episode at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Dr. Ackerman takes us through the challenges, emotions, and invaluable experiences he encountered while caring for his beloved mother. He also discusses how his advocacy work has grown into a worldwide support network, shedding light on the need for awareness and support for those impacted by Parkinson's disease.

Get ready to be moved by Dr. Ackerman's passion for creating a community that provides love, support, and advocacy for caregivers and individuals affected by Parkinson's disease. So, let's dive into this powerful conversation and join Dr. Ackerman in his mission to make a positive impact in the lives of caregivers and those impacted by Parkinson's disease.

All links to organizations mentioned can be found on the transcript page at http://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find transcripts and links at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Her journey is not only shaped by her professional pursuits but also by her personal role as a caregiver to her father during his fight with Lewy body disease. We're excited to discuss her new book, "Stand by Me," which mirrors her dual perspective as both an expert and a family caregiver. It's a narrative that resonates with many, infused with poignant tales from her own life and the lives of those she's assisted professionally.

In this episode, we unpack the complex emotional landscapes that caregivers navigate, the often-unexpected personal growth that comes with facing and expressing these emotions, and the profound importance of connecting to meaning and purpose through the caregiving experience.

Dr. Applebaum shares heartfelt advice, from the practicalities of negotiating healthcare systems to embracing community support. Join us for this deeply insightful conversation that promises to touch on the shared realities of caregiving and illuminate the path towards a more supported and understood caregiving life. Stay tuned as we explore these themes and more with Dr. Alison Applebaum.

Links and more info found at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find transcripts at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find links to organizations mentioned at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more caregiving support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find ways to take 5 minute breaks from caregiving here 

https://unique-architect-9113.ck.page/dd2f5bfb92

Find ways to take 5 minute breaks from caregiving here 

https://unique-architect-9113.ck.page/dd2f5bfb92

She reflects on the intense emotional rollercoaster of waiting in the oncologist's office, and how that moment led her to evaluate her own caregiving and self-care. Charlotte shares her realization that caregivers often neglect their own needs while focusing solely on their loved ones, and she challenges herself and her listeners to prioritize self-care in the midst of caregiving.

With empathy and understanding, Charlotte offers a roadmap for caregivers to prioritize their well-being throughout the year, and she extends a supportive invitation for listeners to join her in this transformative journey. Tune in and embrace the opportunity to love your caregiving life. 

Find ways to take 5 minute breaks from caregiving here 

https://unique-architect-9113.ck.page/dd2f5bfb92

Find the transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Charlotte delves into the societal pressure to stay small as a caregiver and the lack of validation from both medical professionals and society. She emphasizes the importance of caregivers feeling acknowledged and validated for the essential role they play. She encourages you to demand more and advocate for yourself.

 If you have stories to share about feeling small or unseen as a caregiver, you can connect with Charlotte at http://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com. 

In this eye-opening discussion, we emphasize the importance of defining your own perfect morning, tailoring it to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're a caregiver or just someone striving for a more authentic approach to your mornings, this episode offers valuable insights. Don't miss it – listen now and start your journey toward a more meaningful morning routine!

Find the transcript and additional content at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Charlotte highlights the difficulty of balancing caregiving responsibilities with holiday traditions and the expectations placed upon caregivers to participate in festivities. 

She introduces the concept of joy as a more sustainable and genuine emotion compared to happiness. Explains how joy can coexist with other emotions, allowing you to experience moments of joy even in challenging times. 

Ultimately, she encourages you to let go of societal expectations and embrace joy instead of forcing yourself to be happy.

Find more at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find links and more information at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

It doesn’t have to feel that way. Join Charlotte and her guest Roberta Schneider, caregiver, mental health advocate and author as they explore the art of redefining traditions, managing emotions, and finding joy in caregiving during the holidays. 

Find the transcript and all links mentioned at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

She emphasizes that what works for successful individuals may not work for caregivers and that it's important to find what feels right. Charlotte encourages listeners to create their own version of a perfect morning routine, tailored to their needs and circumstances. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, a short walk, or finding solitude in the car, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and actively setting the tone for the day ahead.

Overall, Charlotte reminds caregivers that perfect isn't perfect for everyone and that it's crucial to prioritize self-care in ways that genuinely work for them. Morning routines do matter, but they should be personalized and meaningful, helping caregivers prepare for the day's responsibilities.

Find the transcript and more caregiving content at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Tune in to this enlightening episode as we explore the significance of palliative care and the impact it can have on the caregiving journey. Find the links mentioned on the transcript page at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Are you ready to transform your caregiving journey? Join host Charlotte Bayala in the latest episode of "Love Your Caregiving Life" as she sits down with guest Carol Bush, a certified palliative care nurse. In this engaging conversation, Carol shares her unique journey from being a farmer's daughter to finding her passion in nursing. Discover how palliative care goes beyond just hospice and learn how it can improve the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. Whether you're facing a diagnosis or seeking support for a loved one, this episode is packed with valuable information and resources. Tune in now and embrace the power of palliative care. Don't miss this transformative episode on "Love Your Caregiving Life"!

Fins links discussed on the podcast page at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find transcripts and caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more information about Michelle and the transcript of our interview at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find the full transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

 We'll discuss how others may feel they are contributing to your well-being by pointing out facts you already know, and why people may care about your well-being for their own comfort or convenience.

Join us as we question the effectiveness of those who offer help without truly supporting you. We'll delve into the message that no one truly cares if you practice self-care or figure things out, as it is often easier for them to simply give advice rather than provide genuine support.

Together, we'll explore the importance of taking control of your own well-being, regardless of how tired or busy you may feel, and why prioritizing yourself is crucial for being an effective caregiver.

Find the transcript and access the newsletter at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Charlotte reflects on her experience of receiving positive news about her loved one's illness, and the unexpected mixture of relief, concern, happiness, irritation, disbelief, and guilt that accompanied it.

She grapples with how to share this news with others, wanting to avoid misconceptions and maintain a realistic perspective on her loved one's condition.

Join us as we explore the challenges of celebrating "unremarkable" test results, the weight of a decade of caregiving, and the importance of embracing vulnerability in the face of uncertainty. Let's dive in and learn to navigate the moments when caregiving takes a surprising turn.

Find the transcript and access to the newsletter at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

From personal experiences of harsh criticism to the hesitation to seek support, we'll explore how fear of judgment affects decision-making, communication, and emotional well-being.

Join us as we navigate through the complexities of judgment, share stories of resilience, and remind caregivers that they are not alone in this journey.

Find the transcript for this episode and links mentioned at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Join us as we explore how Melissa has navigated the complex terrain of caregiving while building a successful business. From documenting important medical information to finding systems that work for her, Melissa shares her insights and strategies for balancing family, caregiving, and entrepreneurship.

We'll also discuss the importance of self-care, adjusting priorities, and being true to oneself in the midst of life's challenges. Get ready for an inspiring and informative conversation on how to love your caregiving life.

Find more about Melissa's offerings and read the transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to this episode to learn how not to let your escape make you resent caregiving even more.

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

I know how caregiving can blur the lines of your loving relationship, but don't lose hope! It's time to bring back the spark and find new ways to connect.

Let's dive into creative date ideas that can be enjoyed right at home.

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

In this episode, we'll discuss the dangers of being stuck in caregiver mode and how it hinders your ability to relax and recharge.

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Dive into the full podcast episode now for practical tips and inspiring anecdotes to unlock your summer liberation as a caregiver!

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Join me as we dive into practical strategies that will have you embracing the joys of summer, even as a caregiver.

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find more resources at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Let's talk about something that's been weighing on your heart. You know those moments when you stumble upon your friend's vacation pictures or hear about someone's incredible news, and instead of feeling joy, you feel a mix of sadness and resentment? 

Yeah, it happens to the best of us. But here's the thing: you're not alone, and it doesn't make you a bad person. Let's dive deeper into this emotional rollercoaster together. Listen to Episode 208 and find more caregiving support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

In this episode, we talk about why those words hurt so much and how to support caregivers in a more helpful way.

Find the full transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

It's a common struggle that can create a lot of unnecessary pressure. But what if I told you there's an organization that can help ease that burden?  Listen to the latest episode of our podcast as we talk to Courtney Johnson, founder of Culinary Care, and learn how her organization is supporting families living with cancer, one meal at a time.

 Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation! Find full transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

In this episode, we're talking about the power of an evening ritual to help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the next day.

 From simple habits to mindset shifts, we'll share easy-to-implement tips that will help you make the most of your evenings.

Tune in and discover how small changes can lead to big benefits! Find the breathing link mentioned in this episode at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

 It's time for a change!

 Join us in this episode to learn how to transform your morning routine into a calming ritual that sets the tone for a positive day ahead.

 From simple habits to powerful affirmations, we've got you covered. Let's start your day off right!

 Are you struggling to prioritize self-care and feeling guilty about taking time for yourself? You're not alone.

In this episode, we discuss the power of creating small rituals to reduce stress and improve well-being.

Join us as we share our personal experiences and tips to help you establish self-care practices that fit into your busy schedule.

Find more caregiving content at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

 It's time to prioritize your own needs! Join us in this episode as we share simple daily self-care rituals that will help you feel centered and calm. Because self-care doesn't have to be a big production, it can be as simple as integrating little rituals into your day.

Or are you someone who wants to understand the complexities of caregiving from a different perspective?

In this episode, Charlotte explores the flip side of caregiving - when she becomes the care receiver. Listen in as she delves into her experience as a caregiver who had to face her fears of needing care during her recovery from ACL surgery. 

Through her story, Charlotte discusses the challenges of letting go of control, the guilt that comes with needing care, and the loss of autonomy that occurs when one becomes the care receiver.

Charlotte also highlights the importance of paying attention to the needs and preferences of the care receiver and how this can ease the caregiving process.

Tune in to this episode to gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between caregiving and care-receiving.

FInd show transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Resentment is a complex and multilayered emotion that can arise in response to perceived wrongdoing, such as feeling invisible or unappreciated as a caregiver.

As a caregiver, it's common to feel a range of emotions like fear, anger, and worry, but resentment is different and can be particularly challenging to manage. Charlotte shares insights into her experience of resentment as a caregiver and how she coped with these feelings. T

une in to hear about the signs of resentment and how to manage it in a healthy way. This episode is for you if you're a caregiver who has ever felt alone or unsupported.

Show transcript can be found at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

As a caregiver, it can be difficult to find time for self-care, but singing and humming can be done anytime and anywhere. Charlotte shares how singing has been a source of comfort and self-care for her, and provides tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.

Whether it's humming like a bee or belting out your favorite childhood song, singing can help reduce stress and bring joy to your life.

So come hum along with us and discover the transformative power of music!

Find show transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

You have to want more. You have to believe you deserve more. Being able to enjoy time with your loved one while they are still here has to mean more. 

But unless you really want change it will never happen. My words mean nothing. This feeling you have right now whether it be hope for a brighter future or a sliver of inspiration will mean nothing if you don’t act.

I can’t make that happen. You can’t find it in a book or in a class because the switch that needs to be flipped is only inside of you. The potential is already there.

Listen to find out how and find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

When asking someone to help you… play to their strengths. 

Play to a person’s strengths or interests and you will have a better time getting the support you need. 

For example… I have a friend that helps me by making meals at times when caregiving is stressful. She just knows when to jump in. 

She also knows how to mow a lawn… I’ve seen her do it. 

She’ll enjoy making meals 1,000 times more than mowing my lawn. 

I have never asked her to mow my lawn and enjoy meals she brings us. 

Find what someone is good at (or thinks they’re good at) and you’ll find what they would be best at helping you with. 

In this episode, I discuss how playing to someone's strengths or interests can help you get the support you need in your caregiving journey. I share personal experiences and practical tips on how to identify what tasks your loved ones or friends can help with and how to ask for their assistance. By doing so, you can alleviate some of the stress and focus on self-care. 

Listen to episode 156 of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast to learn how to decide who can help you with the tasks you need to stop doing so you can focus on caregiving and yourself more. 

Find more at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to learn of the importance of letting go of the myth that caregivers should do everything on their own and how slowing down is necessary for self-care.  

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Yes, you're “getting by” with how things are right now. 

The purpose is, however, to find a way to help you enjoy life as a caregiver. 

That doesn’t mean enjoy caregiving. If you do that’s fine but you don’t have to. 

What I would hope for you is that you can enjoy your life even though you are a caregiver. 

So let’s just try to consider doing better than “getting by” for a moment. 

Listen to episode 154 of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast to learn how you can go from just getting by to actually enjoying life.

Find more caregiver resources including the digital monthly subscription Caregiving Confessions at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

In this episode, I share the process I go through with caregivers I work with. In short, it all comes down to realizing how much you do all day and most importantly what you really could benefit from not doing. 

In this episode, I explain how to go about identifying everything you do. 

Remind you of the things you most likely will forget to put down.

Help you through the emotional roadblocks most caregivers come across in going through this exercise. 

Gaining the support you deserve starts with understanding what people can really help you with. 

Find more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Caregiving Confession… over time I started to get angry when people told me to let them know how they can help. It felt like an empty offer. Almost like someone asking me how I was and not expecting me to say anything but “I’m ok”. I found it a little insensitive sometimes because I felt they were giving me more work to think of something they can do. Other times I was so overwhelmed I knew I had to get help with some things but didn’t know where to start in figuring out what to ask for. 

Listen to this episode to hear why you might be irritated when people ask for help and how you can start to figure out how to take them up on their offers so you can enjoy your life as a caregiver.

Find more caregiver support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

I controlled what I could at a time of high anxiety and stress. 

There were too many moving parts and if I didn’t map out their trajectory from the very start I was worried there would be a cataclysmic crash that would result in me … feeling like a failure!

It didn’t take long before I began to feel the effects of doing it all. My outlet became crying.

After a while, I finally realized I had to ask for help. So I met with my doctor and I cried as I told her about my crying. After we spoke for a few moments she told me she felt I was crying because of unproductive worry. 

So I instantly wanted to know how to get better at it!

Listen to the rest of the story on episode 151 and learn what productive worry is and how you can address it in your own life so you can have time to worry about things that really matter.

Find the transcripts and more at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

I just always feel stuck. 

This is the time of the year that I sit bitterly watching reality tv shows that take place in the tropics or binge watch anything that takes place in another part of the world so I can both hate that I’m not there and fantasize about being there.

During this time I have to work hard to limit complaining to my friends, temper my frustration at home with my family and speak more tenderly to myself. 

I have to remind myself…”It’s ok… you’re going to make it through this. Be ok with being uncomfortable.” 

How many times have you done anything to forget how uncomfortable caregiving is for you?

Listen to episode 150 to learn how being uncomfortable is normal and what you can do when it happens to you.

Find more episodes and downloads as https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to episode 148 to hear how finding yourself will affect your relationships in the future. Find more at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find links to Twist Out Cancer programs at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Most people become caregivers because it just made sense.

You were the one that was dependable enough, strong enough and the one who didn’t know to or couldn’t say no. 

That’s the problem. Most of us don’t know we can say no. 

Listen to episode 147 of the Love Your Caregiving Podcast and read the transcript at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

When my husband tried to fix my problem it made me feel misunderstood. I wondered if he was really hearing what I was trying to tell him or if he was spending all of that time figuring out how to fix it. Feeling misunderstood led to a sharp feeling of loneliness that showed up as anger. 

Caregivers feel misunderstood often and our feelings of loneliness are strengthened simply by feeling like no one get’s what we’re going through. 

Listen to Episode 146 to hear,

❤️How you can access what your needs are from the people you speak with. 

👉🏼The importance of understanding that we have to be brave enough to be vulnerable in order to be seen. 

💪Why we need to be strong enough to ask for what we need and love ourselves enough to know what those needs really are. 

Find more at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Things are not going to plan.

The constant reminder that a chore needs to be completed is both frustrating and upsetting at the same time.

Maybe it isn’t your holiday decorations that are the problem but there is more than likely something that needs to be done that the health of your family and the weight of caregiving has made it difficult for you to do. 

Christmas decorations in the middle of January may seem like the least of a caregivers worries. You’re right! That is exactly why they’re still up. 

Listen to episode 145 of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast to learn how my decision tree works and how it helps me focus on what is most important for me and my family. 

Find Love Your Caregiving Life at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

It made us realize that we were really excited about some of the responsibilities we no longer needed to worry about. Responsibilities stressed me out when my husband wasn’t physically able to do them during the years his cancer took a larger role in our lives. 

Listen to episode 144 to hear more about 

⭐️How downsizing in our life allowed us to enjoy it more. 

❤️Work through what you might be willing to let someone else do for you so you can spend more time doing more of what’s important in your caregiving life. 

👉🏼Understand how sometimes “because we always do it this way” isn’t always the nest way.

Find transcripts and more at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Your needs matter. You don’t have to find a reason to hate yourself in order to justify doing them. 

Listen to episode 143 to learn,

❤️How to choose the change you want in life without the need to hate yourself in order to do it. 

❤️How to make positive life changes that set you up to succeed. 

❤️Ways to not fall into the trap of New Years resolutions that will only serve to make you feel bad about yourself. 

Find more at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

How many times do you find yourself laughing with a group of people and then remember your loved one has a doctor’s appointment next week and suddenly feel your stomach drop? 

Or maybe living in constant worry of the possibility of losing your loved one to the point that you can never enjoy the day you’re living in with them?

Listen to Episode 142 to hear more on how you can enjoy living with your loved one and make more opportunities to enjoy life with them.

You can find more at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

When you think about your caregiving do you know you can make it through difficult things because of the vacation you took three years ago or because you were able to advocate for your loved one last month? 

Listen to episode 141 of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast to find out why we only document the good and try to quickly forget the things that change us and why my camera roll is only full of Chicago sunsets and smiling faces? 

Find the Transcript at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

When was the last time you really saw your loved one? It’s so easy to do. I mean in a - why didn’t you tell me I forgot to button up my shirt before we left the house kind of way. We just take for granted that they’re there. We see the space they’re taking up but don’t really look at them. 

We walk alongside our loved ones for so long that we fail to truly see them.

Listen to or read episode 140 to hear more on why it’s important to notice your loved one and how to use that to strengthen your relationship. 

Find more support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Gratitude is not just a holiday theme.

It isn’t a one-and-done kinda thing.

In fact, I love that gratitude gets the spotlight for one-twelfth of the year because I believe it is a powerful practice and is something I do all the time. 

Gratitude is a practice. You aren’t supposed to be good at it on your first try.

How do you work on it? 

You try your best to find things you are grateful for and acknowledge when that feeling of gratitude or thankfulness genuinely shows up.

For example… Let’s say someone hands something to you and you say “thank you”. If you were practicing gratitude you would take a moment to really be thankful for it. Thank you can be such a mechanical thing to say. If you are practicing gratitude then simply really being thankful for something when you say thank you can be a great place to start. 

Listen to episode 139 to learn more about what gratitude actually is and ways you can start practicing it today. 

Find a free gratitude sheet in the show notes at

https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/blog/episode-139-gratitude-and-thankfulness-don-t-have-to-be-bad-words-for-caregivers

Listen to Episode 138 of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast to learn why it’s ok to be angry about gratitude. 

Find more caregiving support including the digital caregiving magazine Caregiving Confessions at www.loveyorucaregivinglife.com

Caregiving is the same way. 

I think I’m a… hope the waiter comes soon because I’m thirsty type.

I do walk through life expecting the best. 

Don’t you deserve the best?

You doubted that when I said it didn’t you? 

But really… don’t you deserve the best? 

What if the best isn’t a cure. 

What if the best is seeing what is good in your life?

Listen to episode 136 to find out how I make sure that glass is filled as high or as low as I need for it to be. 

Love that you can look at each other, smile and know exactly what the other person is thinking? Or maybe you’re like me and realize sometimes that your caregiving role can look a little weird to people who just don’t get it. 

Listen to episode 135 and hear how meeting a new oncologist made me realize how dysfunctional some of my caregiving duties can look like from the outside and still make complete sense for my husband and I. 

Listen to episode #134 to get a better understanding of what unconditional love is and how your caregiving benefits from it. 

Would you like to find an easy way to..

1. Reduce body pain and migraines.
2. Decrease stress and anxiety
3. Slow biological decline
4. Nuture strong relationships.

Listen to episode 133 of the Love Your Caregiving Life Playlist to find out how.

We can’t base our happiness and our self-love on other people. Yes, people in our lives can bring us happiness. We feel good about ourselves when we feel we are truly seen by people. However, that happiness doesn’t last long. 

Somehow we have to find that happiness and love from within ourselves.

Listen to this episode to learn how you can do that in 10 minutes a day. 

I understand that thinking about setting boundaries can feel scary because you have to see who you are outside of caregiving… and for many of us, that means we’ll realize that we are lost. 

Finding yourself again could be the best adventure you ever go on.

If you need a pep talk today listen to the episode  “Caregiver strength you might not even know you have” 

Do you pick up your phone and scroll through social media or play a game?

Do you grab a book or magazine or start to write down a list of things you need to do?

It’s awkward isn’t it? When you find yourself alone with just your thoughts it feels uncomfortable to sit with them. Sometimes it hurts to sit in silence because it forces you to see what your reality is. Maybe your world is always so loud that the silence itself hurts your ears.

Listen to hear more on how difficult being still can be and why you really need it in your life right now.

Don’t forget to download your free issue of Caregiving Confessions! It’s the digital magazine for caregivers you always wanted.

If you know the right thing is to say no do you try to find ways to not even have that conversation because it’s stressing you out? 

Do you say yes because saying no feels too hard even though you know it’s the right thing?

Listen to episode ## of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast and learn how to say no so you can start to say yes to yourself.

Listen to learn 

What do boundaries mean to you

How to set meaningful limits so you make your needs a priority again.

Learning when to say no and yes to things

The importance of a boundary buddy.

Have questions? Want to work on boundary setting more but don’t know where to start? The October issue of Caregiving Confessions is all about boundary setting, how to say no and where to find the inner strength to create a life you actually enjoy living.

Find more info at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

Find more support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

If you’ve been following along all month long welcome to the last part of the series!

In this episode I take you through the same process I take my clients through in finding out what kind of self-care works for them and how to implement it into their lives. So grab a notebook or if you’re already subscribed to Caregiving Confessions this will all be included in the September Self-Care issue. 

Caregiving Confessions is a digital magazine for caregivers that not only gives you tools to help you enjoy your caregiving life more but it’s a way for all of us to see and hear that we aren’t alone. Each month we get together in a live session to talk about the main topic of each issue and September will be focused on answering your self-care questions and helping you through any difficulty you might have in making self-care a part of your life. So join us at loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions.

Now let’s get on with making self-care a reality for you!

Join before September 1st to get your hands on the self-care issue of Caregiving Confessions and access to the subscriber-only live session.

www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

Listen to this episode to learn of

• the benefits of self-care 
• why self-care should be important.
• Two new self-care tools to try

This series will be continued into the September issue of Caregiving confessions the digital magazine for caregivers. If you haven’t subscribed find all the information at loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions. The September issue will expand on these self-care episodes will include a live session with me and other caregivers to answer your questions and connect. 

This series will be continued into the September issue of Caregiving Confessions the digital magazine for caregivers. If you haven’t subscribed find all the information at loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions. The September issue will expand on these self-care episodes will include a live session with me and other caregivers to answer your questions and connect. 

This series will be continued into the August issue of Caregiving confessions the digital magazine for caregivers. 

Subscribe before August 1st to be part of the conversation on the things you wish you were told, learn from things other caregivers now know, and help new caregivers learn from the things you’ve figured out on your own.

Join us at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

This series will be continued into the August issue of Caregiving confessions the digital magazine for caregivers. If you haven’t subscribed find all the information at loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

• I would have loved it if a nurse or someone would have told me I should consider having different levels of communication with different types of people in my life
• group texts would not make it easier
• some people would selfishly overreact in front of me and it wasn’t my place to help them feel better about it.
• it would have made things a lot better for me.

This series will be continued into the August issue of Caregiving Confessions the digital magazine for caregivers. If you haven’t subscribed, find all the information at loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions.

So let’s start off with my origin story. I truly believe all caregivers are superheroes and with all superheroes we feel more connected to them when we learn their origin stories. 

This series will be continued into the August issue of Caregiving Confessions the digital magazine for caregivers.

If you haven’t subscribed, find all the information at loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions.

The August issue will expand on the episodes you will hear this month and will include a live session with me and other caregivers to talk over the things we would have liked to have known when we became caregivers and things we might benefit from knowing now.

In the episode I share steps you can take to figure out who you really are and how to adjust your expectations to align with the life you are currently living. 

Don't have your free issue of Caregiving Confessions? Grab it here 

https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/downloads

I was grieving 

the old me

the old way of life

the old world I never would be a part of again. 

Life for the people around me didn’t change, but the world my husband, daughter, and I lived in changed instantly, without warning. 

Grieving is a process we need to be able to go through as caregivers so we can let go of the old parts of us, the hobby, the goals, and all the things that don’t really fit into the life we are living now. 

Listen to this episode and learn not only how to let go but ways you can grieve and release what really doesn’t matter anymore. 

Download your free issue of Caregiving Confessions at

https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/downloads

Most of us didn’t actively decide to become a caregiver. We stepped in because that was what we felt we should naturally do. It was a passive decision. 

This episode will help you understand how not being given the opportunity to make an active decision to become a caregiver started you off with a disadvantage and what you can do about it.

Download your free issue of Caregiving Confessions at

https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/downloads

You miss the days when you can plan for vacations. Go out to do something fun on a whim and live a little more spontaneously. However, right now whenever you think about the possibility of getting away in any capacity you feel tethered to your house. 

Listen to this episdoe to hear how normal jealousy can be in caregiving and how to actually make that vacation escape happen even if you can’t travel.  Then download your free issue of Caregiving Confessions at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

In this episode, I go over five ways you can learn to notice the little things. 

Listen now and then head over to www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions to download your free issue of Caregiving Confessions

We all want to know we aren’t alone in our experiences as caregivers.

We’re looking for ways to change our outlook on life. 

And

We want to be entertained.

Listen now to learn how to figure out what your needs are as a caregiver, how to make them a priority in your life, and what the heck this has to do with the Dalai Lama. 

Or go directly to what you really need at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

Because of that, I’d like for you to know that self-care isn’t easy. It’s the most difficult thing to do when you really need it and it takes a certain amount of drive from you to become a reality. So if you wonder why the words self-care cause you to cringe it could possibly be because being told to care for yourself is usually done with the attitude that it should be easy for you to do. Just meditate. Journal, how hard can that be? People from the outside of the caregiving experience can’t understand that it isn’t as simple as putting pen to paper. 

If this sounds like you, Listen to this episode if this sounds like you and find a solution to your self-care problems at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions

Sometimes just a thought is enough to cause a domino effect of emotions. 

We all need a place where we feel like we aren’t judged and we can “Confess” the taboo topics we’ve been holding onto all these years.

That’s why I created Caregiving Confessions. 

Let’s cast aside the guilt and shame that keeps us from doing things for ourselves.

Don't miss out on www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com/confessions 

Listen today to learn how although our needs are similar not any two of the 62 million caregivers in the US are never the same and how understanding what phase of caregiving you’re in is important.

Find the transcripts and the free issue of Caregiving Confessions at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

When caregivers find it difficult to find ways to enjoy their lives one of the biggest issues I find they have is the fact that even though they know they are caring for someone they haven’t accepted that they aren’t the people they once were. 

Listen to Episode 109 “The Clarity That Comes From Accepting vs Just Knowing You're a Caregiver” and begin to fully live your life now.

Find the free issue of Caregiving Confessions as well as the transcripts of this episode at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

If you start to do something daily or weekly together that reduces your stress and anxiety as well as theirs you’ll create or strengthen your connection with them. This allows you to have moments together that you’ll be able to look back at and remember. By doing this you’re meeting so many needs both of you have.

You’re giving them the gift of connection. Something we all crave to some degree and it’s very easy to not connect with the person you care for because you spend all of your time doing things for them instead of doing things with them. 

Listen to this to find recommendations of things you can do with or alongside the person you care for and find more resources and support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Start making moments count!

When you get stuck in caregiving mode and aren’t able to live your day just as the person you are, you lose the ability to be present and enjoy it. 

You miss the smiles and the tears. 

You miss the moments when things might have been said that actually mattered. 

Listen to how easy it was for me to get stuck in caregiver mode and what you can do to find your way back to flipping that caregiver switch off every once in a while. 

Listen to Desperately Stuck in Caregiver Mode and How to Escape it today

Whenever I ask a caregiver if they’re going to do anything fun, 9 times out of 10 they react in disgust and say something like “The Weekends are the same as the weekdays” or “How is fun even possible?”

Or maybe you’d like to have fun but feel guilty for wanting it or fear you’ll be judged for taking a break from life. 

Well, today you have something to back you up! 

There are scientific studies that show that having fun has a positive physical and mental effect. 

It benefits you to have fun and sets you up for a healthier way to live as a caregiver.

So now when you try to discount the need for fun in your life or worry about what people will say you have facts to support you… although you know deep inside it feels good no matter what.

Listen to this episode - Top Five Reasons Caregivers Need Fun in Their Lives and learn why having fun is a necessity.

Listen to episode 105 to learn how to keep your cool and not react at doctor’s appointments. Find the download mentioned Here or at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to the entire episode now and find the transcript and caregiver support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

All you want is to be able to enjoy living with the person you care for instead of dreading life with them each day you wake up.

You deserve more!

Don’t give up on your life! It is possible to learn how to enjoy it again.

Listen to this episode of Love Your Caregiving Life Podcast to hear how. Find more support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to episode this episode to hear how to notice when things aren’t working, how I had to be reminded to care for myself, and how you can make decisions to lead you towards enjoying your life more. 

Find transcripts, free resources and more at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

I get is caregiving had made your relationship with your spouse… confusing.

Do you find yourself lonely even though you're both together in the same house? 

You wouldn’t even know how to do anything with them for fun because it feels like it’s been centuries since you have.

Yet… you really miss the fun times you had before you became their caregiver. 

Episode 101 “Two simple ways to love connecting with your spouse again” to learn how you can begin to connect with the spouse or partner you care for and ways to make dates happen. 

Listen to the Love Your Caregiving Life and find the transcript and more information at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

We don’t need a freaking day!

We need people to take what we do seriously. 

Aren’t you tired of people telling you how important they think caregivers are? 

They need to show it. They need to show up!

You shouldn’t be happy when people say how important they think your caregiving is. You should be happy when they actually do something to show that they are.

It’s insulting for people to think they can spend a day thanking us for all that we do and be expected to be happy about it. A day isn’t enough!

Listen to this week’s episode “Why National Caregivers Day is Insulting!” Episode 100 of Love Your Caregiving Life Podcast today.

How just one little act of kindness towards yourself is not selfish. Working on accepting and loving yourself is a good first step towards valuing yourself and making yourself a priority. 

Listen to this episode to learn how to write that letter and why it can be one of the most transformational things you can do right now. Find more caregiving support at https://www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to this episode to hear more about loving courageously and how it affects caregivers.

Find more caregiving support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to this episode “And Just Like That” My Caregiver Escape was Ruined” to hear what my guilty pleasure is and how that relates to your caregiving.

Find more caregiver support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Find the Transcripts and more Caregiving Support at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Listen to the episode to learn why a night out or a weekend away won’t make you feel as good about caregiving as you’d expect. 

Find the show notes and transcripts at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

If you’ve never written a love letter to someone you’re missing out. You really have to sit and think about the best way for you to tell another person how you feel about them and why. 

Listen to this podcast to learn how writing a love letter will help you to remember how much you love and enjoy the person you care for. 

Find show notes and transcripts at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

I don’t care what time of the year you decide to do it, taking account of the state of your caregiving and the health of your loved one is important for you to do.

Listen to the podcast episode to hear the five questions you need to ask yourself and go over to the show notes to read the transcripts and use as a guide in your own review and planning.

Find the show notes and transcripts at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Yeah, I know it exists. 

I don’t know of a caregiver who hasn’t felt at least a little resentment towards some aspect of caregiving. 

So you’re not alone.

Listen to this episode to learn how to take the power out of the resentment you carry. 

Find the show notes and transcripts at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

It isn’t time to give up, is it?

Finding the light in the darkness is what all of us need to be able to do.

Listen to this episode to be reminded about how much you really matter and how much of a difference you are actually making.

Find the transcripts, shownotes and more at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

How hard is it for you to slow down so you don’t miss the small moments you will most likely remember forever?

Listen to this episode to learn how to enjoy time with your loved one and slow down while in a season when everyone seems to need to move fast to check all the holiday boxes. 

Find the transcript and show notes at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a caregiver for a long time or you’ve just become one this year, it can really put a damper on the holiday spirit. I’m not just talking about the holidays at the end of the year but any cause for celebration with your family and friends.

Listen to this episode to learn how to set boundaries, the importance of being able to say no, and remembering why you are a caregiver are all possible and will help you have fun and enjoy this time with your loved one while focussing on what the holidays are really all about.

Learning how to be grateful can help when life gets really difficult

Gratitude should not be

• Dismissive or used to minimize what you’re going through
• A way for you to say things could be worse
• A method of showing you that you have things to be grateful for and by default have nothing to complain about.

There’s nothing worse than having a moment when someone tells you that it could be worse or try to tell you things aren’t as bad as they seam. So I’m not suggesting that this is what gratitude should look like for you because that’s not helpful for you.

This episode is about 

• Learning how to validate your struggle by naming it and seeing it
• Not using gratitude as the solution to your problems
• Understand how to attend to the hardships of caregiving but at the same time learn how to be grateful in a way that is supportive of your caregiving needs.

Listen to this episode and learn how gratitude can be a part of your life even when life sucks. 

Find the show notes and free resources at www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

A big problem most of us caregivers have is feeling lonely. There are always times of the year when the people we know start to go on trips or have celebrations that we just can’t make it to. We catch those moments as they post them on social media or tell us about it and it hurts doesn’t it. It makes it feel as if the world, our friends and family have moved on and left us behind. 

Let’s talk about making our own fun and connecting with people we love.

Caregiving is an extremely difficult role to take on and loneliness can be a major problem if we feel that we aren’t seen. That’s why when people are giving you the highlight real of their life it makes you angry, frustrated with your situation, and sad. It makes you jealous and leads you to make the mistake of comparing your life with theirs. It makes you feel that caregiving style of loneliness that really hurts deep down. 

Some of us may be waiting to be invited to the fun. Others are wanting to make some fun but don’t know how and don’t have the energy to figure things out. 

If you are a caregiver for someone who can’t leave the house, can’t be around groups of people, or leaving the house is just too difficult even if you wanted to it is easy to feel left out. Just because celebrations have to be done differently right now doesn’t mean you have to give up on the fun.

Thing is… you can’t wait around to be invited. If you can’t go to where people are celebrating because traveling is out of the question or the person you care for can’t really leave the house you have to find ways to still be part of their lives. Unfortunately, you will have to do some of the work because, just like you, they might not know how to do things differently either.

I’m going to give you a list of things you can try to do and once you hear the one thing that really sticks out to you I want you to call the person you want to do it with or can help you organize it. It’s going to feel like more work than you’d like to give but I promise you even it is worth it. Laughing, having fun, talking to people who care for you is worth it. Just let them know that you’d really like to have them be a part of your life and miss doing things with them. It’s ok for it to feel vulnerable. It’s ok to worry they’ll say no. But you won’t know until you try.

Everything listed in this podcast is put together for you as a PDF download on the website. You can go to www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com find the podcast link and click on episode 87. There you will find the PDF with more information and suggestions for each of the ideas I’m going to tell you about today. It’s the perfect thing to download and send to the people you want to set something up with so they can read it through as well. So don’t forget to go and download it for free from the website. If you are on my mailing list you will get it in the November 18th newsletter.

Ok on to how you can enjoy celebrations even if you can’t leave the house.

One of the things I like doing the most is cooking with people I love. Being able to tell stories, laugh, and sing with people you care about can feed you more than the food you’re making. It can make you feel sad if you can’t do that and you may feel like it isn’t even worth making that dish you love making so much. Just because you can’t be together doesn’t mean you can’t continue to have that experience. Invite those people into your home via Zoom or a video call. You all can cook something together in your own kitchens and catch up on how things are going, still tell those stories, sing those songs, and laugh. You can all make the same thing or something different. If you live in the same city you could even do a swap and share with everyone else. It’s just about finding different ways to do the things you love doing. 

You can watch a movie together. Maybe there is a holiday movie you love to watch with your sister but you can’t this year. Set up a movie date and watch it together. There are lots of ways you can do this. Sometimes the simplest is to get on a video call with the other person and set the camera so they can see your face. Then you try to press play at the same time. Being on camera might be weird for you because you don’t usually see your face while watching a movie but it’s just what that other person would see and they love you so try not to feel too self-conscious about it. You can hide the part that shows your face and just focus on theirs. It can be as simple as sticking a piece of paper on the part of the screen that has your little square.

There are other ways to start the movie together. Some streaming services allow you to watch with someone else. That way the movie will start and stop at the same time. Some phones will also let you watch something together.  Or you can both watch the movie on your own time and then make a date to sit down and talk about it, kind of like a book club. There are movie discussion topics in the pdf download. Who knows this might be something you do every month!

Make a playlist. If there are songs you love to listen to during the holidays sharing them with family and friends can be fun especially if they contribute to the list too. You all will start to see how similar your tastes are and also learn about songs you might not even know existed. There are a lot of different ways to do this. If you belong to a streaming service like Spotify you can share your playlist and those people can add to it. Or you can create a group text or email and everyone can start sharing their favorite songs. Is it someone’s birthday? See how many different birthday songs you all can find and put it together for them. It’s just a fun way to interact with people you love.

Get yourself invited to dinner. Sure you can’t physically be at that special meal everyone is going to be at but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a place at the table. Ask a person who will be there to set you up on a zoom or video call for the meal. Ask for them to set it up in a place you can see most of the table and join them while you eat your own meal. You’ll get to talk to everyone and hear all the updates and won’t have to help clean up the dishes. That’s can be a win!

Maybe there is someone in your group of loved ones that has a small child that you would really like to connect with but aren’t able to visit. Why not set up a time to read them a book. Maybe it’s a book that’s special for this time of the year or a book you really loved as a child. Make sure the length is appropriate for the child's age and have a parent set up a time when they will be able to focus. Of course, it might not work out the way you’d like it to. You might not make it past the first couple of pages or you might spend the entire time talking to them about their favorite toy. No matter what, you are creating memories with a little person you love and that is the most important thing to be able to do.

No matter if it’s paper or electronic everyone loves getting a letter especially now that no one really does it anymore. If there is someone you really miss seeing grab that box of tissues and a piece of paper. Write what you love about them. Share the things you loved doing with them or memories of holidays or celebrations the two of you have shared in the past. This could be the highlight of the year for them. It’s always so much fun to hear from another person but it can also make you feel good as you write it. Sometimes giving helps us feel better about our world than receiving and this might be one of those times.

Singing can be so cathartic especially when you’re doing it with a group of people who care for you. Maybe the person you love has a favorite song, maybe it’s someone’s birthday or there are holiday songs you and your family and friends would always sing. Just because you can’t do it in person doesn’t mean you give it up. You can get everyone on a zoom call and record it and then send it to the person you made it for. Or maybe you all just got together to simply enjoy singing. 

One of the things my family does more often during holidays and celebrations is play games. Of course, we can do it any time of the year but when we are taking a break from work and school we love playing a game together. Now just because you can’t be in person with someone to play doesn’t mean you have to give it up this year. There are a lot of games you can play over video call or zoom. Think of things that don’t require a board to play. You can play Pictionary or Bingo. Yahtzee or Tenzi will work too. There is a list of more games in the PDF download. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It might be comical when Aunt Sarah’s video freezes as she’s playing charades!

You can create a family holiday story. Over text or email, one person starts the story with a short paragraph and then they send it off to the next person and so on. In the end, the last person finishes it off and it can all be put together as a keepsake or just something to look at and laugh about. It’s a super simple way for people to connect and not have to do it at a specific time. 

Do you always put together a puzzle during the holidays? Set up a date with the person who would always sit down to help you and get on a call with them. Putting together the puzzle was only half the fun anyway. It was really all about getting caught up with that cousin you only see once a year. 

Are you part of a. Musical family? Plan a concert. Have everyone put together a song they can perform and get everyone on zoom to watch and participate in the concert. Or everyone can record their song or their part of a song and send it off to a Google Drive that everyone can access. There are so many different ways to do this. You could all even practice the same song and get...]]>Show Notes

A big problem most of us caregivers have is feeling lonely. There are always times of the year when the people we know start to go on trips or have celebrations that we just can’t make it to. We catch those moments as they post them on social media or tell us about it and it hurts doesn’t it. It makes it feel as if the world, our friends and family have moved on and left us behind. 

Let’s talk about making our own fun and connecting with people we love.

Caregiving is an extremely difficult role to take on and loneliness can be a major problem if we feel that we aren’t seen. That’s why when people are giving you the highlight real of their life it makes you angry, frustrated with your situation, and sad. It makes you jealous and leads you to make the mistake of comparing your life with theirs. It makes you feel that caregiving style of loneliness that really hurts deep down. 

Some of us may be waiting to be invited to the fun. Others are wanting to make some fun but don’t know how and don’t have the energy to figure things out. 

If you are a caregiver for someone who can’t leave the house, can’t be around groups of people, or leaving the house is just too difficult even if you wanted to it is easy to feel left out. Just because celebrations have to be done differently right now doesn’t mean you have to give up on the fun.

Thing is… you can’t wait around to be invited. If you can’t go to where people are celebrating because traveling is out of the question or the person you care for can’t really leave the house you have to find ways to still be part of their lives. Unfortunately, you will have to do some of the work because, just like you, they might not know how to do things differently either.

I’m going to give you a list of things you can try to do and once you hear the one thing that really sticks out to you I want you to call the person you want to do it with or can help you organize it. It’s going to feel like more work than you’d like to give but I promise you even it is worth it. Laughing, having fun, talking to people who care for you is worth it. Just let them know that you’d really like to have them be a part of your life and miss doing things with them. It’s ok for it to feel vulnerable. It’s ok to worry they’ll say no. But you won’t know until you try.

Everything listed in this podcast is put together for you as a PDF download on the website. You can go to www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com find the podcast link and click on episode 87. There you will find the PDF with more information and suggestions for each of the ideas I’m going to tell you about today. It’s the perfect thing to download and send to the people you want to set something up with so they can read it through as well. So don’t forget to go and download it for free from the website. If you are on my mailing list you will get it in the November 18th newsletter.

Ok on to how you can enjoy celebrations even if you can’t leave the house.

One of the things I like doing the most is cooking with people I love. Being able to tell stories, laugh, and sing with people you care about can feed you more than the food you’re making. It can make you feel sad if you can’t do that and you may feel like it isn’t even worth making that dish you love making so much. Just because you can’t be together doesn’t mean you can’t continue to have that experience. Invite those people into your home via Zoom or a video call. You all can cook something together in your own kitchens and catch up on how things are going, still tell those stories, sing those songs, and laugh. You can all make the same thing or something different. If you live in the same city you could even do a swap and share with everyone else. It’s just about finding different ways to do the things you love doing. 

You can watch a movie together. Maybe there is a holiday movie you love to watch with your sister but you can’t this year. Set up a movie date and watch it together. There are lots of ways you can do this. Sometimes the simplest is to get on a video call with the other person and set the camera so they can see your face. Then you try to press play at the same time. Being on camera might be weird for you because you don’t usually see your face while watching a movie but it’s just what that other person would see and they love you so try not to feel too self-conscious about it. You can hide the part that shows your face and just focus on theirs. It can be as simple as sticking a piece of paper on the part of the screen that has your little square.

There are other ways to start the movie together. Some streaming services allow you to watch with someone else. That way the movie will start and stop at the same time. Some phones will also let you watch something together.  Or you can both watch the movie on your own time and then make a date to sit down and talk about it, kind of like a book club. There are movie discussion topics in the pdf download. Who knows this might be something you do every month!

Make a playlist. If there are songs you love to listen to during the holidays sharing them with family and friends can be fun especially if they contribute to the list too. You all will start to see how similar your tastes are and also learn about songs you might not even know existed. There are a lot of different ways to do this. If you belong to a streaming service like Spotify you can share your playlist and those people can add to it. Or you can create a group text or email and everyone can start sharing their favorite songs. Is it someone’s birthday? See how many different birthday songs you all can find and put it together for them. It’s just a fun way to interact with people you love.

Get yourself invited to dinner. Sure you can’t physically be at that special meal everyone is going to be at but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a place at the table. Ask a person who will be there to set you up on a zoom or video call for the meal. Ask for them to set it up in a place you can see most of the table and join them while you eat your own meal. You’ll get to talk to everyone and hear all the updates and won’t have to help clean up the dishes. That’s can be a win!

Maybe there is someone in your group of loved ones that has a small child that you would really like to connect with but aren’t able to visit. Why not set up a time to read them a book. Maybe it’s a book that’s special for this time of the year or a book you really loved as a child. Make sure the length is appropriate for the child's age and have a parent set up a time when they will be able to focus. Of course, it might not work out the way you’d like it to. You might not make it past the first couple of pages or you might spend the entire time talking to them about their favorite toy. No matter what, you are creating memories with a little person you love and that is the most important thing to be able to do.

No matter if it’s paper or electronic everyone loves getting a letter especially now that no one really does it anymore. If there is someone you really miss seeing grab that box of tissues and a piece of paper. Write what you love about them. Share the things you loved doing with them or memories of holidays or celebrations the two of you have shared in the past. This could be the highlight of the year for them. It’s always so much fun to hear from another person but it can also make you feel good as you write it. Sometimes giving helps us feel better about our world than receiving and this might be one of those times.

Singing can be so cathartic especially when you’re doing it with a group of people who care for you. Maybe the person you love has a favorite song, maybe it’s someone’s birthday or there are holiday songs you and your family and friends would always sing. Just because you can’t do it in person doesn’t mean you give it up. You can get everyone on a zoom call and record it and then send it to the person you made it for. Or maybe you all just got together to simply enjoy singing. 

One of the things my family does more often during holidays and celebrations is play games. Of course, we can do it any time of the year but when we are taking a break from work and school we love playing a game together. Now just because you can’t be in person with someone to play doesn’t mean you have to give it up this year. There are a lot of games you can play over video call or zoom. Think of things that don’t require a board to play. You can play Pictionary or Bingo. Yahtzee or Tenzi will work too. There is a list of more games in the PDF download. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It might be comical when Aunt Sarah’s video freezes as she’s playing charades!

You can create a family holiday story. Over text or email, one person starts the story with a short paragraph and then they send it off to the next person and so on. In the end, the last person finishes it off and it can all be put together as a keepsake or just something to look at and laugh about. It’s a super simple way for people to connect and not have to do it at a specific time. 

Do you always put together a puzzle during the holidays? Set up a date with the person who would always sit down to help you and get on a call with them. Putting together the puzzle was only half the fun anyway. It was really all about getting caught up with that cousin you only see once a year. 

Are you part of a. Musical family? Plan a concert. Have everyone put together a song they can perform and get everyone on zoom to watch and participate in the concert. Or everyone can record their song or their part of a song and send it off to a Google Drive that everyone can access. There are so many different ways to do this. You could all even practice the same song and get together on the video to try to play it together. Sure sometimes there’s a lag but it’s about the fun of it.

You could also have a gift wrapping date with someone. Get on the phone and talk about things while both of you wrap gifts. Sometimes it’s fun to wrap and talk. You could also have a recipe swap. You know you always wanted the recipe for grandma’s rolls but never asked for it. Now all of you can share your favorite recipes or the recipes that have been with the family for generations and maybe you can make that one thing you really wanted to eat this year but didn’t think you’d be able to because you have to stay at home.

The thing to remember is

You deserve to find ways to enjoy your life. Just because you’re a caregiver doesn’t mean you’re destined to never enjoy life again.

Things can be fun even though they are different. Traditions and rituals are grounding, they make you feel comfortable because sometimes it’s the way things are always done. Caregiving has taught you that sometimes you have to learn how to do things a different way so you already have the ability to figure out how to still celebrate even though it has to be done differently. 

Remember, you are a caregiver because you love the person you care for. You are dedicating your life to helping them live. So enjoy the life you live with them as best you can. 

Remember to edf4aaa6-2b1b-4e97-8a2a-aadfa7c10aaeThu, 25 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -050013:42falsefull187871Making Self Care Work: Step by Step Guide to Making Self Care Possible for CaregiversYou’d like to take care of yourself but have no idea what you’d do or how you’d do it?