A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

Sometimes, we set goals for ourselves and feel worried or frustrated when we don’t achieve them. In these moments, it’s important to “let it go” and remind ourselves that our worth as human beings isn’t tied to the goals we achieve. Goals are valuable tools to guide and motivate us, but they don’t define who we are. Life is full of unpredictable twists and turns, and sometimes not meeting a goal can lead us to unexpected growth or opportunities. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the effort you put in, and remember that your inherent value is much greater than any checklist or milestone.

In this fascinating interview, Alyssa, an experienced executive coach, delves into how our bodies often signal what’s happening beneath the surface. She explains that grief, being an internal experience, is something we may deny or ignore. Grief doesn’t always stem from negative events—it can arise from positive changes too, or simply from losing something that once was. Ignoring grief doesn’t mean it’s resolved. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of recognizing these feelings and processing them. She also highlights the value of having a supportive community where you can share your emotions openly, helping you navigate through life’s transitions with greater ease.

Gradual changes in children and the elderly often go unnoticed, but when a noticeable shift occurs in an elderly loved one, it can lead to the need for challenging conversations. These moments can be delicate, whether you're the one initiating the conversation or on the receiving end of it. If you're the one starting the conversation, take time to understand the perspective of those you're speaking with. People generally mean well and want what’s best for their loved one, even if their words or actions seem hurtful. Avoid taking things personally, and focus on the shared goal of caring for your loved one. If you're on the receiving end, pause before reacting. Listen carefully, even if the feedback feels difficult to hear, and let go of any unnecessary emotional baggage. If the message isn’t clear, ask thoughtful questions for clarification. If you find yourself becoming upset, step away to cool down and revisit the topic later with a calm and open mind. By approaching these conversations with empathy, patience, and understanding, you can turn them into opportunities for deeper connection and better care for your loved ones.

In this podcast, I talk about the importance of not taking responsibility for others' feelings. Many times, we assume we know why people feel or act the way they do, often without actually asking them. This tendency comes from the fact that many of us were never taught to ask or even to openly discuss emotions. When we feel a physical sensation or reaction in our own bodies—like tension, a racing heartbeat, or discomfort—it’s a signal to pay attention. These sensations are often tied to thoughts and emotions, and acknowledging them can help us better understand our reactions and, by extension, avoid over-identifying with the feelings of others. By becoming more aware of our own internal responses, we gain clarity about where our feelings end and another person’s begin. This boundary is crucial because taking on others' emotions as our own can lead to misunderstandings and emotional burnout. In this podcast, I explore practical ways to recognize these boundaries, develop self-awareness, and communicate more effectively without assuming responsibility for how others feel.

I had the pleasure of listening to Traci Steelman, who joins us in this podcast to discuss the important topic of finance. Her insights are incredibly enlightening and provide valuable information that can help listeners navigate their financial journeys. Traci shares practical tips and strategies for managing personal finances, understanding investments, and planning for the future. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation!

I’ve researched the work circumstances of caregivers and have found that, generally, the unique needs and challenges of caregivers often go unrecognized in the workplace. I would love to hear about your experiences—your perspectives, challenges, what strategies have worked for you, what you’d like to change, what keeps you motivated, and what adjustments you would hope for in your work environment. If we aim for more support at work, it’s crucial to share both our strengths and struggles. I invite you to share yours with me.

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Kori Linn, who offers invaluable insights on setting boundaries and why our own mental conditioning can sometimes make establishing them feel surprisingly difficult. She explains how societal norms, upbringing, and personal beliefs often play into why we hesitate to protect our time and energy. Kori also tackles the topic of burnout, shedding light on some of its primary causes—such as overcommitment, lack of support, and unclear boundaries—and emphasizes the importance of addressing burnout symptoms as soon as they surface, which makes recovery and regaining balance more manageable. Finally, she shares practical, uplifting ideas for celebrating ourselves in small and meaningful ways, helping us recognize and reward our own accomplishments as part of a balanced, healthy life.

This podcast highlights the essential role of having a strong support group, a safe space where you feel understood and where you can openly share your experiences. It’s a place to talk through life’s challenges without fear of judgment, to be heard, and to gain perspective. Support groups help people recognize and validate their struggles, offering comfort, resources, and advice to navigate difficult times. Having a network of people who empathize can make an enormous difference, helping you build resilience and find solutions that bring growth and relief.

Negotiation is something we all learn from a young age. We negotiate with ourselves, with those around us, and with life itself. To be successful in negotiation, it's crucial to identify what we are unwilling to sacrifice and to be clear about setting boundaries. Understanding your non-negotiables allows you to approach situations with confidence and clarity. Whether in personal relationships, at work, or in everyday decisions, knowing where to draw the line is key to effective negotiation. Establishing boundaries isn’t just about protecting what matters to you, it also fosters respect and healthier interactions with others.

In most life projects, whether personal or professional, there is typically a planning phase. However, when it comes to caregiving, many people find themselves in the role without any prior thought or preparation, simply reacting as things unfold. It’s important to consciously decide how much time you want to dedicate to being a caregiver—whether part-time, full-time, remotely, or by providing only financial or emotional support. Once you’ve made that decision, it’s crucial to establish your non-negotiables: which tasks you can and want to handle, and which ones you cannot. Regularly reassessing these aspects is a healthy approach.