The Caregiver Cup Podcast

Send Cathy a text:) I spent the last week processing the past 6 weeks.  It’s funny how you think the time goes so slow but now when you look back, how fast this went.  It feels like a big blur.   But as I was processing everything, I learned so much about myself.   As hard as the challenge was, there were little golden nuggets that make me who I am now - what I am trying to say is - if I didn’t go...

Send Cathy a text:) It's the 100th episode!  How hard is it to be at 100 or be perfect?  The 100 Emoji indicates a perfect score of 100 . This symbol is displayed as a red number 100 underlined twice.  Essentially it means "keep it a hundred" (%), basically it's another way of saying keep it real, great job or well done. As caregivers, we put so much pressure on ourselves to be...

Send Cathy a text:) In today’s episode I’m saying it.  That thought that you think and say every so often to yourself.  That thought that you don’t dare say to anyone else and if you do, you share it in confidence to your therapist, coach or best friend.  That thought that may be true.  You feel guilty thinking it.  You feel stuck.  You’re not happy.  You don’t know if you can do this anymore.   H...

Send Cathy a text:) I want to share the  true aha moment that came to me this week.  I've been beating myself up lately.  When I say beating myself up, I mean those internal thoughts asking myself why.   Why am I not being productive?  I have all this time and all I want to do is sit around, sleep and do nothing.   Why don’t I have the energy and drive?  Why I am shutting down?     These feel...

Send Cathy a text:) I want to talk about “new normal”  that we as caregivers move into either suddenly or over time.  This set of words have been used more in the last couple years than ever before.  Think about the overall world in general.  People that worked in offices and buildings are now working at home.  Children experienced virtual learned.  Caregivers and family members in some cases were...

Send Cathy a text:) Today I have an admission…..I feel uncomfortable asking for help.   I usually don’t ask for help because of it.  Yes, it’s my personal struggle and something I continue to work on.  Even when I need the help.  Even when I am overwhelmed and stressed.    Can you relate?  Most caregivers avoid asking for help for numerous reasons.  In today’s episode I want to unpack all the reas...

Send Cathy a text:) As Caregivers, we wear this invisible caregiver badge of honor and are just trying to stay healthy, grateful and positive.   We are struggling and challenged, but when we focus on gratitude, staying healthy and positive, we can make the best of our caregiving journey and the challenges we are facing.   If you are sick, burned out, tired, angry, frustrated or overwhelmed, your l...

Send Cathy a text:) In today’s episode let's unpack being in a funk,  or is it depression, or is the root cause burnout.  A slump, rut, funk (or general feeling of weirdness) is a fairly short lived bad day or bad couple of days. Sometimes our slumps can be reactions to something that happened to us. Maybe you're feeling lonely in quarantine or your caregiving situation or you're up...

Send Cathy a text:) How do you carry on when times are hard or you received more bad news or the challenges are becoming heavier every day and it feels like nothing is going to change.    Unfortunately bad news or challenges happen to people every day.     The worst thing you can do in challenges and difficult times is hide away.   But it’s often what we want to do.  We don’t want to talk to anyon...

Send Cathy a text:) It’s strange to plan out the next 6 weeks of your life.   It’s figuring out everything.   Denis won’t be able to come home and if I do, it will be for a short day or so (if that’s even possible).  I sure wish it was planning a trip for 6 weeks vs this The unknown and uncertainty can bring up a whole lot of things.   Emotions, anxiety, stress, and more.  But it also can be a rem...

Send Cathy a text:) I n the last episode , I shared my opinion of a new years resolution.   Although I think setting goals and committing to something is super healthy for you,  it may be hard to commit to a resolution right now as a caregiver.    That’s why I love the idea of choosing a word or words of the year.   Are you ready to hear mine?   Can you guess what mine might me?      Remember the...

Send Cathy a text:) In just a few days, we welcome in a new year, 2022.   A new year means new year’s eve celebrations  or a quiet night at home.  For others it’s just a change on the calendar and to remember putting 2022 on documents vs 2021. It also can mean  New year’s resolutions, A fresh start, and Thinking back on the last year. For me the New Year is all of these combined.  As  caregivers ,...

Send Cathy a text:) Every year, before Christmas, I get that feeling.  That warm and fuzzy feeling that Christmas is coming.  Even as an adult.  I get kinda excited.   Today, running errands and listening to Christmas music, got me thinking back to my childhood memories. This time of year seems so magical.   I so remember Christmas Eve Day waking up and could hardly wait to go to my Grandma’s hous...

Send Cathy a text:) Here are my top 5 lessons I’ve learned from my mistakes   Shift your mindset  - focus on the positive and abundance side of your mindset vus the negative.   To change your mindset is not easy—but it is one of the most powerful things you can do. Learning how to recognize a negative mindset is the first step. Once you do, you will be empowered to make those changes and start see...

Send Cathy a text:) Do you remember the easy button?   It acknowledging the frustrations and challenges of small business. It's also a statement about Staple's responsibility to make things easier for their customers. What if you could push an easy button when you were frustrated or facing challenges?   Everyone wants to make their life easier - simpler.   Caregivers too.  Trying to avoi...

Send Cathy a text:) In today's episode, I want to share my personal development and the shifts I had to make to reduce my caregiver stress and avoid burnout.  I hope my experiences get you to think through your routines and start rethinking your caregiving and seeing the importance of doing what's best for you while still providing the best care for your loved one.     .... I was judgmen...

Send Cathy a text:) I was feeling a bit wintry this week.  Yes, wintery - it’s been really cold for the last couple days, so I couldn’t get outside and walk.  And the sunshine is so short here in Wisconsin that I feel blahhh.   I’m still getting my exercise on my treadmill and elliptical and doing weights and stretches but for me nothing replaces fresh air and sunshine.     So why I am bringing th...

Send Cathy a text:) How are you doing with your stress during the holiday season? For some caregivers, the holidays can be a joyful time when spirits are lighter. It’s actually a nice distraction. It feels good to care for loved ones and enjoy time together, celebrating with family traditions.  You might even have visitors or get out a bit and enjoy family and friends.   But for many of us the hol...

Send Cathy a text:) Three questions to ask yourself when you are experience Caregiver Stress.  When you answer these questions, you can better figure out ways to reduce stress.    It’s important that we as caregiver avoid burnout.   This is stage two of caregiver overwhelm. Stage one is Caregiver Stress and if you don’t take care of your stress, burnout can sneak up pretty fast.   Caregiver burnou...

Send Cathy a text:) In today’s episode, I’m sharing my dishonesty.  The last few weeks I have been lying to myself.  I’ve been telling myself stories and covering up my true feelings, my true thoughts and not doing what’s best for myself in this caregiving journey.   I had so many moments of anger, frustrations, denial and self-imposed pressures in the last couple weeks.  I was choosing to ignore...

Send Cathy a text:) Just dropping in for a short message to say Happy Thanksgiving.   What are you grateful for? Even when things are challenging and difficult you can find gratitude, moments of joy and embrace your journey.   Support the show

Send Cathy a text:) I picture the caregiving journey as  a roller coaster ride.  You are in the car, strapped in and a bit nervous.  In rough seasons, you're going up that big hill - full of fear, questioning why you are here, maybe crying or talking to yourself telling yourself everything will be ok.   Then you get to the top of the hill - it’s so high,  Are you gripping those bars in front...

Send Cathy a text:) In one of my hardest seasons in October 2017, which involved weeks of overwhelm an exhaustion, I heard the podcast I needed to hear - It was Rachel Hollis sharing her daily practice of journaling gratitude.  Little did I know, this habit would be the golden ticket that shifted my mindset and gave me hope.  I wish that hope for you….   That  you pick up your pen and start writin...

Send Cathy a text:) One of the roles we play as caregiver is Caregiver Advocate.  Meaning that you help your loved one with their health care and getting them the right care they needs.   You are a scheduler, money manager, house cleaner, health aide, nurse, navigator, nurturer and more. Perhaps the most important role, though, is advocate, as we ensure the best life possible for our loved ones wh...

Send Cathy a text:) Saying no, is something you need to add as a healthy boundary.  You can’t do it all.  You can  say no for your loved one.  You can say no for yourself.  You can say no to sustain your energy.     Here are my some key No statements I live by.    As you listen, consider which one fit you or which ones spark ideas for you.  Say NO to stress overload  What is causing excess stress?...