Caregiving doesn’t have to mean losing yourself—think of it as managing with purpose, like a boss. You’re not just there to show love; you’re there to make powerful choices that protect your well-being, too. Embrace rational caregiving by blending compassion with practical strategies: prioritize clear decision-making, time management, and boundaries. It’s about shifting from “caregiver” to “caregive”—a new verb for balancing empathy with action.
Chatting with Barbara Newman gave me a new way to look at caregiving, self-care, and the impact of storytelling. Barbara’s path—from working on Madison Avenue to exploring the bold spirit of American cowgirls—shows her belief in what she calls “radical self-care” and the power of community.
Join me as we step into the world of music therapy with Alexis Baker. As a music enthusiast, discussing the nuances of how music activates the brain, revives memories, and fosters emotional connections is incredibly enriching. Alexis highlights how therapeutic music benefits not just those in care but also the caregivers themselves, offering both solace and emotional release
Diving into the stages of caregiving, I realize it’s a journey full of unexpected twists and deep emotions, not just a checklist to be managed. Whether it’s starting the conversation early with loved ones about potential needs or shouldering the full weight of care responsibilities, each stage demands a different part of you.
Diving into the world of caregiving with Yarona Boster, I unpack how mastering verbal and nonverbal communication transforms our interactions and impacts those we care for. Yarona highlights the often overlooked aspect of emotional contagion, where our moods and attitudes can subconsciously affect others, especially in sensitive caregiving settings.
