E214: From Pajamas to Purpose: A Caregiver's Unfiltered Chat

Hey there, fellow caregiver! If you're reading this, chances are you're juggling a million things at once and feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. I get it because I've been there too. Today, I want to share a simple yet powerful habit that has helped me find some much-needed relief and joy in my caregiving journey. It's called the "I'm so done with _______ and I'm so ready for ________" habit.

The Birth of a New Habit

Inspired by a segment I recently heard on Hoda and Jenna's show, I found myself nodding along as they shared their "I'm so done with..." lists. It struck a chord with me. As caregivers, we often carry around a lot of frustrations, worries, and pent-up emotions. Sometimes, we just need to let it all out. That's where this habit comes in.

Why It Works

1. Cathartic Release: Listing what you're "so done with" allows you to vent and acknowledge your frustrations without guilt or shame. It's like giving yourself permission to feel all those emotions you've been bottling up.

2. Positive Focus: Shifting to what you're "so ready for" helps redirect your energy towards positive change. It's about envisioning a better, more balanced future.

3. Empowerment: This habit gives you a sense of control. While there are many aspects of caregiving we can't change, identifying and focusing on the things we can influence helps us feel empowered.

How to Get Started

1. Find a Quiet Moment: Carve out some time for yourself. Grab a cup of coffee, sit in your favorite chair, and let your thoughts flow.

2. Write It Down: Start with "I'm so done with...". List everything that comes to mind. It could be the small annoyances like waiting in exam rooms or bigger challenges like dealing with the emotional toll of caregiving.

3. Shift to the Positive: After you've vented, move on to "I'm so ready for...". Think about what you want to embrace or change. It could be as simple as making more time for yourself or as ambitious as finding new ways to manage stress.

My "I'm So Done With" and "I'm So Ready For" List

Let me share a bit of my own list to get you started:

I'm so done with...

• Waiting in those tiny exam rooms and feeling helpless.
• Seeing the ups and downs of the cancer journey.
• Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
• Putting immense pressure on myself to be perfect.

I'm so ready for...

• Taking breaks without guilt.
• Celebrating small victories.
• Prioritizing my own well-being.
• Embracing joy and moments of peace.

Join the Movement

Now, it's your turn. Grab a pen and paper, or better yet, go for a walk with a friend and share your lists out loud. Trust me, it feels amazing to let it all out.

I'd love to hear your "I'm so done with..." and "I'm so ready for..." lists. Drop them in the comments below or send me a message. Let's support each other and make this caregiving journey a little bit brighter.

Final Thoughts

Remember, caregiving is a tough job, and it's okay to have bad days. By acknowledging your struggles and focusing on positive changes, you can navigate this journey with more strength and grace.

You don't have to do this alone. Together, we can transform our caregiving experience into one filled with joy, peace, and empowerment.

So, what are you so done with? And what are you so ready for? Let's start this habit today and embrace a better tomorrow.

With love and support,

Cathy