The Caregiver Cup - 2021 name change

Happy New Year!  It’s Cathy Here!

I 'm recording this episode on January 1, 2021.  It’s  a new year.  I know a lot of us are happy to say good-bye to 2020.   

As a country and world, we faced challenges that we never thought we would ever face.  The pandemic changed our lives.  

• Did you have to change the way you worked?  
• Did you have to change the way you shopped?
• Did you have to change the way you connected with your family and friends?
• Did you have to change the way you took care of your loved one?  
• Did you change yourself personally?
• Did you take on any new routines?  

2020 taught me to NOT take things for granted.   Hugs from my family, celebrations

It taught me how to enjoy the little things.   Facetime chats, videos, board games

It taught me it’s ok to sit quiet.   I journaled more than ever

It taught me to take advantage of the situation.   I thought about my purpose

In October 2020, I started my podcast The Caregiver Wife.  I wanted to share my experiences, lessons learned and more with other Caregivers.  So I paid for a digital course and within a month, I was on air.   I have met some pretty amazing women who share their hardships, their courage and most importantly how they figure things out in their new normal as a Caregiver.

I heard the story of Dana, whose spouse is bedridden from a car accident.  They have been married for 15 years and have 4 children.  Life changed when she got the call.  She had to figure out how to work and take car of her husband.  She learned that reaching out for resource is key for her.  She has a nurse coming in 2 days a week to help with bathing and care.  She also has a physical therapist 2 times a week.  She now has all her groceries, pharmacy and essentials delivered to her home.   She is continuing to find ways to time manage better.

Here’s another story from Mimi.  She is caregiving for her Mom and Husband.  Her spouse was diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2016 and is taking chemotherapy.  He is now disabled from work and struggles with the everyday things.   He needs care everyday, plus she takes him to chemotherapy and doctor appointments.   Her Mom is 81 and no longer can drive.  Mimi checks in on her each day.  Mimi’s two biggest struggles are mindset (worry, anger, loneliness and more).  The other is figuring out how to keep her business afloat.   It’s amazing to see how she is handling everything by herself but we had discussion on how important it will be to look for help and think differently since she is burning out.  

I'm super, duper excited for 2021!!!   Did you notice that this podcast name has changed!!!!

It’s called The Caregiver Cup

Helping working woman caregivers fill their cup!!!!

1.  I want to broaden my scope.    I want to touch you the caregiver wife, daughter, aunt, sister, niece, fiance, friend.     You may be even caring for more than one person.  
2. I want to focus on fill your cup with the right things.  What are you filling your cup with?   It starts with filling your cup first to be an effective caregiver
3. You want to be aware that when you continue to fill your cup with overwhelm and NOT release it, it will overflow   This podcast’s focus is on working through overwhelm, stress, anxiety and more.   I want you to find your personal plan to improve with healthy habits, a positive, healthy mindsets, setting boundaries and finding yourself time.  You deserve to pursue your passions and goals even if your loved one needs you.  

So in 2021, you will continue to hear from me weekly on The Caregiver Cup Podcast!  I will also have some interviews and guests

I'll also be providing webcast and digital courses to offer more learning and adjustments to your new normal.  

Coaching is also I'll be continuing.   I'm a firm believer in asking for help.  It may be a professional therapist.   It may also be some mindset and self-development coaching.  If coaching is something you are considering, I offer a free 30 minute chat at www.cathylvan.com/coaching.   My coaching is all about assessing your situation and coming up with a plan to improve the area you need help with the most.   IE:  time management, setting boundaries, mindset, setting goals and more.  

So I hope you life up that cup and fill it with the things you need the most.    Happy New Year!!   This year can be the year you take control of you FIRST.