Diana Winkler is a singer songwriter and I'm an abuse advocate.  She uses music as one of my healing tools and facilitates Meaning The Soul healing groups.  She is also a podcaster of the Wound of the Faithful Podcast.

She is married to her husband, Brain for 11 years who struggles with severe ulcerative colitis.  Diana is very transparent about her own health struggles with memory loss too.  

In my interview, I ask Diana to share her everyday schedule.  She is figuring it out by juggling her schedule, pursuing her passions and finding time for herself.  

I ask Diana to unpack her caregiving journey.  She shares her spouse’s 10 year journey with ulcerative colitis, from the initial diagnosis,  remission and through the pandemic.  She talks about the stressors of his disease and how it impacts her as a caregiver.  

She shares her gratitude of both being able to work from home but also the stress there too.  ...

Lisa Allarid was faced with huge adversity and a new normal  in December of 2018 when her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease.  She's a mom of 4 and works in the finance industry. 

She had to learn about kidney disease, nutrition, and how the donor system works.  

Lisa also shares how she stopped taking care of herself, going out with friends and really hitting rock bottom before she realized the importance of her needs.  

You will find some amazing golden nuggets about half way through the interview when Lisa shares how she is embracing her new normal by knowing what type of caregiver she is., what her strengths are, and what her weaknesses are. 

As she is growing and figuring out how to be a better caregiver and most importantly a better person to herself, she is expressing what she needs.  She's a beautiful role model and teaching her children the true meaning of love and...

Mary Wyatt was faced with huge adversity and a new normal  on 11/7/20 when her husband had a seizure and then she heard the words Grade 4 GBM which in layman's terms is an aggressive cancer that starts in the brain.   In my interview with Mary she shares her story, her challenges and ways she is dealing with the harsh reality of her husband’s cancer.  

I know you can relate to Mary’s story of trying to balance work and caring for you loved one as well as trying to work through your emotions and taking care of yourself. 

One more thing,  I had Mary fill out a questionnaire prior to the interview and wanted to share what she wrote when asked her the question:  

What have you learned about yourself as a caregiver?   
She wrote:  That I am a lot stronger than I ever gave myself credit for, that I was made with grit.  I am resilient, courageous and am driven with a heart so big that has passion to share my testimony...

When life thrusts us into the role of a caregiver, the transformation we undergo can be as profound as it is challenging. Tracy Donaldson's story is a testament to this transformation. A seasoned HR professional and former corporate VP, Tracy found herself navigating the dual roles of caring for her mother and spouse while simultaneously undergoing a personal journey of self-discovery and growth.

Tracy's candid recount of her experiences sheds light on the complexities of caregiving. She speaks of the early signs that care is needed, the emotional weight of responsibility, and the practicalities of managing day-to-day logistics. This resonates with many who find themselves in similar situations—juggling the roles of caregiver, professional, and individual with personal needs.

Self-care emerges as a recurring theme throughout the episode. Tracy's personal anecdote serves as a poignant reminder that taking care of oneself is not indulgent but essential. As she shares...

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...

Friend, you’re in for a real treat today with my guest, Esther Mbabzi.  She’s an oncology nurse with tons of passion, stories and amazing advice for you.   

I love how Esther shares experiences with her patients and their Caregivers when they are in the toughest parts of their life and the reality of the situation..

Esther lives in Norway and in addition to working in oncology, she is creating a digital course for Caregivers of spouses with colon cancer.  The course’s purpose is to guide caregivers from the moment diagnosed and show them how to walk from within.   She focuses first on the Caregiver’s mindset before all else.   You can find more information and a free spousal care guide at https://arisehaven.com

In this podcast conversation, you’ll hear 

• Personal stories reinforcing that everyone is different and handles crises differently,
• What the caregiver wife needs to know and do, and 
• Great...

Meet my best friend, high school sweetheart and spouse of 39 years.  Denis Vandenheuvel is the most optimistic and positive person I know.  

In this episode, Denis will share his health journey and talk through his struggles and ways he shifted his mindset.  

I hope you can glean information from the eyes of my spouse going through his health struggles in the last three years.     

See more pictures and stories on my website at https://www.cathylvan.com/about