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.  ...

You're a busy woman caregiver who feels pressured to be able to do it all,  juggling your career, family, caregiving, managing the household and more.

Superwoman Syndrome is exactly what it says it is - trying to be Superwoman. And more often than not, you're feeling overworked, overwhelmed and overly committed. You're also exhausted, anxious and stressed.  But don't worry - you are not alone.

According to Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis, co-author of Overcoming the Superwoman Syndrome, some of us wear this imaginary cape because we:

• Want to be the good, little girl
• Have a tendency towards people-pleasing
• Seek attention
• Want to feel like you can do it all
• You cannot say no to others
• To feel accomplished
• Have low self-esteem
• Strive for perfection

The Superwoman is also a good person, duty oriented, very responsible and truly desires to do what is right.

Symptoms of superwoman syndrome and caregiver burnout:  

• Bouts of irritability
• Inability to sleep or...

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...

One of my favorite additions to The Caregiver Wife Podcast is the interviews with caregiver wives.  Each woman has a unique with a  different story.  Each diverse story that’s shared is a way for listeners to gain insights, motivation, inspiration, strength and ways to lead as a caregiver.  If you want to share your story, click this link.

I would love to connect with you!!!

And now on to the show episode….  In this episode…. 

I have the pleasure of interviewing Jodi Duggan.  She is a Mom, Grandmother, and Caregiver Wife.   I have a unique connection to her since she is married to my brother, John.   I knew her story but when I heard her share the details, I felt her strength, courage and abilities to overcome challenges in a whole different light.  Oh and did I share that she was a military wife raising 4 children while my brother was deployed.

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