In today’s episode of The Caregiver Cup Podcast, we’re tackling a tough but crucial topic: the spiral of making excuses, blaming, shaming, and settling that many caregivers find themselves in. These feelings and thoughts can cloud our view, mindset, and overall joy in caregiving. Let's dive into this spiral and discover how to break free.

The Reality of Caregiving Excuses

Caregivers often say things like:

• "My culture expects the children to care for the parents."
• "As a wife, that’s what we do—take care of our spouse."
• "My religion won’t let me bring in anyone for help."
• "There is no one else to help."
• "We can’t afford help."
• "My parents don’t want to be in a home, and I promised Dad I would take care of Mom."

These are true and real challenges, but they can also keep us feeling stuck. Let's explore how we can find choices within seemingly unchangeable situations.

Personal Story: Recognizing the Spiral

One Sunday, after a full...