As caregivers we are attuned to the needs and moods of our loved ones and spend our days showing them care and compassion. However, we rarely transfer those same skills to ourselves. In this episode, Allison and Justin talk about simple ways we can start to implement self compassion when it comes to our thoughts, moods, and mistakes.
Even in the hardest of times, caregivers often shoulder the weight of it all instead of asking for support. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about what initially pushed them to reach out for help, why doing so can feel so difficult, and logistically how they made it work.
Caregiving is a lonely role. From moments of being physically alone to situations where no one understands their reality, Allison and Justin talk together about the loneliness of being a caregiver.
From the mundane details of each day to moments of medical emergencies to treatment plans to COVID safety, caregivers are constantly making decisions. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk about what that looks and feels like in their daily lives and how their personalities impact their decision-making skills.
The celebration of Justin’s 40th birthday led him to reflect on where he thought he would be at this time in his life versus where he is. In this episode, he and Allison talk about how becoming caregivers changed their trajectories, how they are trying to claim the role without losing themselves in it, and how to remember and focus on who they are, not just what they do.
Allison and Justin talk about how caregivers need community care in order to practice self care, how they each practice acts of micro-care throughout the day, and what supporters can do and say instead of, “Are you taking care of yourself?”