Big Shift Energy

11 Who Am I? Caregiving and Personal Identity

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Description

In this episode of Big Shift Energy, Amanda discusses the complexities of caregiving, particularly in relation to aging parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding joy amidst the challenges of caregiving. Through personal anecdotes and practical exercises, Amanda encourages listeners to reflect on naming their feelings, recognizing their worth beyond their caregiving roles, and embracing moments of joy. The episode concludes with a reminder to celebrate personal achievements and the importance of community support.

Takeaways

  • Caregiving is a multifaceted role where you can experience joy, resentment, and grief simultaneously.
  • Finding joy in small moments can coexist during the challenges of caregiving.
  • Your identity is not defined solely by your caregiving role.
  • Creating affirmation boards can help reinforce your self-worth and achievements.
  • Caregiving experiences can vary greatly depending on the relationship with the person being cared for.

Sound Bites

  • “One of the analogies that I like to use with caregiving is that you are not only running a marathon, you're also running a sprint at the same time.”
  • “And even if you're doing this with an immense amount of love, it can still weigh on you. So I give you permission to judge yourself with love and say, these are the things that I'm doing well.”
  • “I want you to give yourself permission to experience joy today.”

Holla at me!

Resources:

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Big Shift Energy

03:51 Navigating Caregiving and Self-Care

21:22 Finding Joy and Being a Caregiver

24:06 Toot Toot Time and Closing Thoughts