Shows
Hearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversCaring for the Caregiver: Insights on Empathy, Finances, and Family DynamicsWhen Loretta's world turned upside down with the responsibility of caring for her aging mother, she unearthed a wealth of knowledge and compassion she never knew she possessed. Join us as Loretta, the owner of Cleansing Credit, takes us through the rollercoaster of emotions and financial hurdles that define the caregiving experience. Her personal tale sets the stage for a broader conversation on the complexities of looking after an elderly loved one, where familial bonds are both tested and strengthened.Our discussion expands into the domain of household dynamics, revealing how the delicate balance of empathy and...2024-03-0731 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversHow a Caregiving Support Group can help caregivers.When the weight of caring for a loved one rests on your shoulders, it's easy to lose yourself in the demands and emotional toll it takes. Beverly joins me, Mary C Harfield, Co-host of Hearts of Caregiving, to share a compelling narrative that illustrates the transformational journey of a caregiver. Her story is a beacon for anyone who has loved someone enough to put their needs first, whether for a prematurely born child or an aging parent. Beverly's creation of a support group within her church community is a tale of personal growth and a testament to the power o...2024-02-2125 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversEmbracing the Dual Role of Caregiver and Guardian: Shayla's Story of Resilience and the Birth of Blueprint AgencyThere's a unique strength found in those who nurture others while facing their own challenges. Shayla, a caregiver from Illinois, joins us to share her story—a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of legal guardianship and the immense responsibility that comes with caring for a loved one with mental health needs. As she opens up about her experience raising a grandson alongside supporting her daughter, Shayla's insights offer a rare window into the daily struggles and triumphs of caregiving. Her commitment led to the creation of Blueprint Agency, a beacon for those navigating similar paths, designed to br...2024-02-1518 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversJourney Through Caregiving A Story of Love, Loss, and LegacyJoin me, Mary C Hartfield, as I share a moving tribute to caregiving sparked by the recent farewell to my dear uncle, Dr. Roosevelt Alcorn. In his passing, we witness the purest form of care that my Aunt JoAnna bestowed upon him with her family's support. This episode celebrates the silent heroes and caregivers who exemplify love, dedication, and the strength to provide comfort at life's most delicate junctures. You'll hear the poignant stories of how my cousins honored my Aunt's wishes and encouraged my Uncle's dreams through his battle with illness, serving as a beacon of hope for...2024-02-0817 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversThe Art of Caregiver Balance and Personal GrowthNavigating caregiving, I found myself engulfed in a personal odyssey revealing self-care's transformative power. As I tended to my mother each day, I unearthed strategies and tools that not only streamlined our daily lives but also safeguarded my mental oasis. This episode invites you to join me, Mary C Hartfield, a certified self-care coach, in exploring the art of balancing caregiving with self-nourishment. Using my journey as a backdrop, we'll unpack the significance of effective time management and task prioritization. Discover how the simple act of writing down responsibilities, coupled with the savvy use of digital tools like Google...2024-02-0119 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversNavigating the Caregiver's Emotional Resilience: Self-Care Strategies for Stability and StrengthDiscover the unsung journey of a caregiver's heart as I, Mary C Hartfield, certified self-care coach, reveal how to foster emotional resilience while carrying the mantle of caregiving. Tackling the tempest of stress, frustration, and sadness that often accompanies this role, I guide you through embracing self-awareness and the healing power of journaling, coupled with the crucial practice of setting boundaries. Our discussion will arm you with strategies to not only confront but also gracefully maneuver through the emotional labyrinth of caregiving.Stepping into the oasis of self-care, this episode is a treasure trove of relaxation and...2024-01-2423 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversEmpowering the Caregiver with Support ResourcesNavigating the multifaceted role of caregiving can feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn't have to be. We are here to share a treasure trove of resources and knowledge to empower you in this role that many of us hold dear. From mastering caregiving skills through free online platforms like Udemy and Ed app to tapping into the wisdom of the Family Caregiver Alliance for self-care strategies, this episode is a lighthouse for those at sea in the world of caregiving. Discover how to become a savvy advocate for your loved one with the help of AARP's tailored...2024-01-1023 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversSetting a Course for Caregiving Fulfillment and Personal Well-being in the New YearEmbark on a voyage with us, Mary and Velda, as we navigate the transformative waters of intentional living and caregiving in 2024. Picture yourself setting sail, not with fleeting New Year's resolutions, but with a compass pointed toward value-driven goals that resonate with your heart and your commitments to those you care for. In our latest episode, we unpack how to turn broad ambitions, like improving health, into tangible plans that you can enjoy with your loved ones, such as basking in the serenity of nature on regular walks. We'll arm you with strategies that help you maintain a steadfast...2024-01-0321 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversCaregiving during the Holidays: Navigating Tasks and Prioritizing Self-CareEver feel like the holiday season is more of a juggling act than a joyous occasion? Imagine you're not just managing your own tasks but also taking care of a loved one. Join us, your hosts Jeanine Bryant, Mary Hartfield, and Valda Branison as we explore ways to stay organized and prioritize during the holiday hustle and bustle. We'll exchange strategies, ideas, and personal anecdotes from decorating schedules to sending out Christmas cards and the importance of acknowledging the emotional ties to seasonal traditions.But wait, there's more! We go beyond task management and venture into the...2023-12-2022 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversBalancing Care and Celebration: Unwrapping Stress-free Holidays as a CaregiverFacing the festive season with a caregiver’s responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but what if you could navigate it gracefully and joyfully? We promise to take you on a journey of discovery where we share tips for managing holiday tasks without the stress, drawing on our personal experiences. Your hosts, Jeanine Bryant, Mary Hartfield, and Valda Branison, delve into the art of organization, the emotional challenges of shifting traditions, and the power of music during the holiday season. But that's not all. We also explore balancing self-care while creating new memories and the importance of participating in hol...2023-12-1322 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversNavigating Holiday Grief: Sharing Experiences, Honoring Traditions, and Prioritizing Self-CareDo the holidays bring a rollercoaster of emotions for you, too? You're not alone, and we're here to journey with you. Join us, your host, Mary C Hartfield, Valda Branison, and Jeanine Marbury Bryant, as we open our hearts and share our personal experiences of facing grief during the festive season. Together, we explore the different stages of grief and how time shapes our grieving process. We talk about the importance of cherishing the memories of our loved ones and how we find solace in honoring them during these special occasions. With our shared experiences as our guide, we...2023-12-0724 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversCherishing the Holidays: Caregiving, Connection, and CalmJoin us as we navigate the festive season in a new light! As caregivers, we’ve seen our worlds shift this year, and in this episode, We the hosts of Hearts of Caregiving, share the silver linings we’ve found amidst this change. This year, we've traded the holiday rush for an unexpected opportunity for early shopping and savoring quiet moments of peace and joy with our families. We also discovered the restorative power of simple pleasures, like walks in the crisp winter air, and the significance of self-care during this hectic season.Now, imagine a holiday with...2023-11-2922 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversNavigating the Intersections of Gratitude, Caregiving, and Thanksgiving: Heartfelt Stories and Practical TipsWhat happens when Thanksgiving and Caregiving collide? The results, as Valda Branison, Jeanine Marbury Bryant, and Mary C Hartfield find out, can be both heartwarming and challenging. We sat down to share our personal holiday stories and reflected on how caregiving has transformed our celebrations. We recount tales of family stepping up in times of need, like when Valda's family pulled together to make Thanksgiving dinner after her mother's stroke or when my youngest son helped with peritoneal dialysis. We also recognize the invaluable presence of family and friends during the holidays and remind ourselves and our listeners about...2023-11-2221 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversBalancing Care and Celebration: A Holiday Survival Guide for CaregiversEver wonder how to survive the holidays as a caregiver without losing your sanity? Tune in to our latest episode, where Jeanine sheds light on this topic. Based on her experience as a caregiver, she illustrates how reaching out to those around you, delegating tasks, and using a well-defined task list can revolutionize your holiday planning. Jeanine's story, which includes asking friends to run errands for her church's giving tree and recruiting family members to help make her famous apple pie, is a testament to the power of asking for help.But our conversation doesn't stop there...2023-11-1621 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversCrafting a Caregiver's Holiday Plan: Balancing Festivity and ResponsibilityAs holiday season swiftly approaches, there's no doubt that caregivers feel increased pressure to ensure that their loved ones are comfortable, cared for, and able to partake in the festivities. As your hosts, we are here to tell you that you are not alone. In this episode, we share insights and provide guidance on how to navigate this season effectively.Prepare yourself for an in-depth discussion on creating a holiday plan that suits both you and your loved ones, striking the balance between tradition and necessary adjustments. We'll share valuable strategies on how to include rest and...2023-11-0623 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversStrategies for a Joyful Caregiving Experience over the Holiday SeasonReady to transform your holiday experience as a caregiver? We promise that this episode will equip you with practical strategies to not only survive but also thoroughly enjoy the festive season. Join your hosts, Mary C Hartfield, Janine Marbury Bryant, and Valda Branison, as we navigate the often challenging waters of caregiving during the holiday season. From managing stress and anxiety to creating a plan that works for everyone, we'll share the tools you need to make this holiday period a joyful one for both you and your loved ones.Imagine a holiday season where you feel...2023-11-0122 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversPersonalized Affirmation: A Caregiver's Tool for Resilience and PositivityEver felt overwhelmed with the weight of caregiving duties? Discover how personalized affirmations can be a beacon of positivity, motivation, and strength in this thought-provoking Hearts of Caregiving podcast episode. Your hosts, Mary C Hartfield and Jeanine Marbury Bryant share their personal experiences and tips on crafting and integrating these powerful affirmations into your daily life. Uncover how affirmations like "I am enough" and "I am strong" can help banish negativity, relieve stress, and foster resilience in your caregiving journey. We explore the power of honesty and shared experiences to strengthen unity and mutual growth. Near the end...2023-10-2525 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversMaintaining Balance in Caregiving through Daily AffirmationsPicture this: it's early morning, the sun just peeking in through the window and despite the long day of caregiving ahead, you're feeling empowered and ready to seize the day. Why? The secret lies in your morning affirmations and self-care rituals., join us in this episode to discuss how affirmations can fuel your caregiving journey, starting from the moment you rise. Listen as we share our refreshing morning routine, while focusing on finding serenity amidst the challenges of a bustling day, proving that timing is indeed everything regarding affirmations.Now, imagine you're in a difficult situation, the...2023-10-1827 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversEmpowering Caregivers: Harnessing Affirmations and Prioritizing Self-CareCaregivers, you're not alone in your journey. As part of our mission to support and uplift you, we've designed this episode to empower you through the power of affirmations. Whether you're struggling with self-doubt or experiencing the emotional toll of caring for a loved one, we want you to know that positive affirmations can be a lifeline. We help you understand the significance of these affirmations and guide you through harnessing them to build resilience, inner peace, and a belief in your abilities. It’s not about being perfect, but about trusting yourself to provide the best care possible.2023-10-1122 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversHarnessing the Power of AffirmationsComing from a personal narrative of struggle and transformation, our co-host Jeanine, reveals how the power of affirmations became a game-changer in her caregiving journey. With the simple act of positive self-talk, Jeanine managed to conquer stress and negativity, shining a beacon of light on the importance of self-care in caregiving. Join us as we dive headfirst into the world of affirmations, unraveling how these potent statements can counter exhaustion and pave the way for a calm and compassionate caregiving experience.As the conversation unfolds, we underscore the significance of self-care, spotlighting the critical role of positive...2023-10-0423 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversJourney through Caregiving: Mary C Hartfield Shares her ExperienceCaring for someone with a chronic disease involves unexpected twists and turns. This week, we have Mary C Hartfield, a beacon of resilience and strength, who embraced her identity as a caregiver when her husband was diagnosed with kidney disease. Mary graciously opens up about her evolution from a germophobe to a confident caregiver, shedding light on her challenges with meal planning and establishing a support system. With the help of mentors and resources, she reveals how she carved out a path for herself in caregiving.Strap in for a deep dive into the realities of caregiving...2023-09-2719 minHearts of Caregiving: Nurturing the Souls of CaregiversWisdom and Resilience: The Caregiving Journey of Jeanine Marbury BryantBold decisions and life-changing moments often shape our journeys. This is vividly exemplified in our conversation with Jeanine Marbury Bryant, who made a commitment to health and family that led her to navigate an intricate caregiver journey. Jeanine shares her inspiring story, filled with personal sacrifices, unexpected challenges, and the incredible power of resilience. Her experiences of providing care to her husband, balancing work and responsibilities, and an enlightening exposure to the world of dialysis choices at the American Association of Kidney Patients’ convention offer profound insights and lessons to fellow caregivers.The second part of our co...2023-09-2026 min