I just saw a man on an electric wheelchair trying to get past the long line of self-involved patrons outside Maru Coffee in Los Feliz (the Cream Top is delicious, by the way).
There are tens of millions of caregivers and caregivers in waiting who will need to read narratives like these and remember to take a carve out for their own ambition and needs. Thank you for writing.
caregiver burnout is real and asking for help is hard. in dark times i thought about opting out, but i realized id have to train my replacement first, which really makes you lose your steam.
In elder care there's "respite" (for people with means to afford it) but your situation is uniquely difficult. Caregiving sucks and it's okay to forgive yourself for acknowledging it.
So relatable on so many levels. Love hearing your internal voice as you navigate your insane life. A few of my favorites line “I needed to create space to know myself.” And “my work in this world is not done”. You are showing your daughter how to care for others and care for self. Something we should all teach our young ones. You killed it! ❤️
You hit the nail on the head — she’s showing her daughter how to care for herself. Kids learn by watching you do things. These actions you’re taking to expand yourself will pay dividends for her later. Good job, mom!
I'm so glad I came across your substack by chance, I've been a bit fan of Matt's stuff for a long time but I can't tell you how much your writing has made me think about things in an almost refreshing way.
Caregiving and parenting require so so so much of us. Prioritizing our own needs, wants, desires is a crucial way to be able to parent and caregive with more joy and patience
I am looking forward to reading more of your work. Keep the faith!
There are tens of millions of caregivers and caregivers in waiting who will need to read narratives like these and remember to take a carve out for their own ambition and needs. Thank you for writing.
caregiver burnout is real and asking for help is hard. in dark times i thought about opting out, but i realized id have to train my replacement first, which really makes you lose your steam.
In elder care there's "respite" (for people with means to afford it) but your situation is uniquely difficult. Caregiving sucks and it's okay to forgive yourself for acknowledging it.
So relatable on so many levels. Love hearing your internal voice as you navigate your insane life. A few of my favorites line “I needed to create space to know myself.” And “my work in this world is not done”. You are showing your daughter how to care for others and care for self. Something we should all teach our young ones. You killed it! ❤️
You hit the nail on the head — she’s showing her daughter how to care for herself. Kids learn by watching you do things. These actions you’re taking to expand yourself will pay dividends for her later. Good job, mom!
I'm so glad I came across your substack by chance, I've been a bit fan of Matt's stuff for a long time but I can't tell you how much your writing has made me think about things in an almost refreshing way.
Love love love this. And love the selfies!
trying to take more, both for me and so when my daughter is an adult she can post them on mother’s days and say what a babe i was
Wow, I’m really loving each one that gets released. Lifting me up with this passage alone.
thank you for this!!!
Caregiving and parenting require so so so much of us. Prioritizing our own needs, wants, desires is a crucial way to be able to parent and caregive with more joy and patience
She matches the cone 😆 - adorable!