73: When Caring for Everyone Else Leaves You Empty
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Are you a woman constantly pouring into others—whether you're raising kids, caring for aging parents, or supporting extended family—and finding yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally drained? In this powerful episode of Work it, Live it, Own it, we explore the hidden cost of caregiving, especially for women in the “sandwich generation.”
SaCola Lehr opens a compassionate, no-fluff conversation about what happens when you're the glue holding everything together—but no one's holding you. We explore how caregiving roles differ across cultures, why guilt often disguises itself as love, and why it's essential to set boundaries without apology.
This episode isn’t about choosing between family and yourself—it’s about choosing a way forward where you don’t disappear in the process.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The emotional, physical, and psychological cost of constant caregiving
- How caregiving traditions vary across cultures—and how to respect them without losing yourself
- Why guilt is one of the most dangerous emotions for women caregivers
- Five practical strategies to reclaim your time, identity, and energy
- How to set boundaries with love, strength, and without shame
- Why your well-being is not selfish—it’s foundational
Key Topics:
- Caregiver burnout and emotional fatigue
- The sandwich generation and dual caregiving roles
- Cultural expectations around caregiving
- Boundaries, guilt, and self-abandonment
- Practical self-care for busy women
- Empowering yourself without betraying loved ones
Resources Mentioned:
- Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin
- The Millennial Caregiver by Rachael Piltch-Loeb
- Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org
- National Alliance for Caregiving: caregiving.org
- Episode 13: How Core Values Can Drive Success for You and Your Business : https://workitliveitownit.com/episode/13-how-core-values-can-drive-success-for-you-and-your-business-wf2w
- Episode 18: Manifesting Self-Respect: Educate Others to Treat You Right : https://workitliveitownit.com/episode/18-manifesting-self-respect-educate-others-to-treat-you-right
Challenge of the Week:
Make one decision in your own favor this week. Say no to one thing, cancel something that drains you, or add something that brings you joy—even if it’s just a nap. Then remind yourself: “This is what love for myself looks like.”
Subscribe, Rate & Review:
If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps this message reach more women navigating the pressure of caregiving and the journey to reclaim their own well-being.
Website: https://workitliveitownit.com/
Follow SaCola on Instagram: https://instagram.com/workitliveitownit
Subscribe to Work it, Live it, Own it! On YouTube: https://bit.ly/2lxB1TS
Email for business inquiries: [email protected]
83 episodes