Thriving Through Caregiving: Self-Care Strategies from Cathie Gregory

Exploring Cathie’s Journey, Experiences, and Effective Self-Care Techniques

In this episode, Cathie Gregory shares her heartfelt journey as a caregiver, offering invaluable experiences and self-care strategies that have helped her maintain her well-being while caring for her loved one. Tune in to discover practical tips and inspiring insights that can empower you on your own caregiving path.

Transcript

Cathy: 0:00

Well, hello there and welcome to another episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast. We have a really great interview coming in just a moment, but before we get that started, I wanted to just thank Tracy for a fan mail that she sent us regarding last week's podcast episode about the waiting room syndrome that I had talked about. She had said Hi, kathy, I've used waiting time to write and address holiday cards and letters, pay bills and make other appointments or do calendar planning. Recently, I saw a story about knitters and crocheters who made scarfs and hats and mittens to donate. Waiting room time could be a great opportunity to do something like that, especially if there's a flurry of appointments. Lastly, audiobooks and then she signed it, tracy. It got me thinking about doing something creative and using your hands versus just letting those emotions and impatience and stuff fill up. However, I can't figure out how to knit or crochet. I've tried it. I have that, but I'm going to go ahead and it challenged me to think differently and I had to tell you this so that you would do that. Okay. So let's now jump into today's episode and let me give you a little bit of an intro about it.

Cathy: 1:25

We're honored today to have Cathie Gregory as our guest. She has over 11 years of dedicated experience as a caregiver. She's navigated nearly every challenge that comes with her role. Her journey is one of unwavering compassion, resilience and an insightful understanding of what women caregivers endure. Kathy's story is both inspiring and relatable. At 61 years old, she's been a caregiver now for nearly she's going on her 12th year, like I said, balancing her responsibilities with being a mother to two children, a grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren who are her beacons of life.

Cathy: 2:09

Transitioning from her successful career as a paralegal and an advocate for children at risk in the court system, kathy had to make significant changes to focus on her loved one, which is her husband. Her husband was a master carpenter diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She shares the raw and emotional journey from the day of her sudden the day of a sudden illness, through the intense hospital stays, dialysis, treatments and the daily struggles of managing his health. She also gets into the conversation and teaches us the three I's of caregiving, which are identity, independence and isolation. She explores how caregiving can transform one's sense of self, affects personal freedom and leads to that feeling of isolation. But also Kathy offers hope and practical advice on overcoming these three I's, from finding joy in painting and photography, to leaning into spirituality and maintaining a support community.

Cathy: 3:19

Cathie demonstrates how to reclaim moments of happiness amidst the demands of caregiving, and she has so many practical examples. I just want you to hear them. So, as a listener, you will gain insightful and valuable tips on balancing caregiving with personal well-being, some strategies for staying connected with friends and nature, and tips for maintaining mental and emotional health. Nature and tips for maintaining mental and emotional health. Kathy's authenticity throughout the interview and her heartfelt sharing provided not only empathy, or provides not only empathy, but actionable steps for caregiving, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Cathy: 3:58

So what's in it for you, the caregiver, right now listening, well, whether you're just starting your caregiving journey or been in the role for years, kathy's experiences and her wisdom will resonate deeply. You'll find encouragement to prioritize your own needs, inspiration to pursue your passions and reassurance that you're not alone in this path. Her story is a testament to strengths and the love that caregivers embody every single day. So join me right now as we uncover her profound lessons and explore how her journey can empower you to navigate your own caregiving challenges with grace and resilience. Own caregiving challenges with grace and resilience. So get ready to feel this right now and understand and be inspired so that you can go out after you listen to this episode and be your best self. So enjoy the interview today with Kat.