Ep 17 Purpose Over Perfection_ How Caregivers Can Embrace the Journey Ahead

Welcome to today’s episode of Caregiver Secrets, where we share practical advice, research, emotional support, and resources for caregivers of loved-ones. Today we are concluding our series called, Failing Forward: Lessons for Caregivers. This is the fifth and final installment of our series, and we have made so much progress. We know that failed attempts don't define our caregiving journey. We are becoming pros at handling the negative emotions that try to trip us up as caregivers. We are wiser and much more resilient.
Hi, my name is Reggie, and I am glad you are here today. I am a fellow caregiver. As I say almost every episode, I have been serving my mom for about 10 years after she was diagnosed with dementia. I am her sole caregiver and her only child. As usual, let me remind you that I say that to impress upon you that I personally understand the challenges of caregiving. But before we go any further, it is important to note that this is not medical, financial, or health advice. Please seek out a proper professional for any matter you are dealing with. My goal is to inform you as best I can, but you and you alone are totally responsible for doing your own research and taking the appropriate action.
Today’s topic is moving forward with purpose.
When we talk about failure, it’s easy to get caught up in the past—what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and the regrets that come with those moments. But the real power of failure is not in the looking back; it’s in the moving forward. Moving forward with purpose means taking all the lessons, all the growth, and all the resilience you’ve built and using them to chart a path filled with meaning and intentionality.
Purpose is what keeps us going on the hardest days. It’s what fuels us when we feel like we have nothing left to give. As caregivers, our purpose often lies in the love and care we provide for our loved-ones, but it can also include the growth and transformation we experience along the way. Caregiving has a way of changing you, of making you stronger, more patient, and more compassionate than you ever thought you could be. Moving forward with purpose means embracing that transformation and allowing it to guide your actions.
When I think about purpose in my own caregiving journey, I reflect on the moments when I’ve seen how my care has made a difference in my mom’s life. It’s not always in the big things—sometimes it’s the way her face lights up when I sit and talk with her or how she relaxes when I hold her hand during a stressful moment. These moments remind me why I do what I do. They anchor me, especially on the days when everything feels overwhelming.
Moving forward with purpose also means letting go of perfection. It means accepting that while you won’t get everything right, you will always show up and do your best. Purpose is not about flawless execution; it’s about consistent effort fueled by love and determination. It’s about focusing on what truly matters—the well-being of your loved-one and your own growth as a caregiver and as a mature human being.
To move forward with purpose, you need a clear sense of your values and priorities. Ask yourself: What matters most to me as a caregiver? What do I want my loved-one to feel and experience under my care? What kind of person do I want to become through this journey? These questions can help you identify the core of your purpose and give you a framework for making decisions and handling challenges.
It’s also important to take care of yourself as you move forward. Purpose doesn’t mean burning yourself out in the name of caregiving. It means finding a balance where you can give your best without neglecting your own needs. When you prioritize self-care, you’re better equipped to care for your loved-one and to keep moving forward with clarity and energy.
As we wrap up this series, I want to leave you with this thought: Every failure, every challenge, every hard day has prepared you for the path ahead. You are not the same person you were when you started this journey. You are stronger, wiser, and more capable than you realize. Moving forward with purpose means recognizing that you have what it takes to face whatever comes next. It means trusting in your ability to learn, adapt, and grow.
Thank you for tuning in to Caregiver Secrets. If you found this episode helpful, please continue to listen and share it with others who might need encouragement. Also, I want to hear from you—please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts or share your experiences. Until next time, take care of yourself as you care for your loved-one. See you in the next episode of Caregiver Secrets.