S2 Ep 1- The Invisible Backpack: Lightening the Overwhelming Load of Caregiving

Welcome to Caregiver Secrets, the show where we unravel the untold truths of caregiving and empower you to thrive, not just survive. I celebrate you as we begin an epic Season 2 of our podcast. This season, we’re on a journey—from despair to empowerment. Today, we’re starting where most caregivers find themselves: overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure if they can take one more step. If that’s you, know this—you’re not alone, and there’s a way forward. Let’s lighten that load together.

 

Picture this: You’re walking slowly through a dense, shadowy forest with a backpack slung over your shoulders. At first, it’s light, manageable. But with each step, stones are added—a rock for the doctor’s appointment you just scheduled, another for the bills piling up, and then boulders representing insidious guilt that whispers, Am I doing enough?

Soon, the weight feels unbearable. You stumble, desperate for relief. Here’s the thing: Caregiving isn’t about being a superhero who never falters. It’s about learning when to set the bag down, take a breath, and say, This is hard, but I can do this with help.

In Get Risen, I wrote, “Caregiving can feel like an endless circus act, juggling flaming swords while the audience critiques your every move”​. I bet that sounds familiar. But what if you stopped trying to perform for an audience of family members, friends and medical professionals and focused on what matters: keeping yourself upright and moving forward, one freaking step at a time?

 

Let’s talk about pausing. Not the kind where you quit or give up, but the kind that lets you breathe, reset, and regroup. You can even start while you’re listening to this episode. Here’s how:

1. Name Your Stones
   Take a moment and mentally unload your invisible backpack. What’s weighing you down today? Write it down if you can. Is it guilt, worry, frustration or all of the above? By naming these weights, you start to take back control.
2. Breathe Deeply
   Pause right now and take three deep breaths with me. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. Feel your shoulders drop, your chest open, and your mind start to clear.
3. Find One Thing to Release
   Pick one "stone" from your list and let it go—just for today. It could be the guilt over yesterday’s argument or the worry about tomorrow’s doctor appointment. Trust that it’s okay to set it down, even temporarily.
4. Replace the Burden with Grace
   Reflect on this quote: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7)​. Visualize yourself handing over your worries to someone stronger, someone who cares deeply for you.
5. Invite Joy
   This might sound simple, but think of one thing—just one—that brings you joy. It could be a funny memory, a favorite song, or a silly video you’ll watch later. Laughter truly is the best medicine​.
6. Anchor in Encouragement
   Reflect on this caregiver quote: “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2)​ Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

By pausing in these small, intentional ways, you’re not just surviving—you’re building strength for the road ahead.

Caregiving is heavy, but laughter can be a release valve for the pressure. Research shows that laughter reduces stress, boosts immunity, and increases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals your brain craves​

I’ll never forget the story of a caregiver who walked in on her mom attempting to "discipline" the houseplants for not growing faster. At first, she wanted to cry, but instead, she burst into laughter. That moment of absurdity became a treasured memory. Laughter doesn’t fix everything, but it sure helps you catch your breath when life feels suffocating.

Caregiving isn’t just emotionally taxing—it’s physically and financially draining. Studies show that caregivers for loved ones with severe dementia face increased absenteeism, sleep deprivation, and even long-term health risks​.

Here’s my plea: Ask for help. Consolidate appointments, tap into respite care, and join a support group. As I wrote in Get Risen, “Seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom in action”​.

Imagine the forest again. You’re still walking, but now, sunlight breaks through the trees. You see a clearing up ahead, a place to rest and regain your strength. You’re not there yet, but you’re closer than you think.

In Get Risen, I shared: “Caregiving isn’t forever, but the lessons it teaches will last a lifetime. They will shape you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what’s next

"Thank you for taking this first step with me today. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget—every time you pause, laugh, or ask for help, you’re proving to yourself and the world that caregiving is not just an act of service, but a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Until next time, breathe deeply, let go of guilt, and remember—you are stronger than you know."