The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

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The Power of Sharegiving: Transforming Caregiving Together | 001

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

10/02/24 • 11 min

When I stepped into caregiving, it completely turned my life upside down after an unexpected crisis demanded I take action. This journey exposed me to the harsh realities many face—balancing emotional stress with the whirlwind of unforeseen responsibilities.

I want to introduce you to the concept of 'sharegiving,' a strategy to distribute the caregiving load within a community. With over 55 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S., I want to shed light on the immense, often unseen work they do, valued at over $600 billion. But this isn't just about numbers; it's about real people facing real challenges. My story is a heartfelt call to transform caregiving from a solitary struggle to a collective mission, ensuring that caring for a loved one doesn't mean losing oneself.

I invite you to join me in rethinking caregiving, aiming for a journey that’s about smart management, not just more sacrifice.

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Journey Through Care: The Five Stages of Caregiving | 007

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

10/23/24 • 14 min

Diving into the stages of caregiving, I realize it’s a journey full of unexpected twists and deep emotions, not just a checklist to be managed. Whether it’s starting the conversation early with loved ones about potential needs or shouldering the full weight of care responsibilities, each stage demands a different part of you. The emotional load can be overwhelming, especially when it shifts from professional detachment to intimate, familial involvement. It’s a human response to feel worn by the efforts to balance personal grief with the demands of caregiving. Embracing these stages isn’t about getting stuck in the roles we play but learning to navigate them with grace, preparing for the grief that may come, and ensuring we don’t lose ourselves to the emotional undertow. This journey reshaped not only how I view caregiving but also how I see resilience and the power of planning ahead.

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Rhythmic Resilience: Caregiving Lessons from Musician Maritri Garrett | 005

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

10/09/24 • 19 min

Jumping into caregiving transformed her life in ways she never expected! Chatting with Maritri Garrett, a musician turned caregiver, I dove deep into how she balances her creative passions with the demands of caring for her parentless nieces and her own parents during family crises. Maritri shares that self-care isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential. Her story of adjusting life on the fly, incorporating rigorous self-care routines inspired by choreographer Twyla Tharp’s book, truly resonates with anyone in the throes of caregiving. If you’re finding caregiving to be a juggling act of emotional and physical demands, Maritri’s approach to maintaining her sanity through music, routine, and self-care is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity in the face of life’s unexpected turns.

About Maritri:

Maritri Garrett is a remarkable independent artist whose music reflects the depth of her diverse musical background. As a composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and educator, her songs tell honest stories of life, love, and loss, offering healing and solace to all who listen.

Maritri holds a unique blend of academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Fisk University, a Bachelor of Science in Composition, and a Master of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies from Howard University.

Her skillful versatility with instruments like the piano, guitar, bass, cello, and percussion sets her apart. Having performed with and opened for musical legends like Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle, Maritri continues to captivate audiences with her emotionally powerful compositions and soulful performances.

https://www.tiktok.com/@maritrimusic

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https://www.facebook.com/MaritriMusic

https://www.facebook.com/maritri

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Vivianne Winters Israel on How to Recharge and Show Up Stronger for Loved Ones | EP015

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

12/18/24 • 24 min

Feeling drained by caregiving or just life’s relentless demands? Let me tell you, the secret to thriving starts with giving yourself permission to recharge. Vivianne Winters Israel—an experienced nurse, cancer survivor, and lifelong caregiver—knows this firsthand. With over 47 years in critical and emergency care, plus her personal experiences of caregiving for family members, she shares how embracing self-care tools transformed her ability to handle life’s toughest challenges, from caregiving stress to battling metastatic cancer. Vivianne unpacks simple, powerful practices—some as quick as two minutes—that help you break free from burnout and reclaim your energy and joy. Her message is clear: when you care for yourself first, you amplify your ability to support those you love. Don't wait—start filling your own cup today!

Listener Free Gift: Empowered Self-Care Resources https://vivwi.me/selfcare1

A list of Vivianne’s favorite powerful self-care tools she’s learned of over the decades and use. You're bound to resonate with at least one. Access to Tool #2 is free and only takes 90 seconds, once learned. #1 is even faster, taking only 5-20 seconds, once learned (no affiliate links).

About Our Guest:

Vivianne Winters Israel is a motivational speaker and author of the upcoming Adventure Annie, series of children’s books full of adventure and mystery (ages 9-12). Registered Nurse; studied cellular biology and physiologic psychology at California State University, Northridge; Mom and serialpreneur; published author, first book Tender Moments: Diary of a First-time Mother received Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, for non-fiction literature; co-author of Amazon Bestseller in three categories Life by Design: How to Create, Leverage, Legacy and Lifestyle; acknowledgements from The American Biographical Institute—Who’s Who of American Women, 2,000 Notable American Women, Woman of the Year (1990), and Golden Lifetime Achievement Award; Member: Independent Book Publishers Association; Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Her upcoming stories are crafted to help children work through the increased social and emotional challenges surrounding the pandemic, by experiencing real-life issues from the safety of engaging fictional adventures. Each with a free Teacher/Parent Resource Guide.

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Angela Haye on Rebuilding Lives Through Love, Support, and Education | 011

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

11/20/24 • 34 min

Sometimes life calls you to a purpose you can’t ignore, and for our guest, that purpose means changing lives in Jamaica. Angel, runs an educational institute in the rural belt of Hanover, where they don’t just teach; they rebuild. Kids walk through the doors carrying heavy burdens—abuse, poverty, hopelessness—but they’ve created a safe space where they find emotional support, education, and meals. It’s more than academics; it’s showing them they’re worthy of a future. Seeing their students rise—whether they join the police, nursing, or even university—reminds her why she stays, even when the work is hard. Caregivers come in all forms, including teachers who give more than lessons—they give hope, love, and a second chance at life.

About Our Guest:

Angela Haye hails from Jamaica. She migrated to the United States when she was a young girl where she finished her secondary education. She holds an Associate Degree in Business/Hotel Management from Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, Maryland USA; a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management and a Master’s Degree in International Marketing and Management from the University of Maryland University College USA. In 2002 she returned to Jamaica where she founded the Hanover Educational Institute in addition to the rotary Club of Green Island, Sunrise, Jamaica, and she sits on several school boards. An eclectic thinker, whose hobbies include dancing, networking, and reading and spending quality time with friends and family, including two beautiful sons, Robert and Brandon. Angela Haye hosts “Let’s Talk” on Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=let%27s%20talk%20with%20angela%20r.%20haye

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How Music Therapy Can Enhance Quality of Life in Dementia Care with Alexis Baker | 008

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

10/30/24 • 26 min

Join me as we step into the world of music therapy with Alexis Baker. As a music enthusiast, discussing the nuances of how music activates the brain, revives memories, and fosters emotional connections is incredibly enriching. Alexis highlights how therapeutic music benefits not just those in care but also the caregivers themselves, offering both solace and emotional release. Whether through personalized playlists to uplift spirits or integrating music into daily routines to ease challenging behaviors, music proves to be a powerful tool in transforming caregiving experiences. It's fascinating to see how melodies and rhythms can bridge communication gaps, especially in challenging journeys like dementia, where conventional language often falls short.

About Our Guest:

Alexis Baker is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy. Her mission as a music therapist is to spark joy, create connections, and improve quality of life through meaningful music engagement. Alexis is passionate about using music to make a difference for older adults living with dementia.

After many years spent serving clients in person as a traveling music therapist, Alexis pivoted her business online in 2020. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, she and her husband, a professional videographer, decided to collaborate by putting their skills together. They initially launched Bridgetown's Virtual Music Engagement Program with only four videos. Now, the program features an extensive Video Library containing hundreds of on-demand therapeutic music sessions. Their dementia-friendly program focuses on meaningful engagement through music-based activities such as singing, rhythm and movement, gentle stretching, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation. Alexis includes an incredible range of genres, styles, and fun themes—there is something for everyone. This program has been described as a game-changer for people with dementia and their care staff such as Activity Directors and family caregivers.

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Learn How Mike Spillman’s DIRRT Method Disrupts Caregiving Conflicts | 012

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

11/27/24 • 32 min

Imagine stepping into a caregiving role with the same clarity and grace you'd bring to your most cherished relationships. Mike Spillman, an international motivational speaker, shares that family caregiving—especially around the holidays—often feels overwhelming, with emotions running high and patience running thin. But Mike believes it doesn’t have to drain you. With his "DIRRT method," which is applicable to any relationship, you can transform the experience for yourself and the loved one you’re caring for. It starts with a clear decision on what you want to accomplish, then identify the roadblocks in your way. Remove those obstacles, and replace them with support that moves you forward. Transformation isn’t instant, but as Mike explains, you’ll feel it as you learn to care with love and self-respect, creating a lasting positive impact for you and those you hold dear. Mike’s mission is to save 100 marriages before the end of 2025. It’s easy to see how caregiving and rational problem-solving make a good pair.

About Our Guest:

Mike Spillman has been involved in the Personal Development arena for 40+ years helping others grasp the significance of a POSITIVE mindset in all areas of life.

He is an International Speaker and podcaster having published over 1,100 podcasts as well as blog articles. He has developed a 5-Step program called "The D.I.R.R.T. Method" that can lead others to success in ANY area of their life upon implementation.

Mike's personal goal is this: "To bring HAPPINESS, STABILITY and PURPOSE into the lives of others."

Contact Mike Spillman at: [email protected]

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Caregiving Isn’t Meant to be Lonely: How Denise Brown Builds Community through Support and Resilience | EP014

The Sharegiving Secret: How to Survive Family Caregiving

12/11/24 • 29 min

Sometimes life feels like balancing a fragile house of cards—caregiving challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. My guest Denise Brown, an inspiring author and caregiving expert, brings hope, offering strategies to lighten the load and manage the stress, loneliness, and emotional toll of caregiving. With Denise’s wisdom, we chat about the importance of embracing community, setting boundaries, and finding moments of relief and joy amidst the chaos. Her books, including The Caregiving Years series, remind us that even in the toughest caregiving stages, we can craft plans that turn dread into action and heartache into healing. Denise inspires us to face each day with resilience and a reminder that no caregiver is truly alone.

About Our Guest:

Denise supports individuals managing difficult life experiences with coaching, planning and training. Through her work, Denise helps clients find hope, possibilities and a path forward.

Denise began helping individuals who care for a family member in 1990 and launched a business to help them in 1995. She created one of the first online caregiving communities in 1996 which she managed until its sale in 2020.

Denise now develops and delivers training programs for the workplace and for individuals who want to coach family caregivers. More than 400 individuals from eight different countries have enrolled in her training programs.

Denise is the author of several books that provide insights, comfort and hope to those who care, including the five-book series called Take Comfort; The Caregiving Years, Your Guide to Navigating the Six Caregiving Stages; and After Caregiving Ends, A Guide to Beginning Again.

Links:

Denise’s Books: http://bit.ly/caringbooks
Caregiving Reflections, a weekly newsletter: https://denisebrown.substack.com/archive
Caring Our Way: https://join.caringourway.com/
The Caregiving Years Training Academy: https://www.careyearsacademy.com
The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/these-self-care-strategies-can-help-caregivers-cope-with-burnout-11640782803?st=37dob9tjnjt4tke&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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