This Hi.
one is just for you.
Not for your Not mom.
for your husband, or your For kid.
you.
Sit down all the way.
Not on the edge of the chair...
ready to jump up.
All the way back.
take Let the chair your weight.
If you have a monitor on...
or your phone's ringer is up...
that's okay.
Leave it.
For six minutes...
someone else can be the one listening.
That's me.
Breathe in slowly...
And let it all the way out.
You're tired.
Let's just say it out loud.
Not a nap kind of tired.
The kind that sleep doesn't fix.
The pills sorted on Sunday night.
The appointments.
The insurance calls.
Lifting.
Driving.
Remembering everything for everyone.
And by evening...
there's nothing left in the Not tank.
even for yourself.
Now notice what happens...
when you admit that you're tired.
Maybe guilt shows up right But away.
I love them.
Other people have it That worse.
guilt is It common.
shows up for almost every caregiver.
But being exhausted...
doesn't mean you love them It less.
means you've been giving a lot.
For a long time.
Often with no days off.
Both are You true.
love And them.
you're running on empty.
Now let's turn some of that care around.
Place a hand on your chest.
Gently.
Like you'd check on someone.
Feel the warmth there.
Feel your breath moving under your hand.
Now think about how you talk...
to the person you care for.
On a hard day...
when they're scared, or can't find the word.
You probably soften your voice.
You say things like...
take your time.
Let's say that to you now.
Breathe in...
And as you breathe out...
take your time.
Maybe you also say...
it's okay, I've got you.
Breathe in...
I've And out...
got you.
Let those words land in your own body.
The same patience you give every day.
Pointed back at It yourself.
might feel strange.
Caregivers are used to giving not it...
getting it.
Just let your hand stay.
Let yourself be the one cared for.
For a few more breaths.
Now rest here.
Off for duty, a little Listen while.
to the rain on the porch It's roof.
It steady.
asks nothing.
Picture yourself out on that porch.
In an old chair, with your feet up.
Watching the rain come down.
Breathe in...
And There's out...
nothing to lift right Just now.
sit, and let the rain You've fall.
been strong for a long You're time.
allowed to be soft right now.
You don't have to earn this part.
Leave the porch chair for now.
The rain will still be there later.
Let your hand come down.
Take a long breath in...
And out.
Here's your next step.
Ask for one specific bit of help.
This week.
Think of one person who's offered.
Someone who said, let me know.
Text them something clear.
Can you sit with Dad Thursday...
from two to three?
Or...
could you drop off dinner Tuesday?
Specific asks are easier to say yes to.
And people usually mean it when they offer.
They just don't know what to do.
And if you're really struggling...
talk to someone you trust.
Or a licensed professional.
In the US...
you can call or text 988.
You take care of everyone.
Let someone take one hour.
Go send that text.