SC Barg
My late brother and I have been honored to host more than 300 Fearless Caregiver Conferences across the country. Over the years, we’ve welcomed extraordinary guest speakers who have opened their hearts to share their personal caregiving journeys. Each one came to honor the Fearless Caregivers in the audience — you — and to remind us that we are not alone in this demanding, yet profoundly meaningful, role.
One of those incredible voices was the beloved actress, award-winning singer, and ordained minister, the late Della Reese. She graced us with her presence at several of our events. Della spoke to our hearts, reminding us to reach deep into our spiritual selves — to find the strength to carry the weight of caregiving’s many responsibilities.
She knew that caregiving is often a full-time job layered on top of other full-time commitments — work, family, and relationships. And she reminded us that, The Higher Power never gives us more than we can handle and that we all need time to decompress — to breathe, to rest, and to renew.
Finding that balance between caregiving, work, and family is not just a nice idea — it’s essential. Statistics tell us a heartbreaking truth: far too many caregivers pass away before the loved ones they care for, leaving their families without their guiding force.
That’s why I’m sharing this important reminder — not to discourage, but to empower you to change that statistic. As Della would say, you must also care for the angel within yourself.
In last week’s column, I introduced the Reverse Gift List, a simple yet powerful tool to help you reclaim small moments of free time. This week, I encourage you to take the next step: use that time for yourself — for rest, reflection, or even joy.
And I’d love to hear from you. Please post your comments below and share how you’ve put the Reverse Gift List into action — and what you’re doing with the precious me-time you’ve found. I will share your wisdom in the coming weeks.
Because every moment you care for yourself, you strengthen your ability to keep doing your angel’s work — with grace, courage, and love.
Please share your comments below.