When Saying “Yes” Costs Too Much 🍂
"When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself." — Paulo Coelho As a family caregiver, I live this truth every day. My instinct to say yes practically lives as muscle memory — yes to another online webinar, another favor for a family member, another late-night need. But behind every yes hides quiet exhaustion and the slow erosion of self. It took a while for me to realize this. With the help of a friend, I came to embrace the idea that saying yes to myself isn’t selfish. It’s the only way to stay steady, present, and capable of giving care that comes from strength, not depletion. Here are a few other things I’ve learned along the way. Mindset Shifts: The Art of Saying Yes to Yourself 1. Your needs are valid. Wanting time for yourself isn’t indulgent — it’s essential. Self-care keeps you from collapsing under the weight of caregiving. 2. Practice self-compassion. There is no such thing as a perfect caregiver. You’re doing your best in ...