In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Amy Chastain, author of How to Find God in the Caregiver’s Journey. Amy opens her heart and shares how her personal relationship with God was both tested and strengthened through her caregiving experience. She candidly describes a time when she felt unworthy and had to return to the foundations of her faith to rebuild from within.

Amy emphasizes the vital importance of community, even when it feels incredibly vulnerable to admit we need help. She reminds us that healing is not a one-time event but a journey—a process filled with highs and lows, including moments of anger, doubt, and even blame toward God. But, as Amy beautifully puts it, “God already knows it all—and still loves us exactly as we are.”

She encourages caregivers to begin simply: by praying without filters. Don’t try to tidy up your emotions. God won’t run from your pain, frustration, or sorrow. In fact, it’s in those raw and honest moments that He draws closest, offering strength and reassurance.

Amy leaves us with a powerful message: caregiving is not just a role—it’s sacred. It’s holy work. And when we invite God into our caregiving journey, we not only care better for others, we also find the space to be cared for ourselves.

Tune in to this deeply moving conversation and discover how spirituality and community can help anchor us in the storm.

To contact Amy:

Enduring Together: Strength for the Weary Caregiver https://a.co/d/gqtqNDq

Caregivers | Encouragement from Amy Chastain

In today’s episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Brian Lerch, a seasoned executive in healthcare who works at a rehabilitation hospital that supports individuals recovering from traumatic events—such as car accidents or major strokes.

Brian shares valuable insights into the journey of rehabilitation, where the goal is not just physical recovery but also emotional and mental transformation. Patients at his facility participate in three hours of therapy a day, focusing on regaining the ability to perform daily tasks. But the journey doesn’t stop there. A crucial part of healing, he explains, is working on one’s mindset—regardless of whether the outcome is returning to independent living or transitioning into hospice care.

He emphasizes the importance of accepting change, embracing the good that remains, and learning to appreciate the present. According to Brian, healing includes discovering new sources of joy—like trying a hobby or exercising in ways that weren't part of your routine before. These activities not only help people cope with their new reality but also allow them to explore aspects of themselves they may have never known.

Brian reminds us that it's okay to feel uncomfortable when trying something new. In fact, feeling “bad at something” is the first step toward eventually becoming good at it. Whether it’s painting, yoga, or simply walking again—small efforts can lead to big emotional wins.

He also discusses how some people naturally possess a positive mindset, while others may struggle. For caregivers and family members, he advises practicing empathy by putting yourself in your loved one’s shoes and highlights how a strong support system can make a world of difference—for the person in recovery and for those supporting them.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that recovery is not just about returning to the past—it’s about rewriting your story with hope, patience, and new possibilities.

Tune in, reflect, and share this with someone who needs encouragement in their caregiving or healing journey.

To get in touch with Brian Lerch:

linkedin.com/in/brianlerch

about.me/brianlerch

brianl1@live.com

In this deeply moving episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Rick Henkin, who shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Faced with overwhelming emotions, unanswered questions, and a heart heavy with grief, Rick found little external guidance to help him cope. So, he turned inward.

What followed was a profound internal transformation—a path toward peace, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.

Rick opens up about the lessons he’s learned in this intimate caregiving journey. He encourages caregivers not to be too hard on themselves and reminds us that we are just as deserving of compassion as the people we care for. "Treat yourself like you treat your dearest friends," he says.

One of Rick’s most powerful tools for emotional well-being is reshaping our internal narrative. He suggests asking yourself:

• How is this thought helping or harming me?
• 
  
• Does this thought reduce or increase my stress?
• 
  
• What would happen if I chose to think differently?
• 
  

By taking a step back and actively reframing negative or guilt-driven thoughts, caregivers can regain emotional clarity and strength. Rick emphasizes a vital insight: Our thoughts create our feelings, and that means we can choose what to think—and ultimately, how we feel.

When a caregiver is emotionally calm, it profoundly affects the person they are caring for. Peace is contagious, and even in the midst of Alzheimer’s or other difficult conditions, a calm presence can bring unexpected moments of connection and comfort.

Rick leaves us with this simple but transformative mantra: Rephrase and Replace.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to care not only for your loved one—but for yourself—with tenderness, grace, and intentional thought.