Summary:

Carole Leathem shares her personal journey of healing and recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience, self-compassion, and honoring the healing process. She discusses how caretakers often push themselves too hard and the need to accept that recovery is non-linear and requires gentle, intentional care.

Takeaways:

Healing is not a straight line; it requires patience and acceptance.

Rest and honoring your pain are essential parts of recovery.

Lowering expectations can reduce frustration and promote healing.

Healing is a spiritual process, not just physical or mental.

It's okay to not be 'okay' and to take time to heal.

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey of Healing

06:38 Embracing the Process of Recovery

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode, Carole Leathem shares a personal story about injury and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. She emphasizes that boundaries are acts of protection, not punishment, and discusses practical ways to listen to our bodies and honor our limits.

Chapters:

00:00 Unexpected Interruption: A Caregiver's Journey

02:42 Understanding Boundaries: The Caregiver's Dilemma

05:04 Gentle Practices for Self-Care

07:20 The Importance of Listening to Your Body

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Caregiving often feels like learning a foreign language.

New terms.
New routines.
New responsibilities.
And no one hands you a dictionary.

In this episode of The Caretaker’s Journey, recorded from EPCOT, Carole offers Christian encouragement for new caregivers who feel overwhelmed, unprepared, and unsure of what comes next. If you’ve recently stepped into caregiving and everything feels unfamiliar, this episode will help you breathe, slow down, and find your footing.

Rooted in Proverbs 3:5–6, this episode reminds caregivers that you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to take the next step with God.

💛 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why caregiving feels confusing at first (and why that’s normal)

• Encouragement for caregivers who feel like beginners

• Real-life caregiving examples and honest faith moments

• Christian support for learning medical systems, routines, and decisions

• How God guides caregivers one step at a time

• Gentle practices to reduce overwhelm and caregiver stress

This episode is for:
✔️ New caregivers
✔️ Caregivers feeling overwhelmed or unsure
✔️ Spouses and adult children learning caregiving roles
✔️ Christian caregivers seeking peace, clarity, and encouragement
✔️ Anyone searching for faith-based caregiver support

📖 Scripture Anchor:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

If caregiving feels unfamiliar and overwhelming right now, you are not failing—you are learning. God is with you as you take this journey one step at a time.

👉 Subscribe for weekly Christian encouragement for caregivers
👉 Share this episode with a caregiver who feels overwhelmed
👉 Visit The Caretaker’s Journey for caregiver support, resources, and community

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretakers Journey podcast, Carole Leathem discusses the unexpected challenges faced by caretakers who find themselves thrust into this role without preparation. She explores the emotional turmoil, grief, and practical strategies for coping with the demands of caretaking. Carole emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings, seeking support, and finding strength in faith as caretakers navigate their new reality.

Takeaways:

Caretaking often arrives unexpectedly, leaving individuals unprepared.

Grief is a natural response to the changes in caretaking roles.

It's important to acknowledge both love for the person being cared for and the grief of lost freedom.

Caretakers can feel overwhelmed by the sudden responsibilities placed upon them.

Practical strategies, such as asking for help and taking breaks, are essential for caretakers.

Faith can provide comfort and strength during challenging times.

Caretakers should focus on living in the present rather than worrying about the future.

It's okay to not have all the answers while navigating caretaking.

Finding a supportive friend to talk to can alleviate feelings of isolation.

God is a source of refuge and strength for caretakers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Caretaking

01:56 The Shock of Sudden Caretaking

04:22 Grief and Caretaking

06:32 Practical Strategies for Caretakers

09:00 Finding Support and Rest

09:37 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Caregiving often begins without warning.

One phone call.
One diagnosis.
One moment where life changes overnight.

When Caretaking Chooses You is the opening episode of Season 3 of The Caretaker’s Journey Podcast — a season created for those who suddenly become caregivers and feel unprepared, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.

In this season introduction, Carole shares the heart behind Season 3, her recent move to Florida, and why each episode will be recorded from a different quiet spot at Epcot in Disney World — a place that has become sacred ground for reflection, creativity, and stillness in the middle of a busy world.

This season is especially for:

• New caregivers

• Those who suddenly became caretakers for a parent, spouse, or loved one

• Caregivers navigating shock, grief, and emotional exhaustion

• Faith-filled caregivers looking for encouragement and grounding

Over the next four weeks, this series gently walks through:

• Suddenly becoming a caretaker

• Figuring caregiving out as you go

• Remembering that you matter too

• Finding purpose without pretending caregiving is easy

This is not a medical or instructional podcast.
It’s a place to breathe.
A place to feel seen.
A place to remember you are not alone.

🎧 New episodes release weekly.

If caretaking chose you, this season is for you.

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretakers Journey Podcast, host Carole Leathem guides listeners through a reflective journey of embracing stillness, courage, and blessings as they prepare for the year ahead.

She emphasizes the importance of receiving blessings, particularly for caretakers, and shares practical steps for integrating these blessings into daily life.

The episode culminates in a visualization exercise, encouraging listeners to envision their path for the upcoming year with faith and purpose.

Takeaways:

Today is not about closing a chapter, but stepping forward.

You are entering with courage and clarity.

God's favor rests on you, even in difficult times.

Blessings are meant to be received, not just spoken.

You do not walk into 2026 exposed or unprotected.

God delights in you and your limitations.

This blessing is a covering, not just a wish.

Daily blessings can change your awareness of God.

Visualizing your path can bring peace and purpose.

This year belongs to you, embrace it with strength.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Caretakers Journey

00:41 Embracing Stillness and Courage

02:16 The Power of Blessings for Caretakers

04:36 Practical Steps for Daily Blessings

06:50 Visualizing the Covered Path

07:45 Commissioning for the Year Ahead

Connect with Carole:Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the communityEmail - carole@thecaretakersjourney.comSocial Meia - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourneyBook - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this conversation, Carole Leathem reflects on the journey of caretaking, emphasizing the importance of recognizing a greater purpose beyond the immediate challenges.

She discusses how caretaking expands our capacity and endurance, and how our personal stories can serve as powerful testimonies for others.

Carole encourages listeners to trust in a bigger plan and to engage in prayer and reflection as they navigate their own journeys.

Takeaways:

Caretaking expands our capacity and endurance.

Our purpose is not limited to our immediate circumstances.

God is always at work within us, regardless of our exhaustion.

Our stories, no matter how ordinary, can inspire others.

Love and compassion are integral to our purpose.

Seasons of hardship can lead to personal growth.

We should take time to reflect on our growth.

Trusting in God's bigger plan is essential.

Our testimonies can provide hope to others.

Prayer is a powerful tool for guidance and clarity.

Chapters:

00:00 Reflecting on the Journey

02:25 Embracing a Greater Purpose

04:56 The Power of Personal Stories

07:05 Cultivating Compassion and Vision

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book

Summary:

In this episode of the Caretakers Journey podcast, Carole Leathem discusses the theme of 'loud courage', the quiet strength that caregivers need to show up and take steps forward, even when faced with challenges.

She emphasizes the importance of asking for help and recognizing that courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of faith.

Carole encourages listeners to take small actions that require courage in their daily lives, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey and that God's presence fuels their strength.

Takeaways:

Courage looks like showing up again.

Courage does not require fear to be present.

You don't have to feel brave to be brave.

The bravest thing I ever did was asking for help.

Courage grows through action.

Courage is fueled by God's presence.

It's not the absence of fear, but the presence of faith.

One step, one yes, one honest conversation.

Courage can take the form of a whisper.

You are not alone in your journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:59 Understanding Loud Courage

03:44 The Bravery in Asking for Help

05:12 Finding Courage in Daily Life

Connect with Carole:

Website - https://www.thecaretakersjourney.com/

To join the mailing list, go to the website and join the community

Email - carole@thecaretakersjourney.com

Social Media -

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolesjourney/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolesjourney

Book - https://www.carolesjourney.com/book