Most of us don't prepare to be caregivers. We're simply living life—until a phone call, a diagnosis, or a hospital stay flips everything upside down. A dear friend has been battling some health issues since March. At first, it was diagnosed as a pesky tumor that needed to be removed and watched. No harm, no foul, but fast forward to August, and the pain returned with a diagnosis of cancer. Twelve days later, she was gone. My heart, along with many others, is broken. Why should someone be taken so early, so young, so full of life? It makes no sense, and I know many of you have been in this same position. My friend came home with grief, fear of what was next, and a brochure in her hands. Hospice services were arranged, but I don't think she was prepared to see a hospital bed, walker, wheelchair, potty chair—all at once. Her safe space became unrecognizable. Her friends wanted to help but had no roadmap. This is what unexpected caregiving feels like: overwhelming, messy, lonely. But this is why It's Called Life exists. Because here, you don't have to figure it out alone. I know we are just getting started, but please share this space with one person. That is how we build one person at a time. There are 63 million unpaid caregivers who need support. Let's be that lifeline! 💬 What was the most challenging part when caregiving first landed in your lap? Or, if you're in it now, what's one thing you wish others understood about what you're carrying? Your story could be the lifeline another member needs today. Alive, a little undone, and still devoted, Kelli💕

"But she's all alone. There's no one else." I've heard this so many times—from families, and myself. It's one of the most brutal truths about caregiving. Because you want to help.Because you care. But you're only human. What starts as a few errands, meals, or check-ins quickly becomes being the caregiver because it feels easier to say yes than to have the complicated conversation about limits. Because someone has to. But boundaries aren't selfish. They're necessary. Because caregiving without boundaries leads to burnout, resentment, and guilt that no one deserves to carry. What can help when you're feeling the weight of it all? ✅ Name what you're doing—it's caregiving .✅ Be honest about your limits .✅ Ask for help creatively—friends, neighbors, church, senior services, paid help .✅ Call the primary care doctor. Ask about resources .✅ Talk to the social worker on staff. They often know options you don't .✅ Adjust as needs change. ✅ Let go of the idea that you have to do it all alone. You're not failing because you need help. You're not selfish for protecting your well-being. You're not broken because this is hard.💕 You're becoming. 👇 Have you struggled with setting boundaries in caregiving? Share below if you'd like. — The Devoted Daughter

We created this for you. The Awareness Journal is a gentle, yet simple, way to start untangling the emotional, mental, and invisible aspects of caregiving. 📔 8 weekly prompts💭 No pressure, no judgment🖋️ Print or fill out digitally — it’s yours If you’re feeling a little undone, a little lost, or just deeply tired, this is your place to land. Please let me know in the comments: 👉 Which prompt resonates with you the most? Warmly, 💕 Kelli Alive, a little undone, still devoted.

My name is Beth from PA, caregiving is the hardest job so first off I want to give you the biggest hugs. I cared for my wonderful husband for 10 years who battled ALS Lou Gehrig disease. I lost my husband September 17, 2022 but I feel like I have a lot of value to offer during those 10 years of caring for him. I’m here to encourage motivate and offer any guidance.