23h • General discussion
The Sandwich Generation
I'm just getting home from a whirlwind weekend away to visit my aging father, my sister who is in a long-term care home due to advanced MS, my brother who is running point on their care, and my brothers in law, one of whom is celebrating retirement. While balancing the celebrations and the concerns for ongoing care for my family members, I also carry concern for my adult children (one is getting married this spring), and my grandkids who are the light of my life.
Twenty or thirty years ago, when people talked about the sandwich generation, I nodded sympathetically like I understood.
I didn't get it at all.
It's not until you're there that you can fully understand it. It started back in the aughts when my mom's illness was advancing. Caring for my mom in my home while trying to manage working and supporting my kids who were still in school at the time - it was a lot. That was my first real introduction to being in the sandwich. Fast forward to the last several years of watching my father's health decline, trying to be present for my kids and grandkids, maintaining two businesses, and still trying to be present for my partner and have a social life. It's no joke!
Now, I'm not complaining. I AM trying to figure it all out, and doing my best to maintain a balanced life. asked me this weekend what I'm doing for me - my response? Meditation, prayer, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. That's what we've got time and capacity for. Perhaps in the days to come, there will be time and space for more. Maybe some winter hikes, some day trips to small-town Ontario or long overdue visits with friends. For now, the urgent and the important have priority. Luxuries get squeezed in where possible.
Are you also in the sandwich generation? What's your experience? Are you trying to do the most, or are you achieving success in finding balance? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
0
0 comments
The Sandwich Generation
powered by
skool.com/leverage-u-7544
A soft place to land for women leaders carrying everything. A safe place for current and aspiring leaders to level up their emotional mastery skills.
Suggested communities
Powered by