When Self-Care Feels Impossible: A Caregiver’s Journey Back to Herself

In this powerful rewind episode, Laura speaks with Charlotte Bayala—caregiver, coach, and creator of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast and Caregiving Confidential digital magazine. Charlotte opens up about her long-term caregiving journey for her husband following his thyroid cancer diagnosis, and how it forced her to reevaluate everything she knew about self-care. From meditation and burnout to redefining joy and learning to be present, this conversation is a validating and heartfelt reminder that your well-being matters, too.

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been doing it for years, Charlotte’s wisdom offers a gentle nudge to stop, breathe, and prioritize yourself without guilt.

Meet Charlotte Bayala:

Charlotte Bayala is the creator of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast, the Cancer Caregiver Podcast, and the Caregiving Confidential digital magazine. A long-term caregiver for her husband since his thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2013, Charlotte is also a yoga and meditation teacher and caregiver coach. Her work supports caregivers in rediscovering calm, joy, and self-compassion—no matter what stage of the journey they’re in.

Topics Discussed:

Charlotte’s story: from yoga teacher to full-time caregiver
How caregiving changed her life and identity
The myth of “just meditate” and why self-care often feels out of reach
The emotional and spiritual toll of long-term caregiving
Why it’s okay if the things that once brought you joy no longer do
The importance of adapting routines and rituals to a new life reality
How to make self-care doable—on your terms
Letting go of guilt, perfection, and the pressure to "do it all"
Reframing the future and reclaiming the present moment

Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome + introduction of Charlotte Bayala

03:45 – Charlotte’s caregiving journey and sudden diagnosis

10:20 – Why even skilled meditators struggle under caregiver stress

14:40 – A new relationship with self: reframing identity and joy

21:10 – The emotional rollercoaster of long-term caregiving

29:00 – When your favorite self-care tools stop working

35:30 – How to find new ways to soothe your nervous system

41:45 – The spiritual reckoning and quiet crisis of caregiving

48:00 – Letting go of busywork and learning to pause

55:30 – Making your care a non-negotiable priority

1:02:00 – Shifting thoughts, reclaiming the moment, and self-compassion

Key Takeaways:

You are not your thoughts—and you are not alone
If old tools no longer bring peace, try new forms within your comfort zone
Self-care doesn't have to be expensive, long, or quiet—it just has to fit your life
Caregiving changes everything; your needs matter just as much
Reframing the future starts with being fully present today

Resources Mentioned: