Rest Isn't Selfish, It's Essential

What I’m learning about balance, burnout, and finding moments of joy.

Can I be transparent for a moment?

About 6 months ago, my 89-year-old grandmother, who had already been living with Alzheimer’s, suffered a stroke. Before COVID, she was vibrant, mobile and mostly independent, even still driving church members to appointments well into her 80s! Dementia slowed her down, but when the pandemic hit, the isolation took a real toll. The stroke, however, delivered a much bigger blow.

Almost overnight, my mom and I went from part-time caregivers to full-time ones. Thanks to physical therapy, she regained much of her strength, but her memory and cognition declined.

As a nurse, I thought I understood what caregiving meant. I was wrong. In the hospital, no matter how hard the day, you eventually clock out. But at home, there’s no off switch. Even when you're away, your mind never really leaves — Is she okay? Did she eat? Was she happy with her coffee this morning? It feels a lot like how I imagine new moms must worry about their babies and you wonder if the worry ever truly fades.

So why share this on a travel blog? Because for me, travel has always been a hobby, but now I see how it can even be a form of therapy. It's where I catch my breath, refill my cup, and remember who I am outside of caregiving. I'm lucky to have a village that lets me step away when needed, because I know not everyone has the ability to find regular respite.

That's why I’m dreaming up a special getaway... for nurses, healthcare workers, and for caregivers of all kinds. I also think this trip would be a great opportunity for mothers and daughters to make lasting memories. Because the truth is, almost everyone is a caregiver in some way, and everyone either is a mom or loves one... and that includes all mother figures.

Even if you can't join us for several days away, I hope you seek out and find your moments of rest somewhere.

Take care of yourself, because the work you do — for your patients, your families, your loved ones — is too important to do on empty.