Episode 38
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:
- Love Your Caregiving Life Podcast
- Cancer Caregiver Podcast
- Caregiving Confidential digital magazine
- Book: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
- Work of Dr. Joe Dispenza
Connect with Charlotte Bayala:
Website: www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com
Other Podcast: www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com
Instagram: @cancercaregiverpodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlottebayala
Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast
Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com
Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast
Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast
YouTube: Life on Repeat Podcast Channel
If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow caregiver. You’re not alone.