Chronicles from the Sandwich Generation: The Summer of Surgeries

The squeeze is real.

This summer, I flew across the country twice to care for my parents for what I've branded as the Summer of Surgeries. At home, my kids still need me. My business still needs me. And I still need… me.

Like so many others in the sandwich generation, I find myself stretched really thin. I am trying to be a good daughter, a good mom, a good coach, and a functioning human all at once.

Here's what I've been thinking about:
1. How do we show up for the people who need us without abandoning ourselves in the process?
2. How do we juggle real life (the messy, emotional, unpredictable parts) and still move forward in work and life with intention?

There’s no perfect answer, but I'm working towards this:
✅ Giving myself permission to slow down when I can’t go fast
✅ Naming my priorities clearly so I don’t lose sight of them
✅ Letting go of the idea that I need to do it all flawlessly
✅ Asking for help; receiving it with gratitude (this is the hardest one for me)
✅ Doing it "my" way

If you’re in the thick of it too, I just want to say: I see you.
You are not alone.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
It’s okay to not have it all figured out.
And it’s more than okay to protect your peace, your time, and your energy while you care for everyone else.

Photo Credit: Mom, who is 48 hours post-op and today we're sitting in her gorgeous garden.