2Sisters Speak: Surviving the Sandwich Generation

Mental Burden | Ep #51

How often do you find yourself thinking, "After this week, I’m sure things will slow down"? The two of us must say some version of this to each other every day. It helps make getting through this week easier. When we say we hope things will slow down, what we really mean is that we want a reprieve from the mental load of managing everyday life for almost everyone all the time. Mental load refers to the cognitive effort required to manage and remember everything in our daily lives while trying to anticipate everyone’s needs. It's the background work required to keep things running smoothly, making sure everything is accounted for, and everyone’s needs are met. Three take-ways from this episode: 1. We are all dealing with many things that other people don’t see. So are they. 2. Asking for help doesn’t always feel helpful. 3. Things don’t slow down after this week. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! More information at https://2sisters-sla.com/ [https://2sisters-sla.com/] © 2021 - 2024 Michelle Woodbrey and Alyson Powers

Oh, the Irony | Ep #50

"Isn't it ironic? - Don't you think?" – Alanis Morrisette, 1996 Irony is helping our kids learn how to drive while at the same time, trying to get our parents to give up driving. Irony is trying to help our parents manage life with the internet and at the same time, trying to help our kids manage their lives with the internet. Irony is helping our parents find a contact on their phone (again) and then having to ask our kids how to use a new app (again). Three take-ways from this episode: 1. Life is full of irony. 2. Irony is described as something that seems completely contrary to what we might expect. 3. Irony is amusing and poignant. Isn’t that ironic? Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! More information at https://2sisters-sla.com/ [https://2sisters-sla.com/] © 2021 - 2024 Michelle Woodbrey and Alyson Powers

Sorry Not Sorry! | Ep #49

We all have regrets about many things in our lives at any given moment, but should we always say, “I’m sorry?” We were going to do a podcast apologizing for not having done a podcast since January, but why are we sorry? Whose expectations did we fall short of? Yours? Are you upset with us? And, if you feel we did fall short somehow, how much of an impact should we allow that to have on ourselves? What benefit could constantly feeling apologetic possibly have to help us do better? The change needs to start here. We regret not having released a podcast in a while, but decided that we are not sorry. What do you regret in your life that you should perhaps stop feeling sorry for? Three take-ways from this episode: 1. There are 3 types of sorry. One is, “I am sorry for doing something wrong.” Another is, “I have sorrow for you about something that you are experiencing.” And then there’s, “I apologize for not being or doing enough.” The last one is where we collectively need to put our attention. 2. It is common knowledge that today, most of us feel like we are not enough but how does apologizing for ourselves ever make anything better? 3. Feeling apologetic is not the same as having regret. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! More information at https://2sisters-sla.com/ [https://2sisters-sla.com/] © 2021 - 2024 Michelle Woodbrey and Alyson Powers

Something’s Gotta Give | Ep #48

Are we all just hurdling ourselves through each day, again and again? When will things slow down and get a little easier? “Stop and smell the roses,” they say but, as sandwiched caregivers, we are moving so fast we don’t even notice any roses. Being busy is almost a status symbol nowadays. We tend to measure our value based on how productive we can be. We are feeling like we can never relax because there is always more to do. We tell ourselves that things will be easier ‘next week’ because it is too hard to acknowledge that we could feel this way indefinitely. As middle-aged, sandwiched caregivers, we conscientiously work to change this cycle of productivity in our own lives. We have been doing this with intention for several years now. It is hard and it takes a lot of work. For us though, trying to get everything on our list done is harder. 1. The quality of everything suffers when we multitask, and this is a self-perpetuating cycle. 2. Reimagine how you use your calendar and block off time. We block off time for everything, even meals, so we don’t just squeeze in eating while we are doing something else. 3. We can accept disappointing someone because we feel in control of priorities. Referenced links: Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, mom of three, and founder of Good Inside A.K.A. the Millennial Parenting Whisperer. https://www.goodinside.com [https://www.goodinside.com] Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! More information at https://2sisters-sla.com/ [https://2sisters-sla.com/] © 2021 - 2024 Michelle Woodbrey and Alyson Powers

Holidays with Toxic Relatives | Ep #47

Being a sandwiched adult child during the holidays is extra hard because expectations are so high. This is the happiest time of the year, right? Who makes everything magical for everyone? (Hint: it’s not Santa). It’s us and it’s a lot of pressure right now especially around our toxic family members. Here are a few quick tips for surviving the holiday sandwich season. 1. It is not required that you participate in every argument you are invited to. 2. A family member not involved in the regular care of a loved one does not have the right to dismiss or minimize the experiences, capabilities or opinions of those that do. As Brene Brown so eloquently says, “If you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” 3. You do not have to explain or justify yourself. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! More information at https://2sisters-sla.com/ © 2021 - 2023 Michelle Woodbrey and Alyson Powers