Find Silver Linings & Celebrate Small Wins
Family caregiving is tough. Let’s just name it. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, and sometimes it feels like you’ve been dropped into the sticky, tricky, and downright ick parts of life without a manual.
Most of us didn’t plan for this. We didn’t envision spending weekends sorting medications, coaxing a parent to accept help, or navigating the emotional whiplash of watching independence slip away. And yet, here we are holding space for those we love in one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.
Here’s what I’ve learned: caregiving may not be the plan you imagined, but it can be one of the most meaningful ways to show up for someone you love. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence.
And in the midst of all the chaos, the small victories matter more than you think.
That smile when your loved one feels truly seen.
The relief of a doctor’s appointment that went better than expected.
A moment of laughter that cuts through the heaviness.
A successful interaction where patience wins over frustration.
But here’s the thing: a small win doesn’t always happen inside your own family. Sometimes it happens when you least expect it. Recently, I sat down at a professional gathering next to a business owner. When we began sharing what was hard in our lives, he teared up as he talked about caring for his parents in their 90s. He said it is surprisingly challenging.
My friends, this is where we need open eyes, ears, and hearts. There are caregivers everywhere, often hidden in plain sight. Being able to listen to him and affirm his experience was a huge win for me. This random interaction reminds me that we are not meant to do this alone and that sometimes the greatest victories are found in connection, in simply showing up for each other.
The key takeaway? Celebrate the small victories, both in your family and beyond. They are not small at all. They are markers of resilience, love, and courage in the face of the sticky, tricky, and icky.
So I’ll ask you: What’s a recent small victory you’ve celebrated with your loved one or with someone you unexpectedly connected with? Share it here. Your story may be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today.
What’s a recent small victory you’ve celebrated with your loved one? Let’s share our wins to inspire others!
Looking for more support while navigating the squeeze? Grab a copy of our book Thriving in Chaos: Navigating the Challenges of Aging Parents on Amazon. Looking for more stories or humor, find us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @peopleinthesqueeze. Tune into the People in the Squeeze podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
