Navigating Caring for Ageing Parents

For the past few weeks, life has demanded more from me than I ever imagined. As a self-acceptance coach and introvert, I’ve really had to listen to my ethos.  I often talk about freedom and courage, boundaries, and making peace with where we are. But these past few weeks, those lessons have become deeply personal and challenging.

My elderly Mum’s physical and cognitive health has been declining for some months now. Her short term memory has become increasingly unreliable, and confusion seems to be more noticeable. After Mum spent a weekend with us a few weeks ago, Mum conceded to us that she thinks it’s time to enter aged care.  There have been further conversations, tears, and tense moments with a family member who is absent more than present, which has made the transition stressful. 

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. One I couldn’t schedule around. One that didn’t ask for my permission or wait until I had space. I’ve cried quietly and sometimes not so quietly. I’ve felt guilt, sadness, helplessness, overwhelmed and at times, deep loneliness. In the midst of all this, my work, the space where I show up for others, has had to take a back seat.  Add to this, packing up a parents life under the same roof for 25 years and have to box it all up, whilst making snap decisions on what to donate and keep for sorting later on.  Truly emotionally challenging!

And you know what? That’s okay.

Accepting Life As It Is, Not As We Wish It To Be

Self-acceptance is not just about liking who we are in the mirror or setting big goals for our future. Sometimes, it’s about holding ourselves through the deeply uncomfortable, raw moments of life, when things feel like they’re falling apart, or shifting in ways we’re not ready for.

It’s about accepting that we ‘can’t’ do everything, all of the time.

Women, especially those of us who are used to being the caregivers, the strong ones, the emotional anchors, often feel guilty for dropping the ball or needing to step back. But when life changes, whether through ageing parents, health issues, or emotional overwhelm, we must remind ourselves that slowing down or needing support is not weakness. It’s reality. It’s being human.

Leaning Inward Before Leaning Outward

In these past weeks, I’ve had to lean on myself, listen to the voices in my head, my quiet strength, and my deep understanding that I don’t have to do it all. Yes, support from others is vital, but so is not letting that support become a flood of opinions, pressure, or noise that overwhelms us.

As introverts, we often need space to process before we can act. We need quiet to understand what feels right. That’s not a flaw, it’s our wisdom.

A Message for You, From Someone Who’s In It Too

If you’re navigating a difficult chapter right now, I want to remind you:

• You are not meant to carry everything at once.
• Taking a step back is not the same as giving up.
• Allowing life to change you doesn’t mean you’re losing who you are.
• Lean on others and don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings.

There is strength in surrender, and there is growth in the pause.

I’ll return to my clients with a deeper well of empathy, a quieter strength, and a renewed sense of compassion, for myself, and for every woman who’s ever felt like she had to keep it all together when life was coming undone.

Until then, I’ll be here, honouring the mess, accepting the moment, and reminding myself (and you): we’re allowed to just be.

Until next time,

Sarah xo