National Family Caregivers Month: A Small, Steady Breath

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and I’m thinking about those of us caring in more than one direction.

As a single mom who’s now an empty nester, I’ve spent years supporting family (immediate and extended), friends, pets and clients—often quietly—behind the scenes.

I know the quiet calculations that happen in the margins of a day, the appointments and reminders, the school logistics, the late-night check-ins, and the way love stretches to cover it all.

If that sounds familiar, I want you to hear this from me: what you’re carrying is real, and you deserve care, too.

The holidays tend to turn up the volume on everything… gratitude and grief, joy and logistics.

I’ve learned that tradition can be beautiful and heavy at the same time, and that adjusting and setting personal boundaries doesn’t mean we love people any less.

It might look like a shorter visit, a simpler menu, a different time of day, or asking for help so that everyone, including you, can be more present.

Boundaries can feel awkward in the moment, but they’re what allow us to keep showing up without burning out.

When I’ve had to make a hard call, I remind myself that a clear no now often protects the long yes I want to keep giving the people I love.

Because my work is in clinical hypnotherapy and coaching, I lean on tools that meet where I am.

Breathwork helps regulate a body that’s running hot (slow inhale, pause, longer exhale, and a minute later the ground feels closer again).

EFT tapping and self-hypnosis give my mind a few reliable on-ramps back to calm when the day has frayed.

None of it is fancy.

Most of it takes less time than scrolling on a phone.

I think of it as tending… small, repeatable care that helps us be steadier for the next hour, not perfect for the next year.

If your inner critic pipes up this month, try borrowing the line I return to often: for this season, simpler is wiser.

It has given me permission to be honest about limits, to ask specifically for help, and to trust that smaller can be kinder.

And if disappointment shows up around a plan that has to change, let it be a moment, not a verdict on your worth or your love.

I’m joining forces with my good friend Lynn Lambrecht, Founder of “The Living Planner” this January where we will be hosting a practical 4-part workshop series for caregivers who are juggling a lot.

Details will go out in December, and we’ll meet live in January 2026 with replays available.

I’ll share the scripts and tools I use with clients and in my own life (breathwork, EFT, self-hypnosis, along with clear language for boundaries and simple planning supports) so the invisible load feels lighter.

If you want first notice about dates, pricing, and bonuses, you can add your name to the waitlist by send me an email at lucy@lucyseligman.com.

Wherever this finds you (in a busy kitchen, a quiet car, a hospital corridor) I’m sending you permission to make this season smaller, to rest without apology, and to let simple be enough.

You’re doing meaningful, ordinary, irreplaceable work, and I’m right here with you step-by-step

Lucy

P.S. One simple support that’s helped me (and many of my clients) is Headspace—short, doable practices for calm, focus, and better sleep.

There’s a limited-time offer for new users: 50% off the Annual Plan from November 6 through December 4, 2025 (no code needed).

Headspace notes that two weeks of consistent use can help ease anxiety—perfect for this season.

Here’s my link: https://headspace.pxf.io/c/1961315/3328673/13686

Affiliate note: I may receive a small commission if you sign up, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend what I truly stand behind.