This episode is a reminder: tending to others is sacred work—but so is tending to yourself. 🌿✨

In this episode of The Well-Tended Life podcast, I sit down with Katie Prentiss, an actor, filmmaker, and former full-time caregiver, to talk about the hard, heart-stretching, and unexpectedly transformative journey of caregiving.

Katie shares her deeply personal experience of caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, while simultaneously raising young children and navigating the complexities of her own future health risks. We dive into the raw realities of balancing personal growth with the selfless act of tending to another, how grief and resilience intertwine, and the unexpected gifts found in this challenging season.

Katie also introduces her upcoming feature film, Wake Up, Maggie—a project born from her own story—and how you can be part of bringing it to life.

Here are just a few heart taps from this episode:

1️⃣ Caregiving puts us into survival mode—even when we choose it. It’s normal to feel resentful, lost, or like you have nothing to show for it. But this unwinding grief is part of the journey.

2️⃣ Caregiving is the ultimate “bru-tiful” experience—both brutal and beautiful. Be compassionate with yourself. It may be one of the hardest walks you ever take.

3️⃣ Stay grateful, even in the storm. Not everyone gets the honor of walking a loved one home. Let it break your heart wide open.

4️⃣ Look for small joys and small ways to tend to yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup—nourish your body, mind, and heart for the road ahead.

5️⃣ Love lingers beyond the goodbye. Even when the caregiving journey ends, the love remains, woven into your life in ways you never expected.

Have you ever felt the weight of caregiving—both the burden and the beauty of it?

💛 Take a deep breath, grab a cozy spot, and hit play. This conversation is for every caregiver, past, present, present, and future. 

Connect with Katie Prentiss here to: 

🎬 Learn about her feature film, Wake Up, Maggie

📸 Follow Katie’s creative journey

🎭 Watch her award-winning short film, Front Porches 

A Whole New Way To Journal
Interested in learning more about my life-tending journal process?
Click Here for Your Free Life-Tending Journal Template

Meet Me over at Modern Prairie
I am thrilled to announce that I have partnered with Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie fame’s and her company and community over at Modern Prairie.COM. Download the Modern Prairie App to Join Me the Journaling Circle, and Sign Up for my Free Journal Classe or to Join the Journaling Gems Club today! Can’t wait to see you there!

CULTIVATE U: A Life Changing 6-Week Virtual Masterclass
THIS IS YOUR SEASON. It’s time to CULTIVATE U: to water YOUR dreams, to unearth YOUR gifts, and finally tend to YOUR relationships, weeds, and needs.

Are you exhausted from watering everyone and everything else but you? Could your life, dreams, or relationships use some tending? Would you like to start living a life with less anxiety and more intention? Then click here for info on the next masterclass!

Speaking Of
Are you looking for a unique speaker? I would love to be a part of your next event! Let’s chat: [email protected]

Let’s Get Connected
I want to cheer you on as you begin ...