This is episode 89, and today we're catching up and talking about what's ahead!

In today's episode, Lauren shares a life update about her one word for 2022 accompanied by an announcement. May this be an encouragement to you about refocusing, surrendering, and receiving unexpected, new beginnings.

In this week's episode, Lauren is joined by her husband, Brock, for a conversation about marriage and disability parenting. They discuss intimacy, grief, and the challenges that continual exhaustion and stress tend to have on a marriage. Brock and Lauren open up about their struggles and share the hope they have found in Jesus through all the ups and downs.

In this episode, Lauren and Sandra talk about the caregiving community they have found through social media. It seems harder and harder to connect with other special needs moms in real life but easier and easier to connect online. These internet friendships provide real support and encouragement in our hardest seasons. We can celebrate that while keeping social media boundaries that make our time on social media worth it!

Especially in light of the changes so many of us are experiencing through the pandemic. How do we live at the intersection of what we enjoy doing as a vocation and what we have to do to make a certain amount of money or keep a flexible schedule? And if we don't love the jobs we do, how can we still feel fulfilled?

In this episode, Lauren shares her experience with Caregiver Burnout and how she is currently recovering from it. This episode is not about how to prevent burnout or a guide on recovering from it. Rather, the purpose of this episode is to encourage you and give you hope that you are not alone in managing the stress, anxiety, and exhaustion of caregiving. Lauren shares what God did that she could not throughout her journey and gives hope for your heart to hold onto.

In order to make room for all God has planned for us in 2022, we need to say no to some things we've been holding on to. Listen as Lauren and Sandra share what they won't do in 2022 and pray about what God is leading you to say no to as well!

This week I (Sandra) had an appointment with my therapist. It was the first appointment I've had since November, so we had a lot to talk about. I thought it would be helpful to share the kinds of things I talk to her about to help take a little of the mystery out of it if you've been thinking about whether visiting a therapist would be helpful for you.

Shownotes: http://www.abidingcaregiver.com

As they are working with our kids, doctors and therapists often help us as parents as well! In today's episode, Sandra and Lauren share lessons they have learned from their kids' therapists that they are applying to their own goal setting in the new year. If you're feeling overwhelmed about setting goals this year, listen in and be encouraged.

As we wrap up 2021, it's time to look ahead to 2022! One way we do this is picking "one word" for the new year. In this episode, Sandra and Lauren walk through their processes for picking one word, including reflecting on what God has done this year and talking about what we hope He will do in the new year. There's also an invitation to join Sandra, Lauren, and their friends at the One Word for 2022 online conference! Listen to the episode to learn more and get a code for $5 off the conference ticket price!