Dear Friends,

The holidays can be a beautiful time of connection, joy, and celebration—but for caregivers, it can also be a season that amplifies the weight we carry every day. The expectations, the comparisons, the logistics of making life work for our kids—it all feels louder somehow.

This episode is my friendship letter to you, my fellow caregivers, during this holiday season. It’s for the days when the to-do lists are endless, the appointments keep coming, and the social invitations feel more isolating than joyful. It’s for the moments when you catch yourself scrolling through social media, comparing your life to others, and questioning if you’re doing enough—or if you’re enough.

Spoiler: You are.

I recorded this as a 10-minute refuge for you—a place to breathe, to feel seen, and to remind yourself that you are not alone. Together, we’re navigating the chaos, the exhaustion, and the love that grounds it all.

If you’re like me, you might feel the weight of it all a little more during this time of year. Maybe you’re thinking about your child’s progress or lack thereof, or the struggle to attend even the simplest gatherings without feeling out of place. I see you. I feel you. And I hope this episode feels like a warm hug and a reminder that you’re doing an extraordinary job in an extraordinary situation.

Every day you carry your child—physically, emotionally, and mentally—is a gift. It’s heavy, yes. But it’s also rooted in a love that’s unshakable.

Take a moment, my friend. This one is for you.

With love and gratitude,

Effie 💛

P.S. If this episode resonates, share it with another caregiver who might need it. We’re stronger when we remind each other we’re not alone.