In this powerful rewind episode, Laura speaks with Charlotte Bayala—caregiver, coach, and creator of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast and Caregiving Confidential digital magazine. Charlotte opens up about her long-term caregiving journey for her husband following his thyroid cancer diagnosis, and how it forced her to reevaluate everything she knew about self-care. From meditation and burnout to redefining joy and learning to be present, this conversation is a validating and heartfelt reminder that your well-being matters, too.

Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been doing it for years, Charlotte’s wisdom offers a gentle nudge to stop, breathe, and prioritize yourself without guilt.

Meet Charlotte Bayala:

Charlotte Bayala is the creator of the Love Your Caregiving Life podcast, the Cancer Caregiver Podcast, and the Caregiving Confidential digital magazine. A long-term caregiver for her husband since his thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2013, Charlotte is also a yoga and meditation teacher and caregiver coach. Her work supports caregivers in rediscovering calm, joy, and self-compassion—no matter what stage of the journey they’re in.

Topics Discussed:

• Charlotte’s story: from yoga teacher to full-time caregiver
• How caregiving changed her life and identity
• The myth of “just meditate” and why self-care often feels out of reach
• The emotional and spiritual toll of long-term caregiving
• Why it’s okay if the things that once brought you joy no longer do
• The importance of adapting routines and rituals to a new life reality
• How to make self-care doable—on your terms
• Letting go of guilt, perfection, and the pressure to "do it all"
• Reframing the future and reclaiming the present moment

Timestamps (Approximate):

00:00 – Welcome + introduction of Charlotte Bayala

03:45 – Charlotte’s caregiving journey and sudden diagnosis

10:20 – Why even skilled meditators struggle under caregiver stress

14:40 – A new relationship with self: reframing identity and joy

21:10 – The emotional rollercoaster of long-term caregiving

29:00 – When your favorite self-care tools stop working

35:30 – How to find new ways to soothe your nervous system

41:45 – The spiritual reckoning and quiet crisis of caregiving

48:00 – Letting go of busywork and learning to pause

55:30 – Making your care a non-negotiable priority

1:02:00 – Shifting thoughts, reclaiming the moment, and self-compassion

Key Takeaways:

• You are not your thoughts—and you are not alone
• If old tools no longer bring peace, try new forms within your comfort zone
• Self-care doesn't have to be expensive, long, or quiet—it just has to fit your life
• Caregiving changes everything; your needs matter just as much
• Reframing the future starts with being fully present today

Resources Mentioned:

• Love Your Caregiving Life Podcast
• Cancer Caregiver Podcast
• Caregiving Confidential digital magazine
• Book: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
• Work of Dr. Joe Dispenza

Connect with Charlotte Bayala:

Website: www.loveyourcaregivinglife.com

Other Podcast: www.cancercaregiverpodcast.com

Instagram: @cancercaregiverpodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charlottebayala

Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Instagram: @lifeonrepeatpodcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

YouTube: Life on Repeat Podcast Channel

If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow caregiver. You’re not alone.