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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
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Content provided by Marika. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Marika or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Life has taken an unexpected turn, and your partner has been diagnosed with cancer. You’re overwhelmed by challenges and uncertainties, unsure how to navigate this new reality. This podcast is here to support you.
Each episode explores the unique struggles that arise when a partner receives a diagnosis, offering practical tips, heartfelt advice, and inspiration to help you avoid burnout and build resilience.
Hosted by Resilience Coach Marika Humphreys, this podcast is your companion through the uncharted waters of caregiving. With real stories and actionable insights, you’ll find guidance to face each day with clarity, confidence, and grace.
Discover how to transform life’s toughest moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Join us as we navigate the caregiving journey together, building strength and resilience every step of the way.
To learn how to get support for yourself on this journey, go to www.coachmarika.com.
63 episodes
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Content provided by Marika. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Marika or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Life has taken an unexpected turn, and your partner has been diagnosed with cancer. You’re overwhelmed by challenges and uncertainties, unsure how to navigate this new reality. This podcast is here to support you.
Each episode explores the unique struggles that arise when a partner receives a diagnosis, offering practical tips, heartfelt advice, and inspiration to help you avoid burnout and build resilience.
Hosted by Resilience Coach Marika Humphreys, this podcast is your companion through the uncharted waters of caregiving. With real stories and actionable insights, you’ll find guidance to face each day with clarity, confidence, and grace.
Discover how to transform life’s toughest moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Join us as we navigate the caregiving journey together, building strength and resilience every step of the way.
To learn how to get support for yourself on this journey, go to www.coachmarika.com.
63 episodes
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Send Marika a text. In this episode, I’m joined by celebrity DJ and radio host Steve Harper for a powerful conversation about worry —and the huge role it plays in caregiving. Even if you already know that worry isn’t helpful (I covered this way back in Episode 2!), chances are you still find yourself stuck in it. Whether it’s worrying about your partner, your kids, the world, or even how others are worrying about you —it can feel constant, and exhausting. In our talk, Steve and I explore why we worry, what it really costs us, and how much of it is rooted in fear, guilt, and regret. We also unpack why being worried about doesn't always feel great—and what you can do instead. I also share a simple, 3-step process you can use anytime to shift yourself out of worry and back into the present. If you’re a caregiver who’s ever felt weighed down by “what ifs” or future fears, this episode is for you. You learn: You'll learn why worry feels like you're doing something useful, but often just drains your energy. You'll hear how worry is often tied to guilt and regret from the past. You'll gain insight into how being worried about can feel disempowering to the person you're caring for. You'll walk away with a simple 3-step process to help you shift out of worry and refocus your thoughts. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
Send Marika a text. As caregivers, we often operate from a place of urgency, love, and sheer exhaustion—and without realizing it, we start seeing the world through a very narrow lens. We make assumptions about what our partner needs, what we’re capable of, and what the future holds. These assumptions feel true—but what if they’re not? In this episode, I share a personal story that made me pause and ask a powerful question: What if I’m wrong? I explore how this simple shift in thinking can open up space, release guilt, and help you see your caregiving journey—and yourself—more clearly. We’ll talk about why it’s so hard to question our perspective, what it’s costing us to be “right,” and how learning to lift the filter can change everything. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or certain there’s no other way, this episode offers a gentle but important invitation to see things differently. Tune in to learn how asking one brave question can bring clarity, connection, and peace of mind—right in the middle of your caregiving life. Top things you'll learn: Your perspective is shaped by a mental filter—and in caregiving, that filter can distort how you see yourself, your partner, and your situation. The assumptions you make often feel like facts, but they may not be true—and questioning them can lead to new insights. Asking “How might I be wrong?” is a powerful way to open up space for clarity, self-compassion, and better decision-making. When you’re exhausted, grieving, or overwhelmed, it’s important to recognize your judgment may be off—and give yourself grace. Letting go of the need to be right can reduce stress and create more connection in your caregiving relationships. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 61. The Inner Critic: When Self-Doubt Shows Up in Caregiving 34:10
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, I’m diving into something that shows up often in caregiving—but rarely gets talked about: our inner critic. When you're supporting someone you love, especially in the intensity of caregiving, it’s easy to feel like you're not doing enough, not doing it right, or somehow falling short. That voice? That’s your inner critic. And she’s loud. Today I share how this voice is actually part of a larger cast of inner archetypes—universal roles that live in all of us. From the Hero to the Sage to the Inner Child, each one has a purpose, but the Critic often steals the spotlight—especially when we’re stressed, tired, or doubting ourselves. You’ll learn about the five most common forms the inner critic takes, how she affects your caregiving, your relationships, and how to begin shifting the way you relate to her. If you've been feeling weighed down by guilt, comparison, or a never-ending list of “shoulds,” this episode will help you hear a different voice—one that offers more compassion, courage, and clarity. What You'll Take Away What the inner critic really is The five most common forms your inner critic might take Why the inner critic shows up so strongly during caregiving How your inner critic affects your relationships Simple ways to shift your inner dialogue As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
Send Marika a text. When you're in the thick of caregiving, it can feel like your life is on pause—like you're just holding on, waiting for the day when you can finally get back to living . But what if this experience is offering you something valuable right now ? What if caregiving isn’t just something to endure but something that’s shaping you in ways you don’t yet see? In this episode, I explore the hidden lessons caregiving presents—the ones we often miss when we’re focused on simply getting through the day. I share personal stories about how caregiving changed me, along with key mindset shifts that can help you find meaning, growth, and resilience in the midst of this challenging season. You’ll also get practical reflection questions to help you see what caregiving is teaching you about yourself, your values, and your strength. Because life isn’t waiting for caregiving to end—it’s happening now . And when you start paying attention, you might just realize that this experience is transforming you in ways that will last far beyond this season. What You'll Learn: Why caregiving isn’t just something to endure, but an experience that is shaping you right now. How to shift your mindset from “just getting through it” to recognizing the lessons life is offering. Key skills—like self-awareness, mind management, and asking better questions—that help you grow through caregiving. Reflection questions to help you uncover what caregiving is teaching you about yourself, your values, and your resilience. Resources: The Rules For Being Human As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
Send Marika a text. In this episode, I share practical strategies for caregivers to break free from mental spirals, which can often occur when life’s challenges pile up. Building on last week’s episode about processing emotions, I explore how caregivers’ thoughts can fuel negative feelings, especially when you're already feeling overwhelmed. I dive into how the combination of tough emotions and negative mental chatter can make it feel like you're stuck in a cycle, but I also offer a simple technique to regain clarity. I walk you through the process of a thought download, a technique that allows caregivers to get all those swirling negative thoughts out of your head. By doing this, you can step back, gain perspective, and separate yourself from the problem. This practice helps you shift your mindset, see what’s actually working, and find space to make empowered decisions moving forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck or exhausted by the mental load of caregiving, this episode gives you the tools to reset and break free from those negative thought patterns. Tune in to learn how to stop the mental chatter and make room for more positive, actionable thoughts! You'll Learn: How to break free from a negative mental spiral – Learn why your thoughts can keep you stuck and how to shift your mindset. A simple technique for getting clarity – Discover how a thought download can help you get your negative thoughts out of your head and gain perspective. The power of self-reflection – Learn how to assess what's working and what's not, helping you separate emotions from facts. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
Send Marika a text. In this episode, I share a deeply personal experience of feeling overwhelmed by built-up emotions—how they compounded over time and what finally helped me work through them. When we suppress emotions, they don’t go away; they build up and resurface, often stronger than before. I talk about why we instinctively resist emotions, how caregiving intensifies this struggle, and why numbing or distracting ourselves doesn’t work long-term. Most importantly, I walk you through my process for fully feeling and releasing emotions—including a guided tapping (EFT) meditation to help you process whatever emotions you’ve been holding onto. If you’ve been carrying emotional weight for months or even years, this episode will help you create space to feel, release, and lighten your emotional load. Listen now and try the guided tapping exercise to start processing your emotions today. You'll Learn: Why emotions build up – How suppressing or avoiding emotions can make them stronger over time, especially in caregiving. Why we resist emotions – The common fears and misconceptions that make it hard to fully feel our emotions. How to process emotions effectively – A step-by-step approach to allowing and working through emotions instead of numbing or distracting yourself. How EFT tapping can help – A guided tapping meditation to help you release built-up emotions and create a sense of calm. Resources: Download a copy of the Tapping Points on my website. Click here and go to the bottom of the page. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 57. Asking Better Questions in Caregiving and Life 29:40
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. Caregiving is exhausting—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. When we’re overwhelmed, our brains tend to focus on everything that’s hard, keeping us stuck in a cycle of stress and negativity. But what if the key to feeling better wasn’t about fixing every problem, but simply asking better questions? In this episode, I talk about how our thoughts shape our experience and why shifting from problem-focused thinking to solution-focused thinking can make a huge difference. I share personal examples, practical strategies, and simple but powerful questions that can help you break out of the negativity loop and move forward with more ease. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in the weight of caregiving, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to take back some control—one better question at a time. You'll Learn: Why Negative Thinking Keeps You Stuck – Learn how your brain’s natural negativity bias reinforces stress and exhaustion, making caregiving feel even harder. The Power of Better Questions – Discover how shifting from problem-focused thinking to solution-oriented questions can help you feel more in control. Simple Questions to Change Your Mindset – Get practical examples of questions that can turn frustration into action, like What’s the simplest way to do this? or How can I make this easier? How to Break Free from Overwhelm – Find out why focusing on problems doesn’t lead to solutions—and what to do instead. A Small Action That Creates Big Change – Learn an easy exercise to start practicing better questions today and notice the immediate shift in how you feel. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
Send Marika a text. As a caregiver, you pour so much of yourself into supporting your partner, yet it can often feel like no one notices or acknowledges your efforts. That lack of appreciation can be frustrating, even demoralizing, leading to resentment and emotional exhaustion. In this episode, I dive into why feeling unappreciated is such a common struggle in caregiving, why our partners may not express gratitude the way we expect, and how waiting for external validation can keep us stuck in a cycle of frustration. More importantly, I’ll share how to shift your perspective, reconnect with your reasons for caregiving, and take back control of your emotional well-being. Because the truth is, you deserve to feel valued—and that starts with you. Listen in to learn how to break free from resentment, recognize your own worth, and create a more fulfilling caregiving experience. What you'll Learn: Why caregivers often feel unappreciated – Understand the common reasons why your partner or others may not express gratitude the way you expect. How feeling unappreciated impacts your emotions and behavior – Learn how this frustration can lead to resentment, burnout, or withdrawing from your relationship. A mindset shift that puts you back in control – Discover how reconnecting with your why and appreciating yourself can transform your experience. Practical steps to change the dynamic – Get actionable strategies for setting boundaries, recognizing unspoken appreciation, and communicating your needs in a healthy way. Resources: 55. Reconnecting to Your Purpose in Caregiving 50. The Mental Framework To Regain Control in Your Life 22. Setting Boundaries to Sustain Your Caregiving Journey As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 55. Reconnecting to Your Purpose in Caregiving 29:21
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. Caregiving can feel like an endless cycle of responsibilities, leaving you physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Over time, you might find yourself asking, Why am I even doing this? In this episode, I talk about what happens when we lose our sense of purpose in caregiving—and how to find it again. I’ll walk you through the emotional toll of caregiving, why it’s so easy to feel disconnected, and four simple steps to help you shift your perspective and reconnect with yourself. We’ll talk about how small mindset shifts, self-connection, and daily gratitude can help you regain a sense of meaning, even in the hardest moments. If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay in this place forever. Tune in and let’s talk about how to find your reason to keep going. Top Takeaways from This Episode: Why losing your sense of purpose in caregiving is so common – and how to recognize when it’s happening. The emotional toll of caregiving – how exhaustion, isolation, and resentment can quietly build up over time. Four key steps to shift your perspective – practical ways to reconnect with your purpose, even on the hardest days. How to zoom out or zoom in – two different mindset shifts that can help you regain clarity and motivation. The power of self-connection – why remembering who you are beyond caregiving can help you move forward. How small moments of gratitude can make a big impact – simple ways to shift your focus and find meaning in daily life. Mentioned in the show: 24. Navigating and Overcoming Caregiver Resentment As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 54. A Bigger Life: How Naz Kling Transformed Grief into Growth 40:39
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, I sit down with Naz Kling, a current client who shares her remarkable journey of transformation. Naz first reached out to me when her husband was facing cancer, looking for support as she navigated the overwhelming emotions and isolation of caregiving. Our work together continued through his passing and the profound grief that followed. Just six months later, she experienced another devastating loss — losing her job — which left her struggling to find her footing again. Naz opens up about how those back-to-back losses left her feeling lost and uncertain about what her life would become. But through our coaching and her own inner work, she has completely reshaped her life — a life she now describes as bigger and fuller than ever before. Naz shares what she’s learned along the way about resilience, self-discovery, and allowing space for all the emotions that come with grief and rebuilding. She has written a newly published poetry book, The Body's Whisper , offering a glimpse into her healing journey. The poems from the book have also been recorded as a spoken word album, which will be available soon. In this episode, Naz gives us a special preview by sharing one of those recorded poems. If you're feeling stuck in your own caregiving or grief journey, Naz’s story is a powerful reminder that even after deep loss, life can expand in unexpected and beautiful ways. Naz Kling is an author, energy healer, and shamanic practitioner. To learn more about Naz’s healing work, visit her website www.spiraljourney.life. To learn more about her upcoming writing projects, visit her website, www.NazKling.com . The track featured on this episode, Holding Space , will be available as an audiobook on Audible in April 2025 entitled The Body’s Whisper - Poems of Healing, Embodiment and Discovery - Selected Verses in Sound and Spirit with music by Sila Shaman. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 53. Turning Toward Your Partner During Tough Times 36:17
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. When illness enters a relationship, it can create emotional distance just when connection is needed most. As a spousal caregiver or cancer caregiver, you may find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, emotionally drained, and feeling like all the care is one-sided. The simple moments that once brought you and your partner closer can feel strained or even disappear, making it harder to stay emotionally connected. In this episode, I explore how to bridge that emotional gap by focusing on “bids for connection”—those small, everyday moments when your partner reaches out for attention, comfort, or understanding. These bids might be as simple as a glance, a sigh, or a casual, “I miss how we used to watch movies together.” Recognizing these moments and learning how to respond can make the difference between feeling isolated and staying emotionally connected. We’ll dive into why it’s so easy to miss these bids, especially during the stress and emotional strain of illness, and how our own exhaustion or feelings of resentment can get in the way. I’ll also share practical strategies for both recognizing your partner’s bids and making your own, even when you’re running on empty. Because sometimes, you need to step away before you can step closer. If you’re a spousal caregiver or cancer caregiver feeling the emotional distance that illness can create, this episode will give you tools to reconnect and support your partner in a way that strengthens your relationship. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “bids for connection” are and why they’re crucial for emotional intimacy How illness changes the way partners give and receive bids The common reasons we miss or ignore bids (and how to avoid them) Ways to recognize subtle, non-verbal bids during caregiving How to give meaningful bids, even when you're emotionally drained The three ways to respond to bids—and which one strengthens your bond Why stepping away sometimes helps you step closer Simple tools to maintain emotional closeness, even during the hardest times References: 🔗 Learn more about bids for connection at The Gottman Institute As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 52. When Your Spouse With Cancer Pushes You Away 41:20
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. When your partner has cancer and starts withdrawing, it can feel confusing, frustrating, and even heartbreaking. You might wonder why they’re pulling away, whether it’s about you, or how to bridge the growing emotional distance. In this episode, I break down the real reasons why this happens, from feelings of helplessness to a need for privacy, and what you can do to stay connected—even when words or actions feel distant. I’ll share practical strategies for holding space, avoiding assumptions, and believing in your partner’s strength while also taking care of yourself. If you’ve been struggling with feeling shut out, this episode will help you navigate it with more understanding, patience, and emotional resilience. Tune in now, and remember—you are not alone in this. 💙 You'll take away: Why your spouse may be pushing you away – Understand the emotional and psychological reasons behind their withdrawal, from loss of identity to fear, overwhelm, and a need for control. How to respond without making it personal – Learn why their distance isn’t about you and how shifting your mindset can prevent resentment and strengthen your connection. The power of holding space – Discover how simply being present—without trying to fix or force a conversation—can create a safe emotional environment for your spouse. Why believing in their strength matters – See how viewing your partner as resilient, rather than fragile, can change the dynamic of your relationship in a positive way. The importance of taking care of yourself – Find out why your emotional well-being is essential, not just for you, but for maintaining a healthy connection with your partner during this difficult time. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
Send Marika a text. When we’re caregiving, it’s easy to get stuck in frustration, grief, and overwhelm—especially when we believe that our circumstances shouldn’t be happening. But what if we stopped resisting reality and started seeing things as just facts? In this episode, I talk about how our thoughts—not the circumstances themselves—shape our emotions. I share real-life examples, including my own struggles with resisting problems, and explain how shifting our mindset can help us regain a sense of control. By learning to accept what is and choosing how we want to think about it, we free up energy for what truly matters. If you’re feeling stuck in the weight of caregiving, this episode will give you a simple but powerful tool to help you move forward with more peace and clarity. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 50. The Mental Framework To Regain Control in Your Life 22:04
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. When your partner has cancer, it can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down. The emotional and mental stress is overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel like you have no control. But what if I told you that the way you experience this challenge—and life in general—has more to do with your thoughts than the circumstances themselves? In this episode, I introduce a concept I learned from my coach, Brooke Castillo called The Model , a simple but powerful way of understanding how we make sense of the world. I’ll break down how our thoughts shape our emotions, which drive our actions, and ultimately create our reality. I’ll share real-life examples (including my own) to show how shifting your thoughts can change your experience—even when you can’t change the situation. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or out of control, this episode will give you a new perspective—and a practical tool—to help you regain some clarity and power in your life. Tune in to learn how your thoughts can work for you instead of against you. References: Brooke Castillo, The Life Coach School The Model As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
1 49. Don't Believe Everything You Think: Caregiver Edition 45:27
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, I explore how our thoughts can shape our emotions and why this matters so much for caregivers. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the emotional roller coaster of caregiving—hope, fear, disappointment, and anxiety can all hit in a single day. But here’s the truth: our emotions don’t just happen to us; they’re created by our thoughts. I share personal stories of how unhelpful thoughts, like imagining worst-case scenarios, can spiral into full-blown fear and anxiety. More importantly, I talk about how understanding your brain and practicing thought observation can help you regain control over your emotions. You’ll learn why trying to control external situations or other people rarely works—and why managing your mind is a much more effective solution. I explain how building this skill of thought awareness can bring calm and clarity, even when caregiving feels chaotic and unpredictable. If you’ve ever struggled with anxious thoughts or felt at the mercy of your emotions, this episode will give you practical insights and tools to help. Tune in to discover how to take charge of your mind and find peace, no matter what caregiving throws your way. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 48. Simplifying Your Life To Free Up Energy 29:43
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, I dive into the power of simplifying your life, especially when caregiving adds extra responsibilities and demands on your time and energy. Simplification isn’t just about decluttering your space—it’s about identifying what’s most important, letting go of what’s draining you, and creating a life that supports your emotional resilience. I share a simple process to help you evaluate areas like work, home, relationships, and routines. You’ll learn how to identify priorities, set boundaries, and streamline tasks so you can free up energy for what truly matters. Whether it’s redesigning your day, protecting your time, or embracing the concept of essentialism, this episode offers practical steps to reduce stress and create more clarity and balance in your life. Tune in to discover how focusing on the essentials can help you not only manage the challenges of caregiving but also find more space to thrive. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
Send Marika a text. In this episode, I explore the emotions behind planning for life after your partner dies of a terminal illness. This kind of planning isn’t about wanting your partner to be gone or being cold to their suffering. Instead, it’s a way to find hope, balance your emotions, and imagine a future beyond the pain of caregiving. I’ll discuss how planning helps you cope, offering an emotional escape and something to look forward to during an overwhelming time. While it won’t take away the grief or pain of loss, it allows you to prepare for a life that still holds moments of joy and rediscovery. You’ll hear stories of women who found solace in making plans—whether it was creating a bucket list, booking a trip, or envisioning a new chapter, when their husbands were in the final stages of cancer. These plans are not a rejection of love but a way to survive and move forward when the time comes. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
Send Marika a text. In this episode, I share a powerful perspective shift inspired by Simon Sinek’s video Stop Holding Yourself Back and my own experiences as a caregiver and entrepreneur. We talk about the overwhelming feelings that can arise when facing a difficult path ahead—whether it’s a partner’s cancer recurrence, adjusting to life after loss, or simply navigating the demands of everyday life. When we focus on the obstacles—what Sinek refers to as “the trees”—we sap our energy, spiral into frustration, and lose sight of the way forward. But by shifting our focus to the path ahead, we can take control of our mindset, regain clarity, and move forward with strength and purpose. Referenced in this episode: How to Stop Holding Yourself Back - Simon Sinek Ben Pugh Coaching - Coach for Parents of Teens As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 45. Where does Gratitude fit in when Your Spouse has cancer? 32:49
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, I dive into the delicate balance of grief and gratitude when caring for a spouse with cancer. Gratitude can feel impossible during such a challenging time, but it’s not about ignoring the pain or pretending everything is okay. Instead, it’s about finding small moments of light to hold onto, even in the darkest days. We’ll explore why gratitude matters, where to find it in your caregiving journey, and practical ways to cultivate it without diminishing the very real struggles you face. I’ll also share personal stories and insights, including how gratitude helped me through my own experience as a caregiver. If you’re looking for a way to bring a little hope and balance into your life while navigating the chaos of caregiving, this episode is for you. Listen now to discover how gratitude can coexist with grief and offer you moments of relief and strength. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 44. The Lies Caregivers Tell Themselves - and How to Rewrite Them 13:13
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode I reflect on a conversation with a client whose husband has end-stage pancreatic cancer. After nearly a decade of caregiving, she shared the all-too-familiar feeling: “I’m so over this. And yet, it’s not over.” Her words opened up a discussion about the stories we tell ourselves as caregivers—the ones that focus on our exhaustion and struggles while ignoring our resilience and strength. Caregiving is hard, especially when your partner is battling cancer. It’s easy to get stuck in a loop of self-talk that magnifies the challenges and minimizes your efforts. But what if you could shift that narrative? What if you could see both sides of the story? This episode introduces a simple yet transformative tool: the word AND . Using AND allows us to acknowledge our pain and exhaustion while also recognizing our incredible resilience. You can be tired AND strong, scared AND capable. This small word creates room for a more honest, empowering story about who you are and what you can handle. Join me as I share practical strategies to shift your self-talk, find the resilience in your story, and embrace the full truth of your caregiving journey. You’re stronger than you think—and AND can help you see it. Tune in to transform how you see yourself and navigate the challenges of caregiving with greater strength and clarity. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 43. Facing Anger—At the Illness, at the World, at Your Partner 37:10
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, we’re diving into a tough emotion that most caregivers face but rarely talk about: anger . When you’re caring for a partner with cancer, anger can show up in so many ways—anger at the world for how unfair and cruel the illness is, anger at doctors or the medical system for being insensitive or unhelpful, and even anger at your partner for past choices or how they’re handling their diagnosis. You might also feel angry about what you’ve lost—how your life has changed and all the adjustments you’ve had to make. I’ll break down why anger feels so overwhelming, what’s really hiding underneath it (like fear, sadness, or powerlessness), and why the common ways we deal with anger—venting or suppressing it—don’t actually help. Instead, I’ll teach you how to face and process anger in a healthy way so it doesn’t control you or strain your relationships. By the end, you’ll have a new perspective on this challenging emotion and practical tools to work through it. If you’ve ever felt guilty for being angry or just don’t know what to do with it, this episode is for you. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 42. 6 Steps to Stay Grounded After Your Partner's Cancer Diagnosis 31:46
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. When your partner is diagnosed with cancer, your world shifts in an instant. Shock, fear, and uncertainty flood in, leaving you grasping for solid ground. I’ve been there, and as a caregiver coach, I’ve guided others through this life-altering moment. In this episode, I share six powerful steps to help you find stability and build resilience in those early, overwhelming weeks. Start by pausing and breathing—giving space to feel your emotions without judgment. Let your thoughts flow onto paper through journaling to calm the storm of fear. Don’t let self-care slip; even small adjustments can make a difference. Seek support early from friends, family, or professionals—it’s not a solo journey. Deepen emotional connection with your partner through open conversations and mutual support. And remember to reset your expectations. Patience with yourself and the process is key as you step into this uncharted territory together. Listen to the full episode to learn how to navigate these steps and begin your journey toward resilience. Mentioned in the podcast: 20. Embracing Help as a Strength When Caregiving 2. Stop Caregiver Worry by Believing in Their Strength As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 41. Empowered Caregiving - Create Boundaries 24:33
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. As caregivers, we often feel like we’re living in a constant state of overwhelm. On Day 5 of the Empowered Caregiving Challenge, I talked about one of the biggest reasons for this: caregiving is an undefined role. It pulls us in so many directions—physical tasks, emotional support, logistics, medical decisions—without clear boundaries or guidelines. It’s like trying to bowl on a wide-open floor with pins scattered everywhere. How do you aim? How do you succeed? For me, the early days of caregiving were all about adding more to my to-do list, thinking I just needed to push harder. That worked—until it didn’t. I learned that caregiving requires more than physical energy; it takes mental, emotional, and even spiritual energy. Without clear priorities or boundaries, we end up reacting to every demand and questioning if we’re doing anything well. The solution lies in defining the role for ourselves. Who do you want to be as a caregiver? What values are most important to you right now? When you take time to clarify these, you create lanes for yourself, making it easier to focus on what matters most and feel successful, even in challenging moments. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
Send Marika a text. Today, I’m sharing Day 4 of the Empowered Caregiving Challenge, where we focus on making yourself a priority. As caregivers, we often neglect our own needs, falling into the trap of putting others first—day after day, week after week. This pattern leads to burnout, exhaustion, and resentment. In today's episode, I dive into why prioritizing self-care is so hard and how shifting our mindset can help us feel more empowered. Caregiving takes a huge mental, physical, and emotional toll, yet we rarely give ourselves credit for it. Adjusting our expectations around what we can realistically accomplish is key. In addition, thought errors—like believing our needs aren’t important—hold us back. We need to question and reframe these beliefs. Finally, caregiving often feels like a no-win situation, where tending to ourselves seems selfish. But it’s not—it’s necessary. By developing an empowered mindset, setting a minimum baseline for self-care, and seeking win-win solutions, we can recharge and show up better for both ourselves and our loved ones. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 39. Empowered Caregiving - Adjust Your Focus 22:22
22:22 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked22:22
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, we dive into the third day of the Empowered Caregiving Challenge, exploring how to shift your focus to regain energy and control in your caregiving journey. You’ll learn how letting go of what’s beyond your control can help you reclaim your power and navigate caregiving with greater intention and resilience. I’ll show you how to focus on the things you can influence: Your Thoughts – Learn to manage where you direct your attention and how to shift unhelpful thoughts, like constant "what-ifs," into purposeful and empowering beliefs. Your Emotional Responses – Discover techniques to process emotions without letting them take over, including strategies like mindfulness and emotional regulation. Your Actions – Understand how intentional decisions and supportive systems can create a win-win environment for you and your partner, helping you both thrive. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical questions and strategies to implement immediately, helping you feel more empowered no matter the challenges around you. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 38. Empowered Caregiving - Release The Weight 26:16
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. What happens when the weight of caregiving becomes too much to bear? Join me as I uncover the transformative power of letting go. This is Day 2 of the Empowered Caregiving Challenge where each day I talked about one way you can bring more calm, control, and clarity into your caregiving experience. Today is all about how shifting your focus away from controlling outcomes can actually lead to a more empowered and fulfilling caregiving experience. Embrace the freedom that comes with releasing the need to manage everything, and find relief from the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that often accompanies caregiving. In this episode, I tackle the emotional challenges of accepting the unpredictability of caregiving. Learn how to navigate regrets, missed opportunities, and imagined futures that didn’t pan out as expected. By staying present and processing emotions like fear and anxiety, you can become more resilient and adaptable in the face of caregiving's inherent messiness. Tune in to explore reflective questions designed to help you shed unnecessary burdens and cultivate self-compassion, allowing you to manage the chaos with greater ease and grace. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 37. Empowered Caregiving - Clarity and Awareness 32:14
32:14 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked32:14
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. This is the first in a 5 part series called Empowered Caregiving. In this episode, I dive into what it means to feel empowered as a caregiver and why clarity is a crucial part of that journey. I talk about empowerment as the feeling of being capable and resourceful—even without having all the answers—and how self-trust and intentional choices can keep you grounded. I explore the importance of taking time to reflect on your emotions and priorities, even when caregiving can feel like a constant cycle of tasks and demands. Through personal stories and analogies, I share why it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs and how building a routine of self-reflection can help you reconnect with yourself. I offer you some key questions to assess where you am in the caregiving journey, how you're holding up mentally and emotionally, and what you truly want for yourself. This episode is all about understanding how clarity and self-awareness can keep you from burnout and bring you back to what really matters. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
Send Marika a text. To feel empowered on the caregiving journey, we first need to understand what stands in our way. In this episode, I dive into five common ways caregiving can leave us feeling disempowered, drained, and disconnected from ourselves. I start by defining disempowerment as that cycle of doubt, where nothing we do seems to make a difference. This is a familiar experience for caregivers, who often lose sight of their own needs while managing endless demands. I then break down the factors that contribute to this cycle. First is a lack of clarity—without self-awareness, caregiving becomes like driving in thick fog, reacting to everything without direction. I explore the emotional toll of clinging to things we can’t control, like trying to influence a partner’s mood or health outcomes. I discuss the harm in judging our natural emotions, which only adds to guilt and exhaustion. And I cover two other common traps—neglecting our needs and failing to set boundaries—that can quickly lead to burnout. If you're in the thick of caregiving, this episode is packed with insights to help you reconnect with your purpose. Don't miss it! As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 35. The Transformative Power of Coaching in Caregiving 28:21
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. What if the key to managing stress and avoiding burnout lies in shifting your mindset? Join us as we unravel the transformative power of coaching, especially for caregivers navigating the ups and downs of life. Discover how coaching has reshaped my life by bringing awareness to ingrained thought patterns that once left me feeling overwhelmed. This episode promises to teach you how to recognize and shift these thoughts, empowering you to focus on what you can control—your reactions and self-care. By gaining perspective from your future self, you'll also learn how to guide yourself through challenging times with resilience and clarity. This journey doesn't stop at personal growth; it's about embracing the natural ebb and flow of life and relationships. Understand how others' reactions are often reflections of their state of mind, freeing you from the pressure of managing their emotions. This insight has led to healthier, more fulfilling connections in my life as I've let go of the need to control others. Additionally, I share how coaching inspired my career shift, highlighting its profound impact. Curious about how coaching might benefit you? Let's connect to explore this possibility together. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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In This Together: Building Resilience When Your Partner Has Cancer
1 34. Embracing Sacred Life Transitions in Caregiving 50:57
50:57 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked50:57
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedSend Marika a text. In this episode, I explore the intense, emotional period when your partner’s health is failing and the end seems near. I talk about how easy it is to get distracted by fear, worries, and daily stressors, but also how this time is sacred and precious. I share my personal experience navigating this difficult phase with my husband and offer insights into staying present, accepting imperfection, and finding inner strength when everything feels overwhelming. Whether you’re currently caregiving or might face this situation in the future, this episode offers important takeaways to help you show up in the way you truly want during this transition. As a Resiliency Coach for people who are caregiving for their partner, I'm here to support YOU, the caregiver. Learn more about my work at www.coachmarika.com .…
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