Hello,

My name is Kathy. I divorced when I was very young and my daughter was a toddler, so I raised her completely by myself. Her father was out of the picture. I worked multiple jobs at the same time and put myself through college. I took care of my mother for nearly 14 until she passed in March 2021. She was on oxygen and in a wheelchair. My father just passed in February 2025 from terminal cancer, and I helped he and my Stepmom the last several months of his life. Now, my Stepmom has been left behind and suffers from severe Alzheimer’s, and since her two kids live several states away, I am the one is supporting her. I am like that with some other family members and friends as well. My truly favorite way to recharge is spending time with my rescue cats and dog. They are all amazing in their own ways. One thing I’m going to work on in my self-care journey is getting good restorative sleep. I have managed on 4-5 hours of poor sleep, and often less, for years and it is taking its toll on me. I am just recovering from Pneumonia. I joined this self-care community because I am burned out and it is my turn. I used to think self-care was selfish, but I have finally come to the realization that my cup is empty and I can’t care for others effectively without filling my cup by taking steps to take care of me.