Finding Strength, Surrender, and Self-Compassion as a Caregiver with Andrea Hughes, Author, Caregiver & Advocate
Andrea Hughes story is a powerful reminder of how much caregivers give and how little they often keep for themselves. As a caregiver for her mom living with Alzheimer's, she’s made it her mission to shift the narrative—to show that caring for others doesn’t have to come at the expense of our own well-being. Her approach blends personal experiences, sharing vulnerability so others know they are not alone, and her own unique way of redefining self-care. Andrea believes deeply in the power of surrender, letting go of control, and finding peace in the present, lessons she’s lived out in her own journey with her family. Her work inspires caregivers to lean into their emotions, release guilt, and rediscover what it means to be resilient.
In our conversation, Andrea shares her approach to healing, how she navigates the emotional complexities of caregiving, and why she believes community is essential for resilience. Through her work, she encourages caregivers to embrace vulnerability, process their emotions, and redefine what it means to be strong. Andrea believes that caring for others must also include caring for oneself, a lesson she’s learned in the most heartfelt and sometimes heart-wrenching ways. Whether you’re a caregiver or simply seeking inspiration on how to care for your soul, she shares her wisdom, from navigating grief and loss to finding joy and peace even amid the most challenging times.
Thank you my friend for being present with me in this conversation. So much love for you.
Follow and connect with Andrea HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/
Through her daily journal prompts, writing, and insights, she encourages caregivers and older adults to find strength in their vulnerability and make space for healing.
Buy caregiver journal prompts HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/purchase/p/365-journal-prompts-for-dementia-caregivers
Instagram: https://www.andreakrystal.com/
Listen to our episode HERE.
About Andrea Hughes
Andrea is an author and dedicated caregiver, deeply committed to nurturing a community grounded in empathy and support. Juggling the responsibilities of caring for her mom, who is courageously facing early-onset Alzheimer’s, with her professional pursuits, Andrea champions the power of honest, vulnerable dialogues surrounding life’s complexities and the caregiving journey.
Follow and connect with Andrea HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/
Buy caregiver journal prompts HERE: https://www.andreakrystal.com/purchase/p/365-journal-prompts-for-dementia-caregivers
Instagram: https://www.andreakrystal.com/
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We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
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*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!
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