Over the past half-decade, I have contemplated and sometimes written to you about transitioning from my role with TheCaregiversVoice.com. With life being so busy; especially, for caregivers, and after 28 years of continuous service, it’s time for a change.
The Caregiver’s Voice and YOU
The Caregiver’s Voice is likely the longest running independently-run website (since 1998) for caregivers for people with dementia and even people, who despite a dementia diagnosis, remain engaged.
The Caregiver’s Voice has made strong connections over the years with three types of people. You, the readers of TheCaregiversVoice.com and The Caregiver’s Voice Monthly Newsletter. Two, those who needed help launching their own websites and then stopped. It’s a lot of work and requires more funding than most people will commit over time. Three, PR folks and entrepreneurs who want to get their message out to you.
The Caregiver’s Voice has served as a long-time credible platform where caregivers feel inspired, informed, and humored. Some of you have been with us for years… many years. I THANK YOU!
Has The Caregiver’s Voice had an impact? Yes. Absolutely! Caregivers feared speaking about their family situation in the late 1990s. The stigma was too great. Today, we have a greater awareness thanks to thousands, who no longer fear sharing their message. While dementia still carries a stigma, it’s far less, today.
CHINESE NEW YEAR – Out with the Snake. In with the Horse.
With inspiration drawn from the Chinese New Year, I will be LETTING GO or “shedding” some of my responsibilities during the remaining days of this Chinese Year of the Snake. [Many times, we must Let Go in Order to…] I will courageously welcome NEW ADVENTURES during the Year of the Horse.
Additionally, after more than six years of residing in one place, I will be moving. I will let go of even more stuff (less to pack and move). Near term, I will enjoy a five-day change-of-pace right after Valentine’s Day. A long-time friend invited me to share the finest accommodations in St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands. YESSSS! I’ll share updates on my Brenda Avadian Facebook page.
TIME is LIMITED and Must Be Used Wisely
Time is the most valuable currency we hold after a certain age. We must invest our time wisely, as it passes quickly. So, after nearly three decades, I and TheCaregiversVoice.com and Newsletter will be taking a six-month sabbatical giving me the time (and energy) to concentrate on more immediate areas of my life, starting with my move.
Hi Brenda,
Good for you for having the courage to leave such a successful endeavor behind if you feel it no longer nourishes you. I appreciate getting to know you through your newsletter and thank you very much for publishing my article on my book. I admire your courage because I hang on to things well beyond the time I should have let them go – sometimes to my detriment. You are a good example! After this record-setting cold winter, a tropical scene can be the best place to be! Enjoy your new life.
Kim, thank you for your encouragement.
I like to think we’re all paving our own paths in this life to the best of our ability.
And yes, some of us do hold on a bit longer… because some of us were raised to keep forging ahead.
Fortunately, we learn that we need to rest along life’s path.
And when we do, we may find an unexpected opportunity.
Brenda,
Congratulations on taking the time for self care. We often forget to step back and take a much needed break.
I’m sure your change in living arrangements will give you a fresh perspective on life.
I will follow your example and let go of more clutter in 2026. 🙂
Eric Riddle
I’m smiling Eric!
Yes, it seems you and I are thinking along a similar path.
(Just look at my response to Kim Nagy.)
And yes, letting go of stuff also lightens our mental and emotional loads in life.
Still smiling. 🙂
Dear Brenda,
After 28 years of commitment and creativity your decision to embrace a new life in St. Thomas feels both brave and well deserved. Congratulations on this exciting transition. May the beautiful part of the world in St. Thomas, brings you peasce and joy…
Catherine, thank you for your kind and uplifting words.
St. Thomas will be a five-day change-of-pace as I discover what’s next.
Will likely travel cross country figuring out where I will move next… if not overseas.
Do not yet know.
Thank you for sharing your news.
I am new here, early on my journey of caring for my mom. I am hoping that your website will remain available so I can benefit from your years of wisdom.
Enjoy your new living arrangements and location,
Paula
Paula, TheCaregiversVoice.com will remain.
Welcome to your new journey of caregiving.
If my experience is anything like yours, it will test you to (beyond) your limit and reward you beyond what you can imagine right now.
Take it a day at a time.
In 30 years (since I began caring for my late father), I learned this is a marathon… no sprinting here or climbing the Taipei 101 Tower in 90 minutes like Alex Honnold. 😉
And Paula, if you wish to have reasons to smile and also learn more of my journey, I welcome you to take advantage of our inventory clearance. Five book minimum with four different titles and one extra (or more) you can give to your family so they understand what you are embarking on.
4 Caregiving & Declutter Titles [https://thecaregiversvoice.com/tips-caregivers/caregiving-and-declutter-inventory-clearance-holiday-gift-giving/]
Congrats on your decision to move forward from this venue. Blessings on the new chapters in your life.
Jim Bauernfeind
Jim, thank you.
You’ve been along my journey since before the beginning.
Your words mean a lot.
Good for you Brenda, it takes courage to do important changes in life and it is smart to recognize when it is time to let go old routines to start new adventures for your own enjoyment of life.
Good luck on your new journey
Miguel,
Thank you.
While I tend to hold on, I slowly digest your words, and I gradually release to welcome something new.