SEPTEMBER THEME: Tenacity

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” ~ Bob Marley

Tenacity is how we persist even as we face challenges. We can't always control what obstacles we encounter. As family caregivers, we sometimes understand this all too well. While we aren't always as prepared as we would like for the hurdles that come our way, we can choose how we react.

We are tenacious when we choose to keep growing and learning in small and big ways, when we recognize the pain that exists while also acknowledging the opportunities that persist around us, and when we channel our energy into coping mechanisms that give us the space we need to move forward.

Tenacity is not always the big, dramatic actions we see on screen and on page. It can be the little things we do each day to keep going through tumultuous times. You got this. We are here for you. 💙

3 TOOLS TO DEVELOP TENACITY

Embrace Adaptability and Flexibility - Change is a constant in life and while that may on the surface seem to contrast with tenacity, by embracing adaptability and flexibility, we can better navigate the challenges we encounter and find the creativity needed to keep moving forward.
Find Your Support Network - While sometimes we need independence to persist, at other times, a little help and encouragement from others may be what we need to keep going. Whether your support network is just a couple people or a large group, having others you can count on can give you the boost you need.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset - As we discussed this month, it's possible to be realistic and optimistic. By recognizing the negative aspects of life without becoming consumed by them, we can more accurately tackle the hurdles we face and move forward.

I’m not tough. I’m tenacious. - Padma Lakshmi

THEME AFFIRMATIONS
Use affirmations to inspire you or reframe your thoughts

My persistence strengthens me
I honor both the joy and pain that exists in the world
I recognize what I need when I am overwhelmed
My tenacity allows me to keep going through hard times

APPS FOR GUIDED MEDITATION

Atoms - This app helps you build healthy habits based on the methods shared in James Clear’s book Atomic Habits.
Motivate - This app shares five inspirational videos every day that will help motivate and inspire you.
Pixel Thoughts provides a 60 second meditation that can support you through stressful times.
Fabulous is a self-care app with coaching lessons, habit reminders, motivational content, and mindfulness exercises.

PODCASTS

Autism Awareness and Origami Jewelry feat. Tiffany Chou - This podcast episode shares Tiffany Chou’s journey caring for her brother and supporting his handmade jewelry business.
Why “No Regrets” Is Bad Advice - This podcast episode explains how we can have healthier relationships with regret.
Happiness Break: A Practice in Moving Through Stress - This short podcast episode shares an exercise for relieving stress.

Perseverance: How to Persist - This podcast episode provides guidance for how we can be persistent in our lives.

BOOKS

Mahalia Jackson, Moving On Up a Little Higher - This biography by Timothy B. Tyson and Mary D. Williams discusses the legacy of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the Civil Rights Movement.
Cooking con Omi - This cookbook by Omi Hopper shares 100 dishes based on Puerto Rican and other Latin American cuisines.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere - This book by history of science professor Kate Brown explores the past and present of urban gardening.
The Ladies Hall - This novel by Vanessa Miller shares the story of three Black women in 1880s Ohio attending Oberlin College.

ARTICLES

Caregiver Burnout - This article by Cleveland Clinic offers insights into what caregiver burnout is, how to recognize it, and steps for preventing it and finding support.
Resilience Resources Weekly: Optimism - This article discusses how we can integrate realistic optimism into our lives to build resilience.
Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself - This article shares recommendations for how caregivers can practice healthy coping strategies.
4 Key Pillars to Being Tenacious: Discovering Willpower to Succeed - This article dives into four ways we can embrace tenacity.

You are never alone

As we near the end of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September, we are taking the time to once again share our favorite resources.

If you haven't taken Question Persuade Refer/QPR Suicide Prevention class - now's the time to join one of our monthly classes! See the link to register below.

You can find our own collection of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources on our website here.

And ... don't forget about our Information Resource sheets, including this one, focused on caregivers supporting someone living with suicidal ideation, available on our website here.

Suicide and crisis support has NEVER been easier! Just call 988 for the suicide and crisis LIFEline!

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Did you miss out on a
summer camp experience? 🏕️

Are you working with grief in your life?

As we continue to support grieving caregivers, thanks to a generous donation from the Nella Durinda Levenhagen Foundation, we are holding a Free weekend grief retreat on October 16-18 at Camp Because I Said I Would near Columbus, OH. Join us for a restorative, restful time in community. Reach out to Jenny at jenny@couragetocaregivers.org with questions or to sign up!

October's Book Club will be on Friday, October 23 at 11 am ET on Zoom. We will be discussing Kathryn Schulz' TED Talk "On Being Wrong" which reframes being wrong as part of being human rather than something to fear.

Our next Question, Persuade, and Refer/QPR Suicide Prevention training is

Thursday, October 29 at 7 pm ET!

Please register here to receive the Zoom link! You need only register for ONE two-hour session. Space is limited for each session, so please register only for a time you know you can attend so spaces don't fill up and prevent others from attending.

October's theme is COURAGE. We will be learning from mistakes, finding strength amidst adversity, choosing progress over perfection, and learning to say no. With micro-goals, it’s easier to take the next right step - as Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.” Check out October's Micro-Challenges Calendar here.

Courage to Caregivers Breathing Practice for October: Alternate Nostril Breathing

As we support caregivers to make breathing and meditation a practice, we're pleased to share our Breathing Meditation Facilitator Cathy and her monthly breathing practice how-to videos. You can join us for October's Breathing Practice - with this practice, we can clear the mind and bring concentration and focus. This breath is great to do before a test or performance. You can watch October's instructional video for Alternate Nostril Breathing here, and remember to subscribe to our 2026 Monthly Breathing Practices playlist to stay updated each month. You can also subscribe to our Breathing Meditation playlist, where we have four years of our weekly breathing meditation recordings, and follow along on our Spotify Breathing Meditation playlist.

The mission of Courage to Caregivers is to empower and equip carers to navigate their journey. We envision a world where healthy carers lead to healthier families and communities. We're in the caregiver burnout prevention business!