In this deeply moving episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Rick Henkin, who shares his personal journey as a caregiver for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Faced with overwhelming emotions, unanswered questions, and a heart heavy with grief, Rick found little external guidance to help him cope. So, he turned inward.

What followed was a profound internal transformation—a path toward peace, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.

Rick opens up about the lessons he’s learned in this intimate caregiving journey. He encourages caregivers not to be too hard on themselves and reminds us that we are just as deserving of compassion as the people we care for. "Treat yourself like you treat your dearest friends," he says.

One of Rick’s most powerful tools for emotional well-being is reshaping our internal narrative. He suggests asking yourself:

• How is this thought helping or harming me?
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• Does this thought reduce or increase my stress?
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• What would happen if I chose to think differently?
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By taking a step back and actively reframing negative or guilt-driven thoughts, caregivers can regain emotional clarity and strength. Rick emphasizes a vital insight: Our thoughts create our feelings, and that means we can choose what to think—and ultimately, how we feel.

When a caregiver is emotionally calm, it profoundly affects the person they are caring for. Peace is contagious, and even in the midst of Alzheimer’s or other difficult conditions, a calm presence can bring unexpected moments of connection and comfort.

Rick leaves us with this simple but transformative mantra: Rephrase and Replace.

Tune in for a powerful conversation that will inspire you to care not only for your loved one—but for yourself—with tenderness, grace, and intentional thought.