Embracing Renewal: From Caregiver to Empowered Coach with Shelly Snitko

Are you struggling with the weight of caregiving and feeling overwhelmed by life's unexpected changes? In this episode, the host and guest Shelley Snitko, discuss the challenges and triumphs of caregivers, particularly women starting over after major life events such as divorce, the passing of a spouse, or job loss. Shelley shares her personal journey from being an occupational therapist to becoming a full-time caregiver for her son and how she found renewal and empowerment through health coaching. The conversation touches on the emotional, mental, and financial tolls of caregiving, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and practical advice for creating a life of peace and purpose despite ongoing challenges. Listeners are encouraged to become proactive, utilize resources available, and join a supportive community of women experiencing similar circumstances.

Host: Tricia Daniel of Starting Over Wealth Network

Connect with Tricia on Social: Instagram (@StartingOverWealth) | YouTube (@StartingOverWealth) | LinkedIn (@TriciaCDaniel) | Pinterest (@StartingOverWealth)

Guest: Shelly Snitko, Caregiver Life Coach, Business Leader, 3-Time International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Founder of Caring For Me Too | Connect with Shelly: Facebook | Instagram (@ShellySnitko_CaringForMeToo)

Shelly Snitko is a caregiver life coach, business leader, 3-time international best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Caring For Me Too, a faith-based health and wellness community and caregiver coaching program.

She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Chris Snitko, for over 41 years. They have 2 adult children, a son-in-love, 4 grandsons, and a granddaughter. Together they’ve created a life they love in Alabama.

As a business owner, wife, mom, nana, caregiver, friend, and mentor she understands the many roles and daily demands of women. As veteran caregiver of their adult son with physical disabilities over 28 years, she has navigated challenging life circumstances, loss, disappointment, and unrelenting responsibilities. She’s experienced overwhelm and burnout caring for others’ needs while neglecting her own.

Therefore, Shelly understands that ‘caring for me too’ isn’t selfish, it’s a necessity. Self-care doesn’t put ‘me first,’ but prioritizes ‘me too,’ better equipped to care for loved ones as well as manage the stress and inevitable disappointments that caregivers encounter.

Her passion is empowering caregivers to live their best lives amid life’s uncertainties and challenges. Caring For Me Too was birthed from personal experience of moving from surviving to thriving. With authentic vulnerability, she uplifts, inspires, encourages, and supports others toward whole health so they too can flourish.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Starting Over Wealth
• 00:44 Guest Introduction: Shelley Snitko
• 02:07 Shelley's Caregiving Journey
• 04:43 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
• 08:07 Finding Renewal and Purpose
• 21:31 Advice for New Caregivers
• 23:54 The Unexpected Journey of Caregiving
• 24:57 Embracing Change and Finding Hope
• 25:32 Thinking Outside the Box
• 26:46 Creating a Life You Don't Need to Escape From
• 29:47 Financial Realities and Resources for Caregivers