When Self-Care Feels Selfish

Sometimes self-care feels impossible when life demands everything from us, and that's when we need it most. In this raw and honest episode of Mucked Up My Self Care, Jill and Linda dive into one of the hardest questions moms face: How do we take care of ourselves when others need us more? From navigating terminal illness and anticipatory grief to solo parenting four kids through sickness and cold weather, this conversation gets real about guilt, shortcuts, and the mental load of trying to do it all. If you've ever felt selfish for taking a moment for yourself while others are struggling, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why self-care feels selfish when you're caring for sick or struggling loved ones and how to reframe that guilt
• How to take meaningful shortcuts without sacrificing your sanity (hello, skipping pajamas and porridge for dinner!)
• The difference between being selfish and setting realistic expectations when you're overwhelmed
• Why "taking care of yourself too" can feel impossible when someone else's need feels greater than yours
• How to identify who your priority "family" is during crisis seasons and why that matters
• Ways to combine self-care with caring for others so your cup gets filled while you're still showing up
• What anticipatory grief looks like and why it makes self-care even harder to prioritize

Self-care doesn't have to be solo or scheduled to count. Whether you're reading while the house gets messier, sharing time with your child during spooky season, or showing up for aging parents while barely holding it together yourself, this episode is a reminder that you're not selfish for needing care too. Jill and Linda get vulnerable about the weight of responsibility, the shortcuts that save them, and why we have to stop waiting for permission to take care of ourselves—even in the hardest seasons.

Until next week, we hope you can unstuck your muck! 💛

📩 Need help figuring out where to start with self-care? Message us at muckedupmyselfcarepodcast@gmail.com and we'll send our favorite simple self-care ideas—no thinking required!

👋 Find Jill @mamaoutspoken and mamaoutspoken.com

💬 Connect with Linda @hellolindabonney or lindabonney.com