Dreaming Big as an Entrepreneur While Embracing Caregiving and Self-Care
By Linda Michelle Trainer – The Global Encourager
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business—it’s about building a life that honors both your dreams and your responsibilities.”
The Dual Journey: Business and Caregiving
Entrepreneurship is often celebrated as the art of dreaming big, launching bold ideas, creating freedom, and building legacy. But when caregiving is also a part of your daily rhythm, the journey takes on a new meaning.
It’s no longer just about scaling your business; it’s about nurturing yourself, honoring your loved ones, and finding harmony between ambition and compassion.
For me, that balance meant walking with my grandmother, mother-in-law, mother, and late husband through the challenges of Alzheimer’s—all while traveling the world as an international flight attendant and pursuing my passion for coaching and entrepreneurship.
Balancing both worlds wasn’t easy, but it gave me a valuable perspective:
“Preparing for the future while caring for others and yourself isn’t only possible—it’s powerful.”
Preparation Is a Superpower
Caregiving teaches you quickly that preparation isn’t optional; it’s essential. The same is true in business.
In your business: Build systems that don’t depend solely on you. Automate processes, train a reliable team, and keep your vision visible so you can adapt when life throws a curveball.
In your life: Create a caregiving “Go Bag” for emergencies, put vital documents in order, and make sure your support network is clear on how they can step in.
Try This: Set aside one hour a week as your “future prep session.” Ask yourself: If tomorrow looked different, how ready would I be?
Self-Care Is Smart Business
For years, I thought self-care was selfish. Now, I know it’s the opposite. Exhaustion drains both your caregiving and your creativity. Rest restores both.
Whether it’s prayer, journaling, exercise, or a quiet cup of tea, caring for yourself is not a luxury; it’s a strategy. When you’re nourished, you make clearer decisions, lead with confidence, and stay resilient in the face of challenges. “Your well-being is the prerequisite for the well-being of those around you.”
Tip: Choose three non-negotiable self-care practices and guard them the way you would protect your loved one’s life-saving appointment and your biggest business deal –without compromise.
Keep Dreaming Beyond the Now
Caregiving often feels like living in the urgent present. But it also deepens your sense of what truly matters. For me, it inspired bigger dreams; ones rooted not just in income, but in impact and legacy.
That’s how my Be IN Courage initiatives were born: from a desire to help other caregivers thrive, not just survive.
Vision Practice:
Keep a “dream journal.” Jot down your boldest ideas, even the ones that feel impossible. Revisiting these dreams often will fuel your motivation and open unexpected doors.
Balance: Care + Courage
Preparing for the future as a caregiver-entrepreneur isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding balance - the blend of caring for others, caring for yourself, and the courage to keep pursuing your vision. Your caregiving journey already equips you with rare strengths: resilience, creativity, patience, and grit. Those qualities aren’t just helping you today, they’re the very ones that will shape your tomorrow.
So, as you look toward the future, prepare well, care deeply, and dare to dream big. The world is waiting, and you are more ready than you realize. Be IN Courage, precious one.
