The Real Reason You Feel Behind (Even When You’re Not)

The other day, I was sitting at my desk, staring at my laptop — juggling book edits, social posts, and about 47 open tabs — when I made the mistake of opening Instagram.

I follow a lot of other entrepreneurs and creators, and lately, I’ve watched some of them blow up.

Their podcasts are charting, their products are selling out, and their follower counts are climbing faster than my caffeine intake.

And I’ll be honest — I’m genuinely happy for them. They inspire me. They’re proof it’s possible.

But every once in a while… that sneaky little voice shows up.

“Why not me?”“Why haven’t I figured it out yet?”“Am I even making a difference?”

It’s not jealousy — it’s comparison. And it’s brutal.

I love what I’m building — my book, my podcast, my work helping people in the sandwich generation find sanity and support — but sometimes it’s hard not to feel like I’m running a race where everyone else seems to have better shoes.

We all do it. Whether it’s kitchens, kids, careers, or caregiving — we’re constantly measuring our lives against everyone else’s highlight reel.And for those of us in the sandwich generation, it’s a double whammy.

We’re surrounded by people posting about their college kids’ achievements and their parents’ scenic retirement adventures, while we’re over here reheating coffee for the third time and trying to remember if Mom has her prescription ready.

Comparison steals joy, confidence, and your sense of enough. And if we’re being honest — no one’s got it all figured out. Not the woman with the spotless kitchen, not the mom who seems calm at the soccer game, not even your friend who posts about “balance.”

Because behind every pretty post is someone juggling their own chaos — you just can’t see it in the frame.

So here’s my midlife reality check:Let’s stop grading our lives against other people’s chapters.You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just in your season — and it’s messy, beautiful, and completely yours.

Instead of asking, “Why don’t I have what she has?”Try asking, “What do I already have that’s worth celebrating?”

Your value has nothing to do with your kitchen, your follower count, or how “together” you look.It’s found in the way you show up for your people, how you keep going even when you’re tired, and how you keep finding laughter in the middle of the madness.

But there’s purpose in it, passion in it, and a whole lot of heart behind every late-night email and early-morning idea.

And honestly, that’s worth more than any viral post or follower count out there.

Let’s stop comparing.Because success isn’t about being seen by everyone — it’s about showing up for the people who actually need you. 💛

💛 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Caring for aging parents while holding up the rest of your life can feel like too much — because, honestly, it is too much for one person to carry.

You’re not supposed to do it all alone.

I’m here to help you find ease, direction, and peace of mind in the middle of the chaos. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or deep in the tough decisions, there’s a way forward — and I’ll walk it with you.

Here’s how we can lighten your load:

✨ 1-on-1 Guidance Sessions + Care Chats

Let’s make a clear plan that gives you confidence and breathing room.Book your session at TheSandwichedGen.com

📘 My eBook: When Roles Reverse Your step-by-step guide to caring for aging parents with less stress and more clarity.Inside, you’ll learn how to:• Recognize when it’s time to step in• Start tough conversations (without constant conflict)• Balance safety with independence• Avoid the chaos of last-minute decisions👉 Grab your copy here

📲 Follow along on Instagram @BarbaraStratte Daily encouragement, practical tools, and honest stories — the kind that remind you you’re not failing, you’re human.

Because this path is heavy — but it feels a whole lot lighter when we walk it together.

💛 You are awesome. You are needed. You are appreciated.— Barbara

#SandwichedGeneration #DementiaSupport #CaringForParents #AgingWell #WhenRolesReverse #MemoryMatters