Why It’s Okay to Fall Apart Sometimes

You ever have one of those weeks where everything feels just a little off — like even the dog is testing your patience? That was my week.

The kind where your kids forget every boundary you’ve ever set, your spouse is out of town (which somehow makes it worse), and you start to wonder if maybe the moon really is messing with your energy.

I’m usually a total Care Bear — sunshine, empathy, hugs for everyone — but this week? Not so much. I was snappy, short, and even Rufus, our sweet dog, was on my last nerve.

Then I went to an Alzheimer’s dinner. My mom has it. My father-in-law is deep in dementia. The room was full of strength and science and hope — but it was also heavy. Watching people you love slowly fade away is a heartbreak you can’t really explain. It’s sad. It’s exhausting. And doing it alone will swallow you whole.

By the time I got home, I fell apart. Full meltdown. And Bryan — bless him — knew the smartest thing he could do was just… stay quiet.

The Weight We Carry

Here’s the thing: midlife doesn’t come with a manual. You think by now you’d have it together — but some days you still feel like a 20-year-old just trying to hold it all together in a 48-year-old body.

Parents aging. Kids growing. You’re managing emotions on both ends and trying not to lose yourself in the middle.

And that’s okay. Sometimes you just need a friend to say, “Yeah, me too.”Because, you’re not alone — even when it feels like it.

I text my girlfriends things like, “Am I crazy or is everyone annoying?” and they’ll say, “Nope, same. It’s the moon.”Sometimes, that’s all you need — a little validation and a good laugh.

Back to the Light (and the Dogs Who Get It)

Just when life feels too heavy, the universe sends a reminder — sometimes in the form of a dog meme.

A friend posted a video of her Cavalier King Charles spaniels struggling with daylight savings. She told them, “You can do hard things!” And I felt that in my soul.

Because that’s what we’re all doing, right? Trying to do hard things.Trying to hold it together as our parents change, our kids grow, and life keeps shifting under our feet.

So yeah, maybe it’s the moon. Maybe it’s midlife. Maybe it’s just life.

But here’s what I know: we need each other.

And if you’re having one of those weeks too, consider this your hug and or high five from me.You’re not alone.You’re human.And you can do hard things.

💛 If this hit home, share it with someone else in the thick of it.

We’re all figuring it out together.

Check out the full episode on the Middle Age Management show on Podcast and YouTube.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Caring for aging parents while holding up the rest of your life can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth—you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

I’m here to walk alongside you. Whether you’re just beginning to notice changes or you’re already deep in the hard decisions, there’s support for every stage of the journey.

Here’s how I can help:✨ 1-on-1 Guidance Sessions + Care Chats — Let’s create a plan that brings clarity and calm back into your life. Book your session at TheSandwichedGen.com📘

 My eBook: When Roles Reverse — A step-by-step roadmap for caring for aging parents with less stress and more confidence.👉 Grab your copy here.

📲 Follow along on Instagram @BarbaraStratte — I share daily encouragement, quick tips, and the kind of honest truths you won’t find in a medical pamphlet.

Big hugs,Barbara 💛