What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I was inspired to start my blog, The Young Caregiver and write Plan of Action: How to Save Your Own Life – A Caregiver’s Journal because I believe sharing my story will help others. I want to encourage caregivers that if I can survive my parents becoming incapable of taking care of themselves in the same week, they can also survive their caregiver journey. The caregiver’s journal focuses on the caregiver because being a caregiver affects you emotionally, mentally, and physically so making yourself a priority and participating in self-care is very important.

My parents always encouraged me to do what I was passionate about whether it was playing the trombone, becoming a cheerleader, writing for the school newspaper, playing flag football, starting a community service club, joining a sorority, and countless other desires of my heart. Knowing that I only get one shot at life motivates me to go full throttle. I would rather fail trying than live wondering what if I tried.

How do you create the life you want?: I control the things that are in my control. Life is full of surprises that we don’t know are coming, some good and some bad so in between those moments you must live as if it’s your last day. At the age of 13, I had an eight-hour spinal surgery, while recovering my independence was taken from me. That experience was temporary, but it taught me not to take life for granted because in one second your life can change.

What makes you HUMAN?: My mistakes, my tears and my fears make me human.

What's three things you want us to know about self-love/wellness?: First, during your most selfless state of helping others, you must make your self-care a priority. If you aren’t ok, you can’t help others. Take breaks and refuel.

Second, what you say to yourself is just as important as what you put in your body. If you speak down on yourself, you will accept it from others. Manifest positivity into your life. Come up with an affirmation that will encourage you and repeat it to yourself as needed.

Lastly, no is a sufficient answer. You will drain yourself trying to be everything to everyone.

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?:: Give yourself grace and know that one bad decision isn’t the end of your story. You can rewrite your life and reinvent yourself whenever you want.

Email Address: Smckelvey@theyoungcaregiver.com

Website: http://theyoungcaregiver.com

Social media handles?: Instagram: theyoungcaregiver

Twitter: Young_Caregiver