Have you ever felt like your dreams are collecting dust while you navigate the intense world of medical parenting? Trust me, I get it. Between coordinating care plans, rushing to appointments, and managing daily needs, it sometimes feels impossible to even remember what you wanted for yourself.

The Reality of "Slow-Motion Living"

The other day, I was staring at my unfinished woodworking project in the garage – just one of many dreams sitting on hold. I've always wanted to build custom pieces for our home, write a book, and travel to places that spark my imagination. But in our household, we've coined the term "slow-motion projects" because everything moves at a different pace when you're juggling medical needs.

With two kids requiring specialized care and a mother-in-law who needs support, our daily life operates on its own demanding schedule. Every new project comes with the understanding that it might be interrupted by the next emergency or urgent care need.

The Permission You Didn't Know You Needed

Here's something I've learned the hard way: putting your dreams on permanent hold doesn't make you a better caregiver – it just makes you a more depleted one.

Let me share a personal turning point. Two years ago, I decided to try backpacking. The guilt was overwhelming. How could I possibly leave my husband to manage everything alone? The preparation felt like organizing a military operation, with backup plans for backup plans.

But you know what? Those two nights in nature didn't just refresh me – they reminded me of who I am beyond my caregiver role. I returned home as a better version of myself, more present and energized for my family.

Small Steps, Big Impact

You might be thinking, "That's nice, but my situation is different." I hear you. Every medical parenting journey is unique, and what works for one family might be impossible for another. But here's what I've discovered works, even in the most demanding circumstances:

1. Start with tiny pockets of time. Those 10 minutes while waiting at therapy appointments? They're perfect for jotting down book ideas or sketching design plans.

2. Let go of the "all or nothing" mindset. Your dreams might unfold differently than you imagined, and that's okay. Maybe you can't build an entire woodshop right now, but you can start with one small project on your kitchen table.

3. Build your support system intentionally. Sometimes, just sharing your dreams with another medical parent who "gets it" can help them feel more possible.

The Beautiful Truth About Dreams and Medical Parenting

Here's what I want you to know, from one medical parent to another: your dreams aren't just extras to be discarded. They're essential parts of who you are, and they matter – not just for you, but for your whole family.

When I worried about taking time to build this community, I discovered something surprising. My kids didn't resent the time I spent on it. Instead, they saw a parent showing them that challenges don't have to define your entire story.

Your Next Step

Today, I invite you to do something small but significant: take 5 minutes to write down one dream you've been holding onto. Just acknowledge it. You don't need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, simply giving yourself permission to remember what lights you up is the first step toward finding a new balance.

Remember, you're not just a medical parent – you're a whole person with hopes, dreams, and potential. And yes, it's possible to honor both your caregiving role and your personal aspirations. It might look different than you expected, but different doesn't mean impossible.

What dream have you been putting on hold?