Personally as a writer I really don't love getting monthly subscriptions because it doesn't help me plan my income so I try to make it super easy to get an annual subscription at a rate that works for many people.
I really like this idea of offering a sliding scale, Kathryn. (One small correction you might want to make: I think you meant “worth $2 a week” rather than a month. It’s just above the subscribe button in this post.)
This is such a great approach, Kathryn! It gives me food for thought. I know several people who use painting and knitting as a calming/ meditative outlet as caregivers or former caregivers. Is this something you explored within your studies or now?
Yes, it’s so important for caregivers to practice self-care and this is such a great way to do so! I wrote about this in a short chapter in Crochet Saved My Life, and I’ve interviewed caregivers about it as well. Excerpt from the book:
“One of the biggest benefits of crochet for people with ill loved ones is that it is a craft that can build self-esteem. Having a loved one who is ill can make you feel helpless and eventually even worthless. You can’t help them to feel better or get better. And sometimes you get mad at them for being sick even though you know that they typically can’t help it … then you feel bad about yourself for not being more patient with them and with the situation. In some cases, the ill person’s behavior (especially in cases of their mental illness) can specifically cause you to doubt your own sanity and this can lower your self-esteem. Crochet can be a gift that you give to yourself to maintain your own sense of who you are and what you can do as an individual. You can create things with your own two hands and be proud of that. You can create items that comfort your sick loved one, which is a way to give to them even if you can’t fix their health problems. You can crochet things for other people in need, making yourself feel useful and valuable once again. And you can crochet special things just for yourself as a way of treating yourself well and showing yourself love.”
Thanks, for this excerpt. I'd like to link to Threadcraft and use this quote from you on my Website, if that's ok? The website is evolving again after 8 months, and I want it to be a portal to other publications.
Absolutely you can share that. And if you send me links, I’m happy to share them.
I was a foster parent for several years including working with teens needing therapeutic level care.
My father was sick almost my entire life and passed less than two years ago. I wouldn’t describe myself as a caregiver to him but there were certainly periods of time where I took on that role.
My mother took her parents into our home when they aged. My grandpa was pretty independent but my grandmother had memory loss so I saw how tough that was on my mom. <3 <3
Thanks, Kathryn. I'm still figuring out how to curate different pieces on my website—you'll see it's packed right now. I'd like the Nexus section on my website to be the portal to your publication and others, too.
Uhh I think ALL the situations you've shared you were a caregiver—in the definition according to Victoria ;-)
Here's a link to my about page...it would take up a long text to try and explain everything..https://www.carermentor.com/about - my story in brief is halfway down the page..
Thanks, Kathryn - I'll share links when I've reformatted things.
I also haven’t quite figured out site curation. I think mine is okay but could be better but I’m not sure how and it’s all pretty fluid anyway. Definitely going to check yours out …
Thanks Kathryn - Totally! Please do. I've already pivoted once in January. I think it'll be an ongoing evolution every 3-6months, because content and community will keep shifting! Let me know if you'd do a caregiver specific article/piece...The easiest approach to collaborate has been to link to other publications - esp given my time limitations.
I honestly can't even afford any plan right now. I have been on one income for the last 3 years. We haven't paid rent for the last 6 months. I love your writings and using art as a mental answer to things. That's why I was an actor for over 25 years. But the MS changed all that. And my financial means of doing anything. I wish I could someday.
Can’t do anything this month (possibly next), but plan to become an official “paid” subscriber as soon as possible.
Appreciated 💕
Reminder set for the 20th. I do like this plan. Well-thought out
The thought you've put into these payment options is amazing, thank you. I'm off to explore them in detail.
Thanks. I’ve tried to offer a variety of options.
I would never have thought of this, but it's excellent. Thanks for the ideas.
Happy to see anyone use something similar!
Love this! I should probably also make more use of offers. The minimum 5$ a month Substack allows you to charge, is just too high for some.
Personally as a writer I really don't love getting monthly subscriptions because it doesn't help me plan my income so I try to make it super easy to get an annual subscription at a rate that works for many people.
Great point.
I really like this idea of offering a sliding scale, Kathryn. (One small correction you might want to make: I think you meant “worth $2 a week” rather than a month. It’s just above the subscribe button in this post.)
Thanks! I swear I can edit anyone else’s work except my own 🤣
This is such a great approach, Kathryn! It gives me food for thought. I know several people who use painting and knitting as a calming/ meditative outlet as caregivers or former caregivers. Is this something you explored within your studies or now?
Yes, it’s so important for caregivers to practice self-care and this is such a great way to do so! I wrote about this in a short chapter in Crochet Saved My Life, and I’ve interviewed caregivers about it as well. Excerpt from the book:
“One of the biggest benefits of crochet for people with ill loved ones is that it is a craft that can build self-esteem. Having a loved one who is ill can make you feel helpless and eventually even worthless. You can’t help them to feel better or get better. And sometimes you get mad at them for being sick even though you know that they typically can’t help it … then you feel bad about yourself for not being more patient with them and with the situation. In some cases, the ill person’s behavior (especially in cases of their mental illness) can specifically cause you to doubt your own sanity and this can lower your self-esteem. Crochet can be a gift that you give to yourself to maintain your own sense of who you are and what you can do as an individual. You can create things with your own two hands and be proud of that. You can create items that comfort your sick loved one, which is a way to give to them even if you can’t fix their health problems. You can crochet things for other people in need, making yourself feel useful and valuable once again. And you can crochet special things just for yourself as a way of treating yourself well and showing yourself love.”
Thanks, for this excerpt. I'd like to link to Threadcraft and use this quote from you on my Website, if that's ok? The website is evolving again after 8 months, and I want it to be a portal to other publications.
Do you have caregiving experience yourself?
Absolutely you can share that. And if you send me links, I’m happy to share them.
I was a foster parent for several years including working with teens needing therapeutic level care.
My father was sick almost my entire life and passed less than two years ago. I wouldn’t describe myself as a caregiver to him but there were certainly periods of time where I took on that role.
My mother took her parents into our home when they aged. My grandpa was pretty independent but my grandmother had memory loss so I saw how tough that was on my mom. <3 <3
I’d love to know more about your experiences.
Thanks, Kathryn. I'm still figuring out how to curate different pieces on my website—you'll see it's packed right now. I'd like the Nexus section on my website to be the portal to your publication and others, too.
Uhh I think ALL the situations you've shared you were a caregiver—in the definition according to Victoria ;-)
Here's a link to my about page...it would take up a long text to try and explain everything..https://www.carermentor.com/about - my story in brief is halfway down the page..
Thanks, Kathryn - I'll share links when I've reformatted things.
I also haven’t quite figured out site curation. I think mine is okay but could be better but I’m not sure how and it’s all pretty fluid anyway. Definitely going to check yours out …
Thanks Kathryn - Totally! Please do. I've already pivoted once in January. I think it'll be an ongoing evolution every 3-6months, because content and community will keep shifting! Let me know if you'd do a caregiver specific article/piece...The easiest approach to collaborate has been to link to other publications - esp given my time limitations.
I honestly can't even afford any plan right now. I have been on one income for the last 3 years. We haven't paid rent for the last 6 months. I love your writings and using art as a mental answer to things. That's why I was an actor for over 25 years. But the MS changed all that. And my financial means of doing anything. I wish I could someday.
The financial struggle when living with chronic illness is really tough. 🩷🩷