This is a ministry at my church that we’re already doing. It made me wonder—could others in this community do the same and help spread Mighty Bites to recognize Mighty Caregivers? Please take a moment to watch the video and see how simple acts of kindness can make a big impact.

This year, I was fortunate not to experience much stress with holiday planning. I created this reflection after hearing a fellow activity director share their holiday frustrations. It’s a blend of my own experiences, conversations with other activity directors over the years, and a recent real situation. Please know—this reflects how activity directors often feel. We value and respect every department we work alongside and appreciate the teamwork it takes to make the holidays meaningful.

I am guilty of over helping.

It’s tough to stay motivated as a caregiver and trying to help people.

Here’s something I don’t say out loud very often. People will come up to me and say, “Your job as an activity director must be so rewarding.” Others add, “You should be paid a lot more.” And then… they move on. I know they mean well. But the conversation usually ends right there. One time, a family caregiver asked me how much I make. I told him I wasn’t comfortable sharing. Later, he went and found out on his own. When he came back, he was shocked. He told me it wasn’t right—that I was caring for his sister and deserved to be paid more. I understood his frustration. I really did. I chose to be a paid caregiver. I love what I do. It is rewarding. But loving the work doesn’t erase the weight of it. Purpose doesn’t pay the bills. Passion doesn’t protect you from burnout. So many paid caregivers live in this quiet tension—deeply committed, deeply caring, and often deeply unseen. This is one of those truths we carry quietly… and now, I’m saying it out loud.