Claiming Space ✧ the podcast

A few weeks ago, I woke up and realized that what I've been living through for the past 18 months could becalled a Chaos timeline. After I came to this realization, I thought -- What does that mean and how do I make my way through the chaos?  

Today I have a very special episode on legacy, love, grief, joy, and inspiration. Join me in honoring my daughter's life, her joy, and her sassy spirit.Continue our family journey with a special tribute⁠ to Taisha from her brother pinned on my IG page.

How do we find that thing that brings us joy? That thing we can nurture and grow and use as an anchor to bring a smile to our face or bring calm in the moment. I call it stepping into me. But what does that really mean? For me it’s about allowing myself to be present and aware of the thing or things that bring me joy. Let’s explore ways you can step into you. Are you ready to join me in episode 11 to discover joy?

We all have dreams. Dreams of what we think we're going to do or who we're going to be. My big dream… I wanted to be a writer.I have never really revealed how much I wanted to truly be a writer. My writing projects were always a slow burn. And if I’m honest, a vision of me as a successful writer was always just that a vision.But a dream can change, and your path can change.Along the way, you can meet your literary idol, and she caninspire you. Let’s chat about my inspiration, Toni Morrison, and what shemeans to me.

The beautiful thing about a memory is when it comes forward, the worry or pain or anxiety you may be feeling in the moment fades away. And just for a moment a smile forms on your face, your shoulders release, and that smile spreads throughout your body. You can recall what you were feeling onthat day. I have made a conscious choice to share memories with you that fill me with light because right now we need the light. In episode 9, I’m sharing the joy of friendship, of hanging out for the afternoon in LA. You see you don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy cool things in LA, you just need to be creative. Your need to own your space. You need to move with confidence. And you need to strike a pose. Join me while I share a story about an afternoon in my backyard. An afternoon in LA.

Club Gigi is a vibe, an experience, a memory, a movement and a joy generator. I sing in my car and sometimes I dance in my car. Don’t judge. I use to make mix tapes when mix tapes were a thing and now, I make playlists. I’ve converted my favorite music that started out on cassette, I converted to CDs and now have digital copies. And when the mood hits me, which it does all the time I make a new playlist. In episode 8 let’s explore a few of my playlists and the artists that bring me joy.Welcome to Club Gigi!

Welcome to episode seven.  I've been back and forth about what I wanted to talk about this week. Do I stick with my original, planned story or do I pivot and share a topic that is weighing on me right now. I have to admit, I’ve rearranged my podcast list several times because I want to stay in tune with my spirit and to authentically share stories that allow my words to flow from a place of truth, but most importantly I want the stories I share to inspire and spark reflection. So, I went back to the episodes I outlined, rearranged them again and in some instances also retitled a few episodes, and I landed on a time that shaped who I am today.That time when I was a member of the band, the marching band. Let’s chat about the evolution of a flag girl.

This week enjoy this poem to meditate, reflect and pause...

Do you know what it feels like to be invisible? Have you carried this experience with you throughout your life.? In episode 6 I'm sharing two stories about being invisible. You could call it the tale of two maids. Both of these instances happened when I was a teenager, and I was basically invisible.Take a listen and take what you need from this message.

Welcome to episode 4 What happens when you break up with a friend? Is it dramatic – blocking the person on your phone andsocial apps, tearing up cards and throwing away gifts? Or is it the ultimate exercise in ghosting – you just stop talking one day, no reach outs, no future contact? But what happens when you just let it slip away? Not from malice or hurt feelings but because other things required your presence more. Find out how I reconnected with my best friend --- books.

In episode 3, I want to dig into the why and how I discovered the thing that keeps me fulfilled andreplenished. Let’s say a tale in three parts. Don’t worry it will all come together in the end. Join me on my reconnection journey. Okay here we go!Thank you for listening to this episode and please share this link with your friends, rate the podcast, and follow me on Instagram and coming soon we will have the Claiming Space Community on Patreon! The Claiming Space movement is here to support and provide a safe community wherecaregivers are acknowledged and seen. Enjoy the rest of your day! Follow me on Instagram @gigiworks

I was going to tell this story in a future episode, but I realized my caregiver journey, this unplanned pivot, is vital in explaining how I arrived here at this moment as an advocate for caregivers.My daugther's Reye's Syndrome documentary clip.

guess what happened on the way to the museum?a revelation happened when I stopped denying why art means so much to me.

Welcome to Claiming Space ✧ the podcast, I’m Gail Austin an advocate for caregivers, a dreamer, an iPhone photographer, and a self-confessed museum lover. Oh, and I’m the mother of two adult children; one who is disabled, and I am her caregiver. As a caregiver, it took me some time to learn how to carve out space for me and to be okay with claiming my space, but once I did, this simple step allowed me to stay fueled, fulfilled, and replenished. So why create this podcast? I want to inspire other caregivers to fill up their cups, to refuel and embrace those things they may have pushed down or forgot about themselves. Those things that make themspecial. I will share my stories, my journey, mymotivators, and hopefully bring in a few guests. Join me weekly for stories, connections, andinspiration. Here we go!