Meet Linda-michelle Trainer

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linda-michelle Trainer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Linda-Michelle , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

One of the main things I do for self-care is to hold it sacred. I treat the practice of taking care of my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being with the utmost respect and priority, to the best of my ability, being mindful and present when engaging in related activities.

A health crisis I experienced almost 20 years ago has been the foundational motivation for my passion to take care of myself. My spiritual foundation has proven to be the vital connection of each aspect of my self-care focus. Tapping into Divine wisdom tailor designed for me is key on implementing what works and when to work it.

I do my best to nourish my body with healthier options, from what I eat and drink (mostly natural spring water), to what I allow into my “eye and my ear gates” for entertainment; opting to watch light hearted humor, family entertainment, and productions which offer spiritual motivation, business inspiration and continuing educational wisdom.

I strive to exercise 3 times per week or at least work out with the “old school” Billy Blanks 8 minutes Tae Bo You-tube video a few times a week. I walk outside several times a week for the fresh air and strive to get at least 6 to 7 hours sleep or more a night (as much as my schedule as an International Flight Attendant/ Dementia Caregiver allows).

I work closely with my Functional Medicine/Holistic, Board certified physician, whom I have been working with for over 25 years, along with seeing my primary care physician yearly and as needed. I take recommended supplements that are designed to address the needs of my body and brain, as indicated by extensive blood work and review. I participate in a group detox led by my Functional Medicine physician, at least twice per year.

I maintain a connection with several people who are dedicated prayer partners, I volunteer as a Life Group leader at my church and am involved with a professional prayer ministry which helps to keep me grounded in the sustaining Power of Spiritual renewal.

I make it a point to laugh often and to stay connected with my family and friends – which can generate more laughter than I bargain for at times (lol).

A large part of my self-care focus has to do with working in a career that I enjoy, participating in entrepreneurial pursuits which bring me satisfaction personally and in helping others, as well as maintaining accountability with a trusted person whom I have given permission to speak freely into my life.

All that I have fore mentioned undergirds the energy and focus I need to accomplish all I desire on a day to day basis. It also anchors me to the hope which fuels my life, helping me to fulfill my ordained purpose with resilience, optimism, and joy along my journey.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What I feel is most exciting about me is that I am living a life I love after a momentary lapse in judgment where I attempted to end it all! Many years ago, after doing something “for what I thought was for the sake of love”, I came to my senses, realized the horrible mistake I had made, the consequences I was facing and felt, at the time, that my only way out was to end my life! I was looking at the temporary circumstances instead of immediately getting still, shutting all the noise off around me, and going inwardly to the ONE Who Created me, the ONE who knows everything about me – past, present and future – and then tapping into the wisdom and strategy He knew I would need in that moment, even before I was born!!

After what I believe was a supernatural encounter on the shore of the Detroit river, and then returning home to face the music (with the support of my pastor at the time and my precious mama) I made it through the ordeal, found myself on the incredible side of miraculous favor and have been living life ever since with an attitude of enormous gratitude; striving to live my life to the fullest as a testimony to the power of hope and perseverance.

I have since traveled around the world, walked on the Great wall of China, witnessed the beauty of a double rainbow while on an evening sailing trip in the Seychelles Island, off the east coast of Africa, held a Koala Bear in my arms, had one on one conversations with Stevie Wonder and Danny Glover, and being able to pray and lead a co-worker in prayer to receive Jesus as her personal Savior, with the help of a group of tattooed motorcycle riders in the back galley, thirty-five thousand feet in the sky!

I attribute this to being able to really forgive myself and others, as I began to honor my life and my feeling over the opinion of others, implementing self-care before I really understand what it was.

I specialize in empowering women who shoulder the demanding role of dementia caregiving, offering spiritual guidance, emotional healing and practical self-care and trusting in God’s promises. From my own personal experience and empirical research, I advocate for the prevention of child sexual abuse, the promotion of self-care for dementia caregiver, and Alzheimer’s prevention through healthy living practices, such as rest, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.

As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, I provide coaching, training, and inspirational content, to equip caregivers with practical strategies for preventing burnout, improving communication, and managing challenging behaviors. My work supports family caregivers, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and healthcare professionals, offering holistic approaches to dementia care. I focus on fostering personal and emotional well-being, while encouraging individuals to navigate caregiving with confidence, faith and actionable steps for real-life application.

I am honored to serve as a team member with the non-profit organization Expose Dementia, and as an associate producer for the award winning documentary Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community. Written by C. Nathaniel Brown, featuring the late Lou Gossett Jr., this groundbreaking film is currently touring nationwide, raising awareness about the impact of Dementia within African American communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute insights on the vital role of caregiving within the documentary.

Our first Expose Dementia Conference, “Utilizing the Arts and Media to Expose Dementia” is being held March 28-30, 2025, at the Maritime Conference Center, in Linthicum (Metro Baltimore) Maryland.

In addition to my work with Expose Dementia and the Remember Me Documentary, I am proud to have authored the bestseller “Who Cares that YOU CARE: Encouragement, Hope and Self-Care Tips for Loving Yourself as You Care for Someone with Dementia, which further empowers caregivers by offering practical guidance and emotional support.

I also created the Isaiah Promise Pendant, inspired by Isaiah 49:15-16, as a tangible reminder to caregivers that they are never alone. This one-of-a kind, unique pendant symbolizes comfort, faith, and God’s unwavering support, reinforcing the message that caregivers are seen, valued and surrounded by love and encouragement, no matter the challenges they face.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills and areas of knowledge in my journey have been:

1. Resilience – Overcoming challenges such as childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, abortion from a wounded spirit, personal loss and caregiving struggles has taught me the power of perseverance. Resilience has been essential in navigating both personal and professional obstacles. For those early in their journey, I recommend developing resilience by embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking support when needed.

2. Empathy – Having personally walked through difficult experiences, I’ve been able to deeply empathize with others. Empathy has been a powerful tool in connecting with people and understanding their needs, especially as a caregiver and advocate. To improve empathy, practice active listening, put yourself in others’ shoes, and always approach situations with compassion and an open heart.

3. Knowledge of Self-Care – Caring for others, especially those with dementia, requires significant emotional, mental and physical energy. Learning the importance of self-care has been crucial in sustaining my well-being. Honoring Sabbath Rest in my own way – working six days, resting on the seventh, – has been instrumental in helping me to prioritize self-care. Also I learned that “NO” is a complete sentence. My motto is “Your well-being is the pre-requisite for the well-being of those around you.” My advice is to prioritize self-care early in your journey by setting boundaries, taking time to recharge and making your own health a priority. The oxygen mask theory is essential -you must put your own mask on first before helping others, or you risk running on empty and being unable to care for those who depend on you. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Keep in mind “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This means taking small preventive measures now can save you from bigger problems later. By caring for yourself first, you ensure that you have the strength, patience, and energy to provide the best possible care to others. Developing a routine that includes mental, emotional, and physical rest and care can help prevent burnout and foster long-term well-being.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When feeling overwhelmed I find it helps me to get outside for some fresh air. I check in with myself to review my breathing. I will always remember a time I was having a conversation and sharing a stressful situation with my mother and she stopped me mid-sentence and said “You’re not breathing. Stop for a moment and breathe.” I cherish that timeless wisdom and I often implement the 4-7-8 breathing technique called “Relaxing Breath: Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds and exhaling slowly through your month for 8 seconds, repeating 4 times or until feeling calmer.

I have learned that when feeling overwhelmed it helps to pause, take a deep breath and reset. Here are some strategies I encourage:

1. Self-Check-Ins – Pause and ask, what’s overwhelming me right now?
2. Prioritize and Break it Down – focus on the most urgent or important task first, and break them into smaller, manageable steps.
3. Take a Step Back – Physically remove yourself from the situation for a moment: walk, stretch or change your environment.
4. Breathe and Ground Yourself – Try the Relaxing Breath method, prayer or mindfulness techniques to calm your mind.
5. Write it Down – Journaling or making a list can help organize thoughts and reduce mental clutter.
6. Plan Your Day the night before – prepping for the next day reduces morning stress.
7. Ask for Support – Reach out to trusted people, whether for emotional support or practical help. You don’t have to do everything alone.
8. Self-Care – Engage in activities that nourish you, like rest, movement, hydration, or something that brings you joy. Sleep, hydration, and movement keep your mind and body in balance.
9. Boundaries – Learn to say no to unnecessary commitments.
10. Trust God’s Promises – Remind yourself that you’re not alone, lean on faith and scripture for reassurance.

There is a quote that says “Stress is a sign that something is unorganized.” Overwhelm often comes from chaos, whether mental, emotional or physical clutter. I have come to understand that when things feel out of control, it may be a sign that priorities, task, or even emotions (or your purse) need to be reorganized. By identifying the source of stress and bringing order, whether through planning, decluttering, or setting boundaries, you can create a sense of stability and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beincourage.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamichelletrainer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalencourager
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-michelle-trainer-7137896/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lindamichelletrainer

Image Credits

All pictures taken of me or by me or created by me Linda Michelle Trainer.