CAROL L. STOKES
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"You've Been Running with Your Bandages Falling Off Long Enough"

For women caregivers 50+ who've been
​everyone else's answer

​ while disappearing in the process.
You're exhausted. You say yes when you mean no. You feel guilty when you rest. Your family takes you for granted. The system fails you. And somewhere along the way, you forgot what joy even feels like.

Society applauds women who give until there's nothing left — but I'm here to tell you that's not strength. That's slow disappearance.

​I'm Carol, and I help women like you stop running with your own bandages falling off, reclaim your peace, and build a life that finally includes YOU.
Enter your email below to
​Download The Free Guide: The 5 Signs You're Running With Your Bandages Falling Off

IS THIS YOU?

✓ You're caring for aging parents, adult children, or both — often alone
✓ You feel taken for granted and invisible
✓ You're exhausted but can't sleep
✓ You say "yes" when you mean "no" because guilt runs the show
✓ Your health is declining and you know it's the stress
✓ You can't remember the last time you did something just for YOU
✓ You're the "strong one" everyone leans on — but you're barely holding it together
​
If this resonates, you're in the right place.

WHY I GET IT

I got an ulcer before I learned how to say no — and mean it.

For 7 years, I served as Power of Attorney for a relative with mental health diagnoses. I've navigated hospitals, nursing homes, and a system that wasn't built to help people like us. I've fought insurance denials, filed complaints with state agencies, and sat through countless appointments as the only advocate in the room.

I know what it's like when help never comes. I know what it's like to be the only one showing up.

I also watched my mother's best friend, Barbara, die of pancreatic cancer after years of caregiving. She had a smile that lit up every room — until she didn't anymore. I refuse to let that be your story.

So I rebuilt my life. I learned how to set boundaries without guilt, reclaim my peace, and create a framework (the PEACE Plan) that helps women like you do the same.

You don't need more tips. You need someone who's walked this road and knows how to guide you through it.

That's me. And I'm here to help you stop the bleeding and start living again.

How I Can Help

​Here's how I can help you.

You don’t need more “shoulds.” You need real support that meets you where you are.

1. Free Guide – The 5 Signs Your Bandages Are Falling Off

A compassionate starting point to see where you’re quietly bleeding, why you feel the way you do, how to begin imagining a healthier way forward for you and the people you love. You’ll recognize yourself in these signs—and realize you’re not crazy or weak for feeling the way you do.

​
Enter your email below to
​Download The Free Guide: The 5 Signs You're Running With Your Bandages Falling Off
​2. Weekly Support & Insight (Substack)

Each week, I share gentle, honest messages—stories, reflections, and simple practices—so you’re reminded you’re not alone in this.

​You’ll see real experiences from women like you, learn small ways to protect your peace, and be among the first to know when new supportive opportunities open up.

Share your email below to begin your weekly support.

​
3. Coaching & Conversation

For women who are ready to stop running on empty, I offer 1:1 support and small-group spaces where you can lay everything down, feel seen, and be guided through setting guilt‑free boundaries, processing what you’re carrying, and rebuilding a life that finally includes you, too.

MEET CAROL

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I’m Carol L. Stokes—coach, former lawyer, caregiver, Power of Attorney, and advocate for women 50+ who are tired of holding everything together alone.

For  years, I have served as POA for a relative with mental health diagnoses. I’ve spent nights in hospital chairs, navigated nursing homes and broken systems, fought insurance denials, and been the only one in the room speaking up when no one else would.

I’ve also watched women I love—like my mother’s best friend Barbara—care for everyone else until their own light went out. I refuse to let that be your story.

I created my PEACE Plan and this work so you can keep loving the people you care for without losing yourself in the process.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

“I’ve tried the self‑help books and other programs, but it’s you, Carol, that makes the difference. You’re intuitive, an excellent listener, and you see past the obvious to what’s really going on. Your guidance and wisdom changed my outcome in ways I could never have done on my own.”
​

 — ​ Jerelyn Abicca‑Smestad

“I’d struggled for years. Carol helped me see my situation in a completely different light. With her step‑by‑step approach, homework, and clear deadlines, I finally made progress on complex, emotional family issues I’d avoided for so long. Life changing.”

—  D.M. Sudduth

An Endorsement from Leadership Coach Bill Carmody
This powerful testimonial comes from Bill Carmody — a globally respected leadership coach, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. Bill has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and transforming lives, and has worked with some of the most influential voices in personal growth and transformation.​

Hearing these words from someone with such depth of experience is an incredible honor and a reflection of the meaningful mission I strive to fulfill every day.
—  Bill Carmody
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Copyright 2020-2026  Carol L. Stokes  All Rights Reserved.  
  • HOME
  • ABOUT CAROL
  • WORK WITH ME
  • RESOURCES
  • Time Boundary Session