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Valentine’s Day is all about love… but what if the most important love story is the one you have with yourself?

In today’s special Valentine’s Day episode, we’re flipping the script on love, expectations, and why waiting for someone else to make you feel special is a losing game.

We’re diving into a client’s raw and relatable confession:
"My husband is so awful at buying gifts that I’ve learned to expect disappointment, if he buys anything at all."

But here’s the truth: This isn’t about her husband. It’s about where she’s placed the responsibility for her happiness.

💡 What if you stopped waiting for someone else to show up for you—and started showing up for yourself instead?
💡 What if you became the person who loved you best?
💡 What if you gave yourself everything you’ve been waiting for—without guilt?

In this episode, we’ll explore:
✨ What self-love really means (and what it doesn’t).
✨ Why placing our happiness in others’ hands sets us up for disappointment.
✨ Four powerful ways to pour into yourself this Valentine’s Day—without apology.
✨ How to stop waiting for external validation and reclaim your joy.

This one is going to challenge everything you thought you knew about love.

🔥 Listen now & give yourself the love you deserve!

💬 After you listen, tell me: How are you showing love to yourself this Valentine’s Day? Let’s start a conversation.

#TheJoyfulRx #ValentinesDayForYou #SelfLoveFirst #CaregiversNeedCareToo #BurnoutToBalance

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

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When most of us think of rest, we imagine taking a nap, binge-watching Netflix, or maybe even just sitting still for a moment. But rest is so much more than that. It’s not just about sleeping—it’s about restoration. Rest is the intentional act of replenishing your body, mind, and spirit, so you can show up as your best self in all areas of life.

Today, I want to take you beyond the surface-level idea of rest and dive into five key types: spiritual rest, social rest, emotional rest, mental rest, and physical rest. We’ll explore what each type of rest looks like, the symptoms of rest deficits, and practical ways to get more rest in your daily life.

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

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“What Self-Care Is and What It Isn’t”

Is self-care really just spa days and luxury retreats? Or is there something deeper to it?

In this episode of The Joyful Rx, we’re breaking down the myths about self-care and redefining what it truly means—especially for caregivers. If you've ever felt like self-care is unattainable, too expensive, or even selfish, this conversation will shift your perspective.

Join me as we explore:
✅ What self-care is and isn’t (hint: it’s not about indulgence, it’s about survival)
✅ The toxic messaging that makes caregivers feel guilty for taking care of themselves
✅ Practical, no-cost daily, weekly, and monthly self-care practices you can start today
✅ The real benefits of self-care for caregivers—better relationships, reduced burnout, and more joy

Self-care isn’t about escaping your responsibilities—it’s about showing up for them in a way that’s sustainable and fulfilling. You deserve care, too.

Tune in now and learn how to make self-care work for you, on your terms. 💛

#SelfCareRedefined #CaregiversNeedCareToo #TheJoyfulRx #BurnoutToJoy #SelfCompassionMatters #CaregiverWellbeing #CaregiverWellness #MomSelfcare

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

Send us a text

“You’re not a superhero—and that’s okay."
Dr. Michelle discusses how the idea that you have to be this selfless hero who never asks for help is dangerous and how your real strength comes from knowing when to prioritize yourself and ask for support.

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

Send us a text

In this thought-provoking and empowering episode of The Joyful Rx podcast, Dr. Michelle challenges the deeply ingrained belief that caregivers—and especially women—must constantly prioritize others to prove their worth. Drawing on personal experiences and the realities of caregiving, Dr. Michelle explores how societal expectations often tie value to selflessness, creating guilt when caregivers choose to prioritize their own joy and well-being.

The episode begins by unpacking why guilt arises when caregivers do something solely for themselves, revealing how this mindset is rooted in cultural conditioning. Dr. Michelle shares how her own inner guilt prevented her from fully embracing self-care until she reframed her thinking. By recognizing that joy and self-care are valid needs, she learned that caring for herself actually enhances her ability to care for others.

Listeners are encouraged to challenge the narrative that self-care requires external permission or justification. The host emphasizes that taking time for oneself is not selfish but necessary—and that the act of reclaiming joy and prioritizing personal well-being models healthy behaviors for loved ones. The episode also highlights practical ways to overcome guilt and create moments of happiness without seeking external validation.

The overarching message is clear: caregivers don’t need anyone’s permission to pursue their own joy. The fact that they enjoy something is reason enough. This episode inspires caregivers to rewrite the story of their value, embrace self-care unapologetically, and recognize their worth beyond their roles of service to others.

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

Send us a text

Are you a caregiver who finds yourself saying “yes” to everything, even when you’re running on empty? In this episode of The JoyfulRx podcast, Dr. Michelle Welch dives into the uncomfortable truth about how constantly being “nice” and putting others first is silently sabotaging your health.

We’ll explore why caregivers, more than anyone, are conditioned to prioritize others at the expense of their well-being—and how this relentless pressure can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even long-term health issues. But here’s the good news: you can still be kind and compassionate without saying yes to everything.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The hidden toll of people-pleasing on your physical and emotional health.
• Why boundaries are a form of self-respect and a necessary tool for caregivers.
• Practical tips to start setting boundaries, including how to communicate them with clarity and kindness.
• A powerful reminder that prioritizing your well-being doesn’t make you less caring—it makes you stronger and more present for the people who matter most.

Join us as we flip the script on what it means to be a “good” caregiver and redefine kindness as showing up for others without sacrificing yourself.

If this message resonates, share this episode with another caregiver who could use a reminder that their needs matter, too.

Let’s connect!
Follow Dr. Michelle Welch on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx

Remember: Being kind doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. Start setting boundaries today—because caring for yourself is the first step to caring for others.

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

Send us a text

Dr. Michelle discusses the 5 survival mode responses you might slip into when you are "caregiving in survival mode".

See if you can identify your survival responses and find quick tips on how to tackle each one in the moment.

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...

Send us a text

"Caregiving is part of your life, but it is not the whole story. You are a multifaceted, multipassionate, dynamic person with passions, dreams, and joys that deserve attention. It’s time to start nurturing those parts of yourself too—because when you do, you’ll not only find more joy in caregiving, but more joy in life."

If you are a female caregiver who has lost yourself in caring for others, know that it is not too late to rediscover or ev redefine yourself. I can guide you through my simple framework which will help you do just that!

Let's connect! Leave a review or comment below.
If there is a topic you want me to explore on the podcast, let me know!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyfulrx?igsh=cXFlZGltdDZrOG5h&utm_source=qr

Email: info@joyfulrx.ca

Schedule a call to discover ways we can work together here:
https://calendly.com/michellewelch/15min

Please share this podcast with a caregiver friend you know.

Caring for others—whether in your personal or professional life—can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with its challenges. The weight of constant caregiving can leave even the most dedicated among us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. Too often, societal and cultural norms reinforce the idea that sacrificing ourselves is the price of being a “good” caregiver.

But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve to care for others without losing yourself in the process.

Welcome to The JoyfulRx podcast—your weekly dose of inspiration, tools, and strategies to rediscover your inner joy. Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mother, children’s author, entrepreneur, and certified coach, this podcast is designed specifically for caregivers who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving.

Each week, Dr. Michelle dives into topics that matter most to caregivers, offering practical steps and actionable insights to help you reclaim your joy, build resilience, and create a life where you can serve others from your overflow, not your reserves.

Let’s connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t forget to leave a review or comment. Have a topic in mind? Share it with me—I’m here to serve you, too.

Follow me on Instagram: @thejoyfulrx
...