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Have you ever caught yourself reacting to your child or loved one in a way that made you think, “Where did that even come from?” You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Michelle dives deep into the quiet, unseen patterns that drive so much of our parenting and caregiving — the moments when we respond from default instead of intention.

You’ll learn why survival mode makes you slip into old programming, how your childhood experiences shape the way you show up now, and why exhaustion can make even the most loving caregivers reactive.

Through compassionate storytelling and relatable examples, Michelle shares how self-awareness and nervous system regulation allow us to reprogram our defaults — so we can respond with calm, flexibility, and love, even in the hardest moments.

Because when you start to parent yourself with compassion, you naturally begin to parent — and care for others — with intention.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What “parenting on autopilot” looks like (and why it happens)
• How stress and survival mode override your best intentions
• The science behind why your childhood shapes your reactions
• Simple practices to interrupt old patterns and create new ones
• How to build your emotional capacity — and rewrite your default responses

This is your gentle reminder that you’re not failing — you’re human. And with awareness, rest, and intention, you can create a version of “autopilot” that actually feels aligned, calm, and loving — for you and your family.

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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 stay in touch!

Visit: www.joyfulrx.ca to download free resources, powerful exercises and activities you can do today, to move you from burnout to balance. You can also join our Newsletter (we promise to only send information you will love).

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