How to Stop Over-functioning, and Become the Person You’re Meant to Be with Dr. Whitney Casares
The Heart of Health: A Mother’s Influence
In a candid conversation on the podcast with Dr. Whitney Casares, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Modern Mommy Doc, we explore insights from her latest book, “Doing It All: Stop Over Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You Are Meant to Be.” Dr. Casares shares her unique perspective on how a mother’s health directly impacts her child’s, emphasizing the importance of self-care and intentional living.
Center Points: Aligning Life with Values
Dr. Casares introduces us to the concept of “center points,” the five pillars that should guide our daily decisions and time management. These are the activities and values that resonate with our personal joy and priorities. For Dr. Casares, these include connecting with family, empowering women, cultural exploration, and playing the piano. For me, it’s my passion for learning Italian on Duolingo.
Practical Wisdom for the Modern Mom
We discuss the hybrid nature of Dr. Casares’ book, which combines philosophical musings with workbook-style activities. She offers practical advice on prioritizing tasks and setting boundaries to prevent daily responsibilities from overwhelming us. It’s about reclaiming our time and energy to focus on what truly matters.
The Centered Life Blueprint
Dr. Casares presents the “centered life blueprint,” a visual framework to categorize life tasks into non-negotiables, swappable tasks, contaminates, and heartstrings. This blueprint is a tool for managing daily responsibilities while staying true to our personal values.
Partnership and Communication
The challenges of balancing responsibilities within a partnership are real. Dr. Casares and I discuss the importance of open communication and compassionate assertiveness. She shares her approach to addressing concerns with her partner, focusing on empathy, shared values, and clear expectations.
A Continuous Journey
We conclude with reflections on the ongoing nature of navigating roles and responsibilities. Dr. Casares emphasizes the importance of external support and accountability, and the significance of paving the way for future generations to embrace a balanced and centered approach to life.
Final Thoughts
As we wrapped up our conversation, I was reminded of the wisdom that comes with life experiences. I reflected on the advice I’d give to younger individuals: be at the center of your own life and don’t live solely to please others. It’s a message I hope resonates with all of you, my dear readers, as we each strive for a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
Takeaways
- Set your day up for success by finding a routine that works for you and prioritizing rest and self-care.
- Don’t feel pressured to be a morning person if it doesn’t align with your natural energy levels and preferences.
- Schedule tasks and prioritize based on your values and what matters most to you.
- Explore new hobbies and interests that bring you joy and help you expand your horizons.
- Practice compassionate assertiveness when having conversations with your partner about sharing responsibilities and maintaining accountability.
