Always Putting Yourself Last? How to Stop Self-Abandonment

You can be the person everyone counts on and still need someone to support you. If you’re keeping everything moving but feeling exhausted, irritable, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Push Pause to Heal, I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Wittry, a hospice and palliative care physician, certified mind-body coach, and mom of four, to talk about self-abandonment: the everyday habit of putting your own needs last until there’s little room left for you. We share honestly about the patterns we learned in medical training and carried into motherhood—from postponing meals and bathroom breaks to feeling responsible for everyone else’s emotions. Sarah also shares how caring for people at the end of life has shaped her choices about how she wants to live now. Together, we explore: -How self-abandonment can show up in capable, caring women. -Why resentment can offer useful information about what needs to change. -Practical ways to lighten the mental load through simplifying, sharing responsibilities, and receiving support. -How to hold boundaries while allowing your children to experience their own feelings. -Why guilt can arise when you start doing things differently. Small ways to rebuild self-trust by noticing your needs and following through. Whether you’re a physician, a working mom, or someone who’s used to handling everything, this episode offers encouragement to make room for yourself, one small step at a time. You don’t have to prove your strength by carrying everything. About Dr. Sarah Wittry Dr. Sarah Wittry is a hospice and palliative care physician and certified mind-body coach dedicated to empowering women physicians. She specializes in stress resilience, emotional regulation, and nervous system regulation. A mom of four, Sarah enjoys yoga, books, travel, and deep conversations over good coffee. Her holistic approach supports women in finding greater well-being in their personal and professional lives. Connect with Sarah 📖 Free Substack: Personal stories and reflections on working, mothering, and making room for yourself. Subscribe for new articles each week. https://sarahwittry.substack.com/ 🌿 Free Guide for Reducing the Mental Load: Make the invisible work more visible and identify where you can begin to lighten your load. https://sarahwittry.myflodesk.com/men... Resources from Dr. Emily Health Begins Here Ready to make space for your health with support along the way? Our coaching program helps you build sustainable habits around nourishment, movement, sleep, and stress. https://www.balancedlivingfm.com/sche... 🌿 Balanced Living Experience Bring what you’re learning into everyday life through simple monthly practices, reflection, and community support. https://www.balancedlivingfm.com/bala... 💛 Balanced Daily Bundle The foundational supplement bundle I personally take every day, created to make supporting the basics simple. https://shop.balancedlivingfm.com/col... If today’s episode resonated with you, follow Push Pause to Heal—and if someone came to mind while you were listening, share this episode with them. Small steps can create powerful change.