Ep 21- Are you Modelling Martyrdom?
04/22/25 • 18 min
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we explore the hidden ways caregivers—especially mothers—may unintentionally teach their children to normalize burnout, self-sacrifice, and emotional neglect by modeling martyrdom. Through personal storytelling and compassionate reflection, we challenge the cultural glorification of the "selfless caregiver" and ask the hard question: Would you want your child to live like this? We discuss why prioritizing your well-being is not only vital for your health, but also essential in teaching your children how to honor their own needs, boundaries, and joy.
Let's connect here: https://calendly.com/michellewelch
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!
📅 Book a free call with me today. Visit: https://calendly.com/michellewelch/60min and let’s start rewriting your relationship with yourself.
Please take a moment to leave a review or comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Follow me on Instagram...
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we explore the hidden ways caregivers—especially mothers—may unintentionally teach their children to normalize burnout, self-sacrifice, and emotional neglect by modeling martyrdom. Through personal storytelling and compassionate reflection, we challenge the cultural glorification of the "selfless caregiver" and ask the hard question: Would you want your child to live like this? We discuss why prioritizing your well-being is not only vital for your health, but also essential in teaching your children how to honor their own needs, boundaries, and joy.
Let's connect here: https://calendly.com/michellewelch
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!
📅 Book a free call with me today. Visit: https://calendly.com/michellewelch/60min and let’s start rewriting your relationship with yourself.
Please take a moment to leave a review or comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Follow me on Instagram...
Previous Episode
Ep 20-When Self-Care Becomes Another Obligation
When Self-Care Feels Like One More Thing on Your To-Do List
What happens when the thing that’s supposed to help you feel better... just feels like another obligation?
In this episode, I share the story of my client Rosie—a devoted mom and high-achieving professional—who came home one night with a pounding headache and a deep desire to rest. But instead of honoring that need, she found herself people-pleasing her way through a “relaxing” bath that left her feeling even more depleted.
We unpack what was really going on beneath the surface, how to notice the moments where you abandon yourself to meet others’ expectations, and most importantly—how to turn those moments into opportunities for truth, tenderness, and transformation.
If you’ve ever felt like self-care is just one more thing to do, this episode will speak directly to your heart—and offer a new way forward.
🎧 Plus: A simple reflection questionnaire you can use tonight to start making more self-honoring choices.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pCCpxkWaEsY88_yKgnWhdAkfUXpzQr54HmMBAhLMx6Q/edit?usp=sharing
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!
📅 Book a free call with me today. Visit: https://calendly.com/michellewelch/60min and let’s start rewriting your relationship with yourself.
Please take a moment to leave a review or comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Follow me on Instagram...
Next Episode
Ep 22- Learning From Our Emotions
In today’s episode of The JoyfulRx Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that every mother and caregiver faces daily—our emotions.
We’re often taught to push past feelings like guilt, frustration, resentment, or sadness. But what if those uncomfortable emotions aren’t signs you’re failing... but messages from your inner self asking for attention, care, and change?
Through a heartfelt personal story and practical examples, I’ll guide you in learning how to:
- Recognize emotions as neutral messengers rather than obstacles
- Decode the hidden wisdom behind guilt, worry, resentment, and overwhelm
- Respond to your emotions with compassion instead of judgment
- Shift from emotional overload into grounded self-awareness
You’ll walk away with a simple three-step reflection practice you can use anytime you feel stuck or spiraling—plus a fresh understanding of how listening to your emotions can set you free.
Because when you learn to hear the whispers early, you can avoid the screams later. 💛
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!
📅 Book a free call with me today. Visit: https://calendly.com/michellewelch/60min and let’s start rewriting your relationship with yourself.
Please take a moment to leave a review or comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Follow me on Instagram...
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/joyfulrx-podcast-620172/ep-21-are-you-modelling-martyrdom-89847436"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to ep 21- are you modelling martyrdom? on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy