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Honest conversations with pet professionals about real life and how to show up for yourself with grace and compassion.
If you worry that you aren't doing enough for the animals and clients you serve—yet what you're already doing feels exhausting and unsustainable—you're not alone. In each episode, I talk with fellow pet professionals about what drew them to this work, what keeps them going, and what drains them. We explore the meaningful words, quotes, or mantras that guide them, and discover what they wish they could magically change for all of us in this field.
These aren't quick-fix solutions or surface-level pep talks. Whether you're a dog trainer, veterinary professional, pet sitter, or shelter worker, these conversations offer practical insights into navigating this demanding but deeply meaningful work—and remembering that taking care of yourself isn't just allowed, it's essential.
Episodes
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
Jamie Holms, RVT, says her extraordinary organizational skills are a coping strategy that developed during a traumatic childhood. Quite simply, she learned to control as many factors as she could to help her deal with all of the chaos and stress she faced daily.
Today those organizational skills make her a valued team member and help her accomplish her goals.
Coping strategies are interesting. We all have them. We all need them. Some are healthy and productive, others are not, but all of them spring from a place of self-protection.
The tricky part about coping strategies is that they often have their roots in childhood. You may not be aware of what you do to help yourself manage stress or deal with overwhelm because you’ve been doing it for so long that the behaviors are on autopilot. You may not even notice when you’re using them.
Jamie had to make deliberate choices and learn new strategies to ensure that she brings forth the best of her coping skills and leaves behind the elements that no longer serve her.
Developing the self-awareness to observe your behavior and make deliberate choices about it is quite simply the most powerful, life-changing skill ever. It allows you to explore new ways of being, to find what feels right and true for you, and to make deliberate choices about how you want to live your life.
Easier said than done, right? Absolutely. There’s a learning curve here, but it’s worth it. So worth it.
And this awesome discussion with Jamie Holms is filled with practical tips to get you started.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- 168 Hours, You Have More Time than You Think, by Laura Vanderkam: https://amzn.to/35c8ZDJ
- I Know How She Does It, by Laura Vanderkam: https://amzn.to/2FdzLBm
- Dr. Andy Roark: https://drandyroark.com/
- Uncharted Vet conference: https://unchartedvet.com/
- RecoverInitiative.org: https://recoverinitiative.org/
Note: I may earn a small commission on any books or products recommended on this page. I only include products my guest or I have used and recommend. UNLEASHED (at work & home) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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