Healthcare professionals are often very good at noticing what everyone else needs. The patient waiting for counselling. The colleague who needs help. The family member who needs our attention at the end of the day. But how often do we turn that same attention toward ourselves? In this episode, I’m joined by fellow pharmacist Melanie for a candid conversation about what it means to come back to yourself... especially in a profession where giving, helping and even self-sacrifice can become deeply ingrained. We explore the idea of being “self-centered,” not as putting yourself above others, but as including yourself in the care, attention, and consideration you so readily offer to everyone else. Together, we talk about: Why overgiving can leave us depleted, even when we genuinely love being of service The beliefs that can make it difficult to take breaks, ask for help, or honour our needs What “receivership” means and why learning to receive support, appreciation, rest and even moments of joy matters How slowing down to savour positive moments can help us feel more nourished by our everyday lives Why taking care of ourselves can influence how we show up for our patients and the people around us The difference between being selfish and simply including yourself in the equation Small, practical ways to reconnect with yourself during a busy day We also share some of our own ongoing struggles with overachieving, people-pleasing, perfectionism and giving ourselves permission to rest — because knowing what we need and actually allowing ourselves to need it can be two very different things! --- Action step: A simple practice to take with you from this episode: Once a day, ask yourself: “What do I need right now?” If that feels too big, make it even simpler: “What does my body need right now?” Maybe it’s water. A stretch. Five quiet minutes. A proper lunch. Rest. Or simply a moment to breathe before moving on to the next thing. Coming back to yourself doesn’t have to start with a major life change. It can begin with these small moments of noticing, listening and responding to yourself with the same care you offer others. ---- About Melanie Forgetta: Melanie is a pharmacist with 13 years of dedicated community practice and 10 years of participation in teaching the next generation of pharmacists. A lifelong learner, she continually expands her expertise through training and certifications in spheres of leadership, communication, women’s health, mental health, mentorship and more. Melanie is driven by a vision of a more compassionate, human‑centered healthcare system — one where providers thrive, patients feel seen, and care is rooted in wholeness. Connect with Melanie via Substack: https://substack.com/@melanief1111 ---- Replenished in Healthcare (formerly known as The Collective Rx) is a wellness and personal development podcast for women in healthcare who want to feel more grounded, resilient, and fulfilled in their personal and professional lives. Hosted by Julie Doan, pharmacist and certified life coach. Let's connect: Instagram @juliedoan.healthcare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedoanhealth/ Calm in the Chaos: free stress management toolkit: https://www.juliedoanhealth.com/toolkit/ Replenish Rx, resilience program: https://juliedoanhealth.com/replenish-rx Website: https://juliedoanhealth.com Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, let’s reimagine what’s possible!
