What happens when a career you once loved starts to feel like something you need to escape from? In this episode, I'm joined by my colleague in medicine, Dr. Susan Daniels, a pediatrician in Bozeman, Montana, and founding president of the Montana Mindfulness Project. Dr. Daniels and I originally connected around the topic of movement as a pathway through burnout, and our conversation took us from her identity as an “awkward runner” to a much deeper discussion about burnout, joy, mindfulness, and what it means to make space for yourself again. Dr. Daniels shares her journey of experiencing burnout during the pandemic, despite having built a medical practice she genuinely loved. She talks honestly about reaching a point where she felt she had given too much of her time and energy to work and couldn't imagine another way forward. We talk about what changed when she began to recognize burnout for what it was, and how she started intentionally crafting a life that made room for things that brought her joy and nourishment. For Dr. Daniels, that meant getting back into the water, spending time outside, and learning that movement doesn't have to be intense or structured to be meaningful. If you've ever felt like your career, your responsibilities, or a demanding season of life has slowly pushed everything else to the margins, this conversation is a reminder that making room for movement, fun, connection, and the things that make you feel like yourself isn't selfish, but may actually be essential. In this episode, we talk about: Dr. Sue's experience of being an “awkward runner” Why you don't have to look like a stereotypical runner to be a runner How burnout showed up during the pandemic Making space for movement, nature, hobbies, and joy during recovery from burnout Why slow movement and time outdoors can be restorative The connection between swimming, running, and mindfulness How mindfulness can help us become better “noticers” of our internal experience Simple mindfulness practices that can be incorporated into everyday life Why making time for the things that nourish you isn't selfish Dr. Sue's plans to get back into running and why RunDisney may be her gateway You can connect with Dr. Daniels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SueDanielsMD And listen to her new podcast, Still Practicing, where she talks with clinicians about burnout, career crafting, joy, nourishment, and what helps sustain us in medicine. https://www.stillpracticingpod.com/ Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you'd like help with your training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***
