Learning to Hold Space and Compassion for Yourself

In this episode, Dr. Yvonne Juarez, a pediatrician and physician leader at TPMG, shares her transformative journey of self-compassion, personal growth, and professional renewal.

Yvonne and Jessie’s friendship spans decades—they completed their pediatric residency together from 1999-2002 and both built their medical and leadership careers at TPMG. After years apart, they reconnected when Yvonne attended a Pause & Presence Coaching, Yoga, Mindfulness & Culinary Medicine CME Retreat at Sagrada.

At a time when she felt depleted—after enduring the pandemic, personal losses, family transitions, and professional shifts—Yvonne found exactly what she needed. 

The retreat offered her a profound reset, blending nature, yoga, nourishment, and self-care in a way that helped her be kinder to herself, her patients, and her loved ones.

It was a “Game-Changer”

Yvonne came to the retreat at a pivotal moment. She had long admired Jessie’s energy, communication, and approach to creating possibilities. 

She arrived exhausted and left transformed. 

The experience provided her:

• A community of sisters in medicine

• Deep self-care through nature, nourishment, and mindfulness

• The ability to set boundaries and hold space for herself

• A renewed ability to be fully present with her patients and family

• Greater clarity and deeper, more fulfilling relationships

She learned to let go and embrace self-care

Before the retreat, Yvonne carried guilt about prioritizing her well-being—whether it was scheduling health appointments, taking time off, or even getting sick. Now, she understands the fundamental truth: she must put on her own oxygen mask before she can help others with theirs.

Yvonne also brought healing home.

Not only does she now encourage her colleagues to invest in their well-being, but she also invited her husband to the Connect in Nature Mindful Healers Retreat in 2024. He had witnessed how transformative the first retreat was for her, so he eagerly joined. The impact? They now share a common language of connection, which has enriched their marriage and strengthened their relationship with their teenage daughter. They were so moved by the experience that they will be returning for the first-ever couples retreat over Memorial Day Weekend at Nicasio Creek Farm.

Healthy Reminders from This Episode:

• Hold space and compassion for yourself—as a caregiver, professional, and human.

• Personal growth retreats help prevent and heal burnout by fostering self-care and mindfulness.

• Relationships thrive through shared personal growth experiences.

• Prioritizing your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

If you’ve been feeling drained, overwhelmed, or simply ready for a reset, this episode is your invitation to step into renewal.

#SelfCompassion #Burnout #Healing #Medicine #Marriage #Family #MentalHealth #Retreat #PersonalGrowth

Move beyond consuming this amazing podcast. True change happens when you work with us - virtually and/or in-person.

Coach with Jessie - 1:1, in topic-focused small groups, or at a retreat. www.jessiemahoneymd.com

Work with both of us in person at The Mindful Healers Annual Retreat www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats

Hire one or both of us to speak or lead a workshop on any topic covered in the Mindful Healers Podcast. We also create team retreats, teach yoga, and offer experiential mindfulness for teams, groups, grand rounds, institutions, and conferences.

www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast

www.awakenbreath.org 

www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking

*Nothing shared in the Mindful Healers Podcast is medical advice.

 

#physicianwellness #mindfulnesscoach #pauseandpresence #physiciancoach