I am thrilled to share this authentic and vulnerable conversation with you. My guest is Dr. Fiona Lovely. You may know her from her mindblowing podcast, Not Your Mother's Menopause.

With two decades of experience, Dr. Lovely is a trailblazer in women's health. Specifically focusing on the menopause transition, perimenopause and menopause.

Stick with us on this vulnerable and passionate conversation because in it, we share stories of our own experiences and highlight how community and connection are the bedrock for growth and healing in a health system that has only begun to prioritize women's health.

Dr. Lovely helps us understand the growing evidence and debunks misconceptions in the menopause narrative. Spoiler alert, but there's a lot in here about social justice and a little bit of swearing.

We talk about the mental and physiological shifts women encounter during this time of renovation in our bodies and in our brains, and some myths about cognitive decline.

This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and a heartfelt big sister kind of conversation. Whether you're an occupational therapist, someone in their 30s and 40s experiencing symptoms you didn't know were perimenopause, or you're simply interested in understanding this vital aspect of health, there's so much here for you.

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Links to resources mentioned in the podcast:

Dr. Fiona Lovely's Website: drlovely.com

Podcast: Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely

Menopause Doula Society

Dr. Lisa Musconi - Neuroscience & Women's Health

AMS Menopause Symptom Scorecard

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Are you a therapy business owner seeking a community of support as the whole person at the centre of your business?

We will be accepting applicants to the ACTivate Vitality program and community in late January. Let's see if this is a good fit for you by visiting our site.

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A shoutout to our sponsor, Jane.app

Jane is an EMR with heart. Book your demo today and be sure to use the code VITALITY for a one month grace period.

Balance Works OT - Carlyn's OT practice

Balance Works - Carlyn's personal and professional develoment services

• ACTivate Vitality Program and Mastermind for OTs who want to THRIVE without the HUSTLE
• ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner
• Practical ACT for OTs Clinical Education
• Vitality Guide - free download with ACT starter resources

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I’m excited to share something really special—a compilation of clips from ACTivate Vitality members who’ve been navigating their own journeys toward values-driven, sustainable work. You’ll hear honest reflections about what it’s like to move from overfunctioning and burnout to building lives and businesses that feel aligned and fulfilling.

These are the voices of occupational therapists who’ve joined our community, some initially skeptical about a group coaching format, yet they found that the magic lies in the support, accountability, and growth they share with each other. So if you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of overwork or wondered how to build a business that supports your life, not drains it—this episode is for you.

Now, if you’re feeling inspired this glimpse into the ACTivate Vitality community and ready to create a sustainable, values-aligned business where you don’t have to go it alone, I’d love to invite you to join us in ACTivate Vitality.

This isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ coaching program. We dive into what’s driving your habits, the fears or patterns that may be holding you back, and how to build a life and business that supports you fully. And one of the most powerful parts is the community itself—being surrounded by other OTs on the same journey toward living and working differently. Together, we create the space to grow, connect, and hold each other accountable.

Is it time for a change in the way you are showing up as a therapy business owner?

If you're listening at the end of October, 2024, enrollment for ACTivate Vitality is open just until the end of this month so hop on a Clarity Call with me today and we can explore how ACTivate Vitality could support your journey. If you're interested at a later date, email me at info@balanceworksot.ca to find out when it will be available again.

Here's a playlist of episodes with some of the brave ACTivate Vitality participants here:

• Ep. 24: From Overwhelmed to Thriving, JD the OT’s Business Evolution
• Ep. 33: Scarcity Mindset to Sustainable Growth - Jessica Earle’s ACTivate Vitality Story
• Ep. 17: Redefining OT - Jessica Miller's Path from Exhaustion to Empowered Mentor
• Ep. 18: Nourishing Your Nervous System - With Guest, Jessica Miller, Part 2
• Ep. 20: Post-traumatic Growth with Guest, Emma Shears
• Ep. 4: Balance is Elusive with Guest Ashley Reina
• Ep 6: Jam With 2 Mental Health OTs on 2 Continents
• And stay tuned for an episode coming soon with Erin Clarelli!

Welcome back BRAVE OTs! I'm really excited about this podcast conversation because it's going to hit home for so many of you who have been trying to balance personal growth with running a business. In this epsiode, I'm chatting with Jessica Earle, a participant in the ACTivate Vitality program and an incredible occupational therapist who's been on quite a journey of transformation, both personally and professionally.

Jessica's story is about navigating survival mode, overcoming overfunctioning, and finally, finding a sustainable way to work that aligns with her values. She talks about how the stress of constant transitions, moving across the country to starting her private practice, pushed her to take on too much and how she reached a point where something had to change.

We dive into the nitty gritty of how Jessica paused to restructure her business, her schedule, shift her thinking out of scarcity-driven hustle, and found a balance that allows her to thrive without burning out.

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If you've ever felt like you're on the burnout train or struggling to find that balance between your personal growth and your business, this conversation is for you.

If Jessica's story resonated with you and you're struggling with overfunctioning, burnout, or simply feeling like there's not enough time in the day to do it all, I want to remind you that you don't have to do it alone.

ACTivate Vitality is now open for enrollment, and recently we've shifted away from always being open to only accepting new clients during specific periods. Right now, you can book a no-obligation Clarity Call through to the end of October to see if this program is the right fit for you.

In ACTivate Vitality we support OT business owners to thrive, both personally and professionally, without the hustle. We focus on aligning your business with your values and building a sustainable, fulfilling career that adds to your life, rather than putting it in some sort of fabricated work-life-balance opposition.

If it is time to make that shift and find the support you need, book your Clarity Call here: https://www.activatevitality.online/call

I'd love for you to grab one of the remaining 8 spaces before enrollment closes on October 30th. Let's work together to create a business and a life that truly aligns with who you are.

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If you'd like to connect with Jessica Earle, owner and OT at New Leaf Occupational Therapy visit her website: www. newleafoccupationaltherapy.com

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In the market for an EMR with heart? Check out Jane. She's my right-hand digital helper and when you sign up with the code, VITALITY, listeners will recieve a 1 month grace period on their new subscriptions. Book a demo by clicking here: SEE JANE IN ACTION

We’re diving into what it really means to build something new from scratch—both personally and professionally. My guest, Dana Solomon, is an occupational therapist who has bravely stepped into the world of pelvic health and entrepreneurship by creating the Pelvic Health Clubhouse.

In this episode, we talk about her journey, the vulnerability that comes with launching a project that isn't perfect, and how she’s embraced the concept of ‘failing upward’—learning and growing with every step.

Dana’s story will resonate with any OT who’s ever felt the pull to create something new, whether it's a practice, a program, or a whole new path in our profession. This episode is all about navigating self-doubt, finding your flow, and making bold moves without waiting for permission. We’ll talk about how bravery in OT isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about being willing to try and evolve through the process.

So if you’re ready to be inspired and take action on that project you’ve been dreaming about, this one’s for you!

Check out Dana's Links:

Triangle Pelvic Health Blog

Pelvic Health Clubhouse

IG@phclubhouse

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If Dana’s journey of building something new and stepping into the unknown resonates with you, I want to remind you that you don’t have to do it alone. Running a business—whether it’s launching a new project, growing your private practice, or taking the next brave step—requires more than just professional skills. It’s about aligning your work with your values, finding clarity in your direction, and building a business that feels sustainable and fulfilling.

That’s why I created ACTivate Vitality—a group coaching program specifically designed for therapy business owners who are ready to integrate personal and professional growth, break free from perfectionism and overfunctioning, and create a business that supports the life they want. It’s where you learn to embrace vulnerability, step into your values, and thrive with the support of a like-minded community.

Big Opportunity:

We’ve recently made a shift from always being open for enrollment to only accepting new clients during specific periods. And guess what? That time is now! Enrollment is open from now until the end of October. So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for a more sustainable way to work and live, I invite you to book a free Clarity Call between now and October 31st. This is your chance to explore how ACTivate Vitality can support your next brave step in business and in life.

Let’s find your flow together. Only 12 spots availabile, and this is the last enrollment period for the year, so don’t wait—this is your time!