Podcast Summary: "Creating Space for Rest: Lessons from a Week of Self-Care in Florida"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Doula Darcy Podcast
• Host: Darcy Sauers
• Episode: Creating Space for Rest: Lessons from a Week of Self-Care in Florida
• Release Date: January 22, 2025

1. Embracing Rest Before and After Events

Darcy begins by sharing her recent experience attending the Birth Worker Retreat at the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater, Florida. She emphasizes the critical importance of incorporating rest periods before and after significant events to maintain energy and prevent burnout.

“Everything is better if I give myself time to rest before and after doing a big event.” (02:15)

Previously, Darcy managed her schedule by blocking off time around her retreats but decided to extend this practice for the Birth Worker Retreat, allowing herself ample time to prepare and recover without feeling rushed.

2. A Week of Self-Care and Its Impact

During her week-long retreat, Darcy meticulously balanced work and self-care. She highlights how this balance enabled her to serve other doulas effectively while also attending to her personal well-being.

“I was able to show up on Monday at 10am for our champagne toast at the kickoff brunch, feeling rested, relaxed and just ready to serve.” (04:30)

She details activities such as daily walks, runs, enjoying nutritious meals without the need to plan or cook, and soaking in the pleasant Florida weather—a stark contrast to her cold and windy home in New Hampshire.

3. Transitioning from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset

Darcy reflects on a conversation with a fellow doula who admired her lifestyle, prompting her to delve into her personal journey from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. She recounts her humble upbringing in Maine, characterized by frugality and resourcefulness.

“I was living very, very frugally. We wore hand-me-downs my whole life.” (09:45)

This background instilled in her a scarcity mindset, making it challenging initially to invest in herself. Over the years, Darcy consciously shifted her mindset, allowing her to create a business that affords her the freedom and lifestyle she now enjoys.

4. Designing Your Dream Lifestyle

Darcy encourages listeners to take active steps in designing their desired lifestyles and aligning their businesses accordingly. She underscores that achieving such a lifestyle is a deliberate process, built over years of dreaming, planning, and executing.

“I have consciously, over the past several years, designed my business to fit this lifestyle. Because I am right now living my dream life.” (12:10)

She emphasizes that whether one's dream is to travel, homeschool, or achieve a specific work-life balance, it’s essential to start integrating small changes now to move toward that vision.

5. The Power of Self-Care and Energy Management

Drawing inspiration from Kate Northrup's philosophy, Darcy discusses the importance of managing energy rather than time. She shares how her week of self-care not only rejuvenated her but also enhanced her productivity and effectiveness as a coach.

“Managing your energy, not your time, and taking exquisite, exceptional care of myself.” (14:50)

By prioritizing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and enjoying nature, Darcy found herself more energized and capable of contributing meaningfully to her clients and community.

6. Practical Takeaways for Doulas

Darcy offers actionable advice for fellow doulas aiming to grow their businesses without sacrificing personal well-being:

• Schedule Downtime: Allocate specific times for rest around major events and in daily routines.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to ask for help and set boundaries to prevent overextension.

• Incorporate Self-Care: Integrate small self-care practices, such as taking a few minutes each day for meditation or a walk.

• Design Your Business: Align your business strategies with your personal lifestyle goals to ensure sustainability and fulfillment.

“Start taking steps toward that now and start working little pieces of it into your life.” (16:20)

7. Conclusion and Encouragement

In closing, Darcy reiterates the importance of intentional lifestyle design and self-care. She invites listeners to share their thoughts and encourages them to participate in future retreats to experience the benefits firsthand.

“Shoot me a DM on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode and if you want to come to the Birth Worker retreat next year.” (17:00)

Darcy’s message is clear: by prioritizing rest and aligning your business with your personal goals, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable career as a doula.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compelling reminder for doulas and entrepreneurs alike to value rest and intentional living. Darcy Sauers provides both inspiration and practical strategies to help listeners design their ideal lifestyles while building successful businesses. Her personal anecdotes and actionable advice make this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to achieve a balanced and fulfilling professional and personal life.