If you’re like most parents, you probably carry a quiet hope that you’re doing enough—not just for your kids, but for yourself. The world is overflowing with advice about how to “live your best life,” but, if we’re honest, most days feel more like you’re just trying to keep your head above water.

If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night, wondering if there’s a better way to nurture your own mental health and your family’s well-being, you’re not alone. In this article, I want to share a conversation with Sammy Rowlette, a certified integrative women’s hormone health coach and registered yoga teacher, that changed the way I think about fulfillment, health, and what it really means to show up for your family and yourself.

When “Fine” Isn’t Enough: A Parent’s Breaking Point

Sammy Rowlette’s story is one that echoes for so many parents. She reached a breaking point where pretending everything was “fine” just wasn’t possible anymore. Years of pushing through, bottling up stress, and living by all the “shoulds” finally caught up with her and her daughter during a health crisis.

"I was trying to be it all. Do it all. All of these shoulds. Right as young mothers that we carry from societal beliefs or conditioning. And there I was with the biggest fake smile that was on my face pretending that all was fine and dandy, right? But unfortunately my body had different ideas."

— Sammy Rowlette

This is a familiar story for so many parents. We put on brave faces, keep moving forward, and ignore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that our bodies and minds need something different. But what happens when the cracks start to show?

The Hidden Cost of Suppressed Stress

Sammy’s journey began with a health crisis triggered by her daughter’s severe reaction to a childhood immunization. But as she peeled back the layers, she realized the problem ran much deeper. Years of trauma, stress, and unhealthy coping strategies had left her depleted.

She described the process as detective work—digging into her environment, food, relationships, and emotional health to find the real root causes of her struggles. This wasn’t a quick fix. It took years of self-reflection, trial and error, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

"We looked at our food. We looked at our just environment in general. We looked at our relationships, we took inventory on this isn't what I signed up for. And there was a point in time when it was like, all right, God. Truly, is this it? Because if it is, I'm not sure I wanna stick around for this." — Sammy Rowlette

That raw honesty is something every parent can relate to at some point. When you reach the bottom of your barrel, it’s easy to feel hopeless. But as Sammy shared, sometimes that’s exactly where the breadcrumbs of change begin to appear.

From Surviving to Thriving: The Power of Curiosity and Compassion

What stood out most in our conversation was Sammy’s emphasis on curiosity and self-compassion. Instead of judging herself for struggling, she began to ask questions—about her health, her habits, and her needs. This openness led her to explore yoga, functional nutrition, and holistic approaches that went far beyond what conventional medicine could offer.

"Honestly, it was surrender. It was a surrender to my higher power because I didn't know all the answers, right, and I surrendered to be open. Like I said, I was left little breadcrumbs and I was able to leave judgment and shame aside and be open to curiosity, everything." — Sammy Rowlette

This shift—from self-criticism to self-inquiry—can be transformative for parents. It’s easy to get stuck in cycles of guilt and shame about not measuring up. But as Sammy discovered, healing starts with letting go of those old patterns and getting curious about what your body and mind are really asking for.

As Brené Brown famously said,

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”

The Wellness Wheel: A Holistic Map for Parents

One of the most practical tools Sammy uses with her clients is the “wellness wheel.” Imagine your life as a pie chart, with slices representing different areas: nutrition, environment, relationships, emotional health, and more. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, she helps parents identify the area that needs the most attention and start with small, manageable changes.

For many, that means focusing on nutrition—making sure you’re actually eating enough and nourishing your body at the cellular level. For others, it might mean setting boundaries with screens or creating more intentional moments of connection with family.

"We create micro goals from these bigger desires, right? And what happens is we work on one habit at a time from your wellness wheel. If we see that, okay, my nutrition really could make a massive impact here. Let's start there...Just that habit alone, we're talking the next day. We're waking up with more energy." — Sammy Rowlette

The beauty of this approach is that it’s sustainable. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Instead, you can build momentum with small wins that add up to real transformation over time.

Why Root Cause Matters More Than Band-Aids

One of the most frustrating experiences for parents seeking better mental health and wellness is being offered quick fixes that don’t address the underlying issues. Sammy described how, after years of being dismissed by conventional medicine and offered solutions like birth control or antidepressants, she realized that true healing required looking deeper.

She now works with a team that uses comprehensive lab testing, nervous system analysis, and personalized plans to help parents understand what’s really going on in their bodies. This holistic approach considers not just hormones, but also emotional, environmental, and spiritual factors.

As the legendary psychologist Carl Jung said,

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."

The Role of Intuition and Spirituality in Fulfillment

A theme that kept coming up in our conversation was the importance of reconnecting with your own intuition—and, for many, with a higher power. Sammy spoke candidly about how surrender and spiritual openness helped her find the answers she needed when nothing else worked.

This isn’t about following a specific faith tradition, but about recognizing that fulfillment and healing often require something deeper than just logic and willpower. When parents tap into their own intuition and spiritual resources, they’re better equipped to make choices that truly nourish themselves and their families.

The Digital Dilemma: Connection vs. Distraction

In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to talk about family wellness without addressing the impact of technology. Sammy and I both acknowledged the double-edged sword of devices and social media. While they can be powerful tools for connection and learning, they can also create noise, confusion, and a sense of disconnection from what matters most.

"Get off your phone. There's so much noise, there's so much confusion, right? And guess what? I live there, so I do want you to come on your phone and find me, right? But take a minute to unplug and connect. Your body knows. And when the student is ready, the teacher comes every time." — Sammy Rowlette

It’s a reminder that real fulfillment comes from presence—not just being physically there, but truly showing up for yourself and your loved ones. Sometimes, the most radical act of self-care is putting down your phone and really seeing your child, your partner, or even yourself.

Micro Goals, Macro Change: How Small Shifts Lead to Big Results

One of the most hopeful messages from this episode was that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the most lasting transformations often start with the smallest steps. Whether it’s eating a nourishing breakfast, taking a few deep breaths outside, or making eye contact with your kids for a few extra seconds, these micro goals can create a ripple effect throughout your life.

Sammy shared stories of clients who saw dramatic improvements in energy, mood, and family connection after just a few weeks of focusing on the basics. It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t need to wait years to feel better. By addressing the root causes and making intentional, compassionate choices, you can start to experience more fulfillment right now.

As the philosopher Lao Tzu wrote,

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Building a New Model for Family Wellness

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this conversation, it’s that you have more power than you think to create fulfillment and well-being for yourself and your family. The old model—pushing through, ignoring your needs, and relying on quick fixes—just doesn’t work in the long run. But by getting curious, seeking root causes, and making small, intentional changes, you can build a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.

Sammy’s approach, which combines functional nutrition, mindfulness, and a supportive community, is a model for what’s possible. Whether you work with a coach, join a group, or simply start asking yourself new questions, the path to fulfillment is open to you.

Practical Steps for Parents Seeking More Fulfillment

If you’re ready to take the next step, here are a few practical tips inspired by our conversation:

• Start with self-compassion. Notice where you’re being hard on yourself and practice talking to yourself like you would to a friend.

• Get curious about your needs. Instead of judging your struggles, ask what your body and mind might be trying to tell you.

• Identify one area for change. Use a wellness wheel or simply reflect on which part of your life feels most out of balance.

• Set a micro goal. Choose one small, achievable action you can take this week to support your well-being.

• Unplug and reconnect. Make time each day to be fully present with yourself and your loved ones, away from screens and distractions.

• Seek support if needed. Whether it’s a coach, therapist, or a trusted friend, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The Fulfillment Ripple Effect

As parents, it’s easy to put our own needs last. But as Sammy Rowlette’s story shows, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you address the root causes of stress and prioritize your own mental health and wellness, you create a ripple effect that benefits your whole family.

So, as you move through your week, I invite you to pause and ask: What’s one small thing I can do today to nurture my own fulfillment? You might be surprised at how much difference it makes—not just for you, but for everyone you love.

"By small and simple things, great things come to pass." — Sammy Rowlette

Remember, living your best life as a parent isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, curiosity, and the courage to start where you are. Here’s to more fulfillment, better health, and deeper connection for you and your family.

Join us on Fulfillment Therapy, where you'll find healing, wellness, and the tools needed to live a life you can't wait to wake up to. Together, we can create positive ripples of change and help others ignite their lives with lasting joy and fulfillment.

Thanks for reading and listening and shine boldly and brightly, my friends!

*Listen to our podcast episode 269 / What If Yours Stress and Fatigue as a Parent Are Actually Signs Your Body Needs Something Different?, with Sammy Rowlette

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