In this New Year episode, we trade brittle resolutions for sustainable, seasonal goals—with the playful courage of the Fool’s Journey. You’ll learn five beginner-friendly practices (start tiny, bundle habits, focus on “during,” fuel with excitement, and pack lightly), a nervous-system-first toolkit (Doorway Breathing, Triple B, 90-second Thankful Pause), and a simple seasonal map for 2025. Stories include Jenny’s balcony, charting sprints, a pantry win, and a 6-minute lantern loop with kids. We close with a 3-minute guided reset and a 7-day Beginner Sprint you can start today. Mantra for the year: “My worth is inherent. My productivity is a strategy—not my identity.”

And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. ⁠⁠Here⁠⁠ are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just ⁠⁠⁠⁠that⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Join the Single Mom MD community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.

When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.

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In this heartfelt Christmas episode of the Single Mom MD Podcast, Dr. Gail Clifford reflects on the meaning of the season through the lens of parenthood, sacrifice, gratitude, and loss. Christmas celebrates the birth of a child—and the profound love and courage of the parents who made that miracle possible. Today, we explore what that story teaches modern mothers, especially those carrying more than their share.

Dr. Clifford shares the recent loss of her 38-year-old stepdaughter, the grief that surfaced, and the unexpected gratitude that followed. She also opens up about caring for her daughter through two traumatic brain injuries, supporting her recovery, and the sacrifices required to give her stability, safety, and hope for the future. Through stories of faith, overwhelm, and resilience, this episode reminds women that grief and gratitude can coexist—and that caring for yourself is essential when caring for others.

Whether you’re a single mom physician, an executive mom, or a woman navigating a difficult season, this episode offers comfort, companionship, and perspective. You are not alone. You are stronger than you realize. And you have so much still worth living for.

Includes end-of-episode reflection questions.

1. What moment or memory are you most grateful for this year, even if it came wrapped in pain or loss?
2. Where in your life are you being called to sacrifice—and how might that sacrifice also be an act of love?
3. Are you allowing yourself to grieve what you’ve lost without forgetting what you still have to live for?
4. What are you carrying alone that you might need help with in this season?
5. How can you create one simple moment of rest or self-care this week so you don’t lose yourself in the overwhelm?
6. What would it look like to shift your mindset—just one degree—toward gratitude today?
7. Of all the people in your life, who needs your presence more than your perfection right now?
8. How is your faith (spiritual, personal, or inner knowing) inviting you to trust that you are not meant to walk this season alone?

Dreams are fuel; plans move the car. In this episode, Dr. Gail guides single mom physicians and executive moms through a 90-minute sprint to turn one dream into a Q1 plan you can keep—even during call weeks. You’ll choose a “Big Three” focus, map 12-week milestones, design Base/Standard/Stretch habits, and add If–Then scripts so progress survives real life.

What You’ll Learn

• How to run a 10-minute reality check that actually changes your plan
• Pick ONE high-leverage focus (Money, Time, or Support) for Q1
• The 3-layer breakdown: Outcome → Monthly milestones → Weekly moves
• Build an on-call-proof habit ladder (Base/Standard/Stretch)

Use If–Then scripts, a friction audit, and tiny rewards to keep momentum

And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. ⁠⁠Here⁠⁠ are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just ⁠⁠⁠⁠that⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Join the Single Mom MD community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.

When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.

Follow us at Single Mom MD:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠