Today we’re diving into a topic that nearly every animal advocate, rescue worker, or activist faces at some point: identity and self-worth.

When your life revolves around the animals you care for, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself outside of your work. Burnout, stress, grief, or compassion fatigue can leave you asking, “Who am I if I’m not doing this work right now?” In this episode, I explore why this happens, how it affects self-worth, and practical strategies to reclaim a sense of identity—without losing your love and commitment for the animals and causes you care about.

We’ll discuss:

• The “identity trap” and why it can make setbacks feel personal

• How self-worth tied solely to advocacy can contribute to compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and depression

• Practical steps to expand your sense of self

I also share a five-minute daily affirmation video specifically designed for animal advocates, available in my Virtual Calming Room at animalwelfarewellness.com.

Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply want to strengthen your resilience, this episode will help you reconnect with all the layers of who you are—so you can show up in your work from a place of wholeness.

Resources:

• Check out my Virtual Calming Room for a Daily Affirmation Video and more!

• Learn more about my Compassion Fatigue Group Coaching Program here.

• Get your copy of To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior!

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In this episode, we dive into the transformative practice of soul contract mapping and how it can support those experiencing compassion fatigue, burnout, grief, or secondary trauma in the challenging world of animal welfare and advocacy. My guest, Tammie Vecchiarelli, shares her personal journey into soul contract mapping, how it can illuminate a sense of calling, and practical ways it can help animal advocates set boundaries, practice self-compassion, and build resilience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What soul contract mapping is and how it can help those navigating the emotional toll of animal welfare work.
• How understanding soul contracts can explain the deep sense of purpose many animal advocates feel.
• Ways soul contract work can support healthy boundaries, self-compassion, and resilience-building.
• How it can help break repetitive painful patterns in relationships, careers, and emotional responses.
• What to expect in a soul contract reading.

Resources Mentioned:

Tammie's website

Email: tammie@aurorarelationshiphealing.com

Tammie's socials:

Facebook

Instagram

Grab your free resources for managing compassion fatigue here!

In this solo episode, I get real about one of the most common struggles in animal welfare work: guilt. Whether it’s skipping a shelter shift, saying no to fostering one more animal, or simply taking a much-needed day off, many of us feel like we’re somehow “not doing enough.”

I share my own story about missing a volunteer day and how quickly guilt crept in, even though I was already balancing work, home, and countless other responsibilities. I explore the toxic cycle of guilt and burnout, how to recognize it, and, most importantly, how to break free from it.

With this episode, you’ll learn practical ways to release guilt and honor your limits, so you can continue showing up for animals without losing yourself in the process.

Topics Covered

• The guilt trap: “I should be doing more.”
• Why animal welfare workers and advocates are especially vulnerable to overcommitment
• How guilt can spiral into burnout and resentment
• The importance of reframing “I can’t do it all” as self-awareness, not selfishness
• Simple mindset and grounding techniques to let go of guilt
• How to set realistic boundaries and redefine what “enough” really means

Additional Resources

• Visit beyondcompassionfatigue.com for free resources, worksheets, and tools to help you manage compassion fatigue.