The Moment You Realize You’re Not Yourself: Finding Your Way Back

Featuring Dr. Kate Steiner | The Return Series Opener

Awareness changes everything.

But eventually, awareness asks something of us.

It asks us to apply what we’ve learned.

To pay attention.

To notice the patterns we’ve uncovered and choose differently.

That’s where The Return begins.

In the opening episode of The Return, Pam sits down with mental health therapist, researcher, author, and wellness expert Dr. Kate Steiner for a conversation about burnout, recovery, and the quiet moments when we realize we don’t quite feel like ourselves anymore.

Together, they explore the difference between being overwhelmed and being disconnected, why burnout often arrives long before we recognize it, and how small daily recovery practices can help us find our way back.

Drawing from both research and personal experience, Dr. Steiner shares the moment she realized she had become a version of herself she no longer recognized, and what happened next.

Because sometimes the most important journey isn’t becoming someone new.

It’s returning to yourself.

In This Episode

✔ The early signs of burnout most people overlook

✔ Why “feeling off” deserves your attention

✔ Expected and unexpected burn events

✔ The importance of daily recovery

✔ Why motivation follows action

✔ Small practices that build resilience

✔ Reconnecting with yourself one moment at a time

One Insight That Stood Out

Many people think recovery begins when life finally slows down.

Dr. Steiner offers a different perspective.

Instead of waiting for the weekend, the vacation, or the moment when everything settles down, she encourages people to create recovery throughout their day.

A breath.

A pause.

A moment of presence.

A small act of care.

Because recovery isn’t something we earn after exhaustion.

It’s something we practice before exhaustion takes over.

Why This Conversation Matters

Throughout The Becoming Series, we explored awareness.

We examined the patterns, beliefs, identities, and experiences that shape our lives.

But awareness alone doesn’t create transformation.

Application does.

The Return is about taking what we’ve learned and bringing it into everyday life.

And Dr. Steiner’s message reminds us that we don’t have to overhaul our lives to begin.

We simply have to notice where we are, pause long enough to reconnect, and take the next small step forward.

Because sometimes the way back isn’t dramatic.

It’s one choice.

One breath.

One moment at a time.

Watch the Episode

Connect with Dr. Kate Steiner

Website:
https://liftwellnessconsulting.com/

About Dr. Kate Steiner

Dr. Kate Steiner is a mental health therapist, consultant, speaker, researcher, and CEO of Lyft Wellness Consulting. Holding a Master’s degree in Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, she specializes in burnout recovery, wellness, resilience, and sustainable personal growth. She is the creator of the Steiner Self-Reflective Sustainability and Wellness Model, author of Feeling Crispy: A Guide to Burnout Recovery, and host of the Feeling Crispy: From Burnout to Recovery podcast. Through her work, she helps individuals reconnect with themselves, build sustainable recovery practices, and create healthier, happier lives.

Continue the Journey

The Becoming Series taught us to recognize the patterns.

The Return is about what happens next.

Not returning to who you were.

Returning to who you’ve been all along.