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What the Dying Can Teach Us About Living More Fully with Dr. Kathy Zhang
Manage episode 471798190 series 2898713
What can the dying teach us about living? In this transformative conversation, Dr. Kathy Zhang, a palliative care physician, shares profound insights from her work with patients at the end of life that can revolutionize our approach to parenting and emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Zhang reveals how witnessing death daily has paradoxically enhanced her appreciation for life's simple joys. Rather than creating fear, regular exposure to mortality has normalized it, allowing her to find deep gratitude in mundane moments like "just waking up." This perspective shift offers parents a powerful lens through which to view their daily interactions with their children.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Dr. Zhang introduces her "bathtub metaphor" to explain the crucial difference between rest and restoration. Many parents mistakenly believe that "doing nothing" on weekends will recharge them, then wonder why they feel just as depleted on Monday. She explains that rest merely "plugs the drain" to prevent further energy loss, while true restoration actively "adds water to the bathtub" through meaningful connection with yourself or others.
About Dr. Zhang:
Dr. Luyi Kathy Zhang is a hospice & palliative care physician, TEDx speaker & hypnotist. She has comforted thousands of dying patients and held space for their deepest secrets, biggest regrets and final wishes. She’s made it her mission to share these life-changing insights so people can benefit from deathbed wisdom while they’re still young and healthy.
Follow Dr. Zhang on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.luyikathyzhang/
💬 Want Support in Your Parenting Journey?
👥 Join the Reflective Parent Club
Parenting can be overwhelming and exhausting—especially when emotions run high.
Join the Reflective Parent Club to find support, practical strategies, and a caring community that helps you thrive.
Try it for FREE for 7 days!
📅 Book a free 1:1 call with Dr. Cindy
Personalized support to help you navigate digital life and emotional triggers.
🧠 Free Resources:
- FREE Workbook: Why Do I Feel Triggered by My Child?
- FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing
📲 Stay Connected:
📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube...
Chapters
1. Introduction to Reflective Parenting Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Meeting Dr. Kathy Zhang (00:04:14)
3. Learning from Death to Appreciate Life (00:13:51)
4. Emotional Regulation During Crisis (00:21:58)
5. The Difference Between Rest and Recharge (00:32:40)
6. Avoiding Toxic Positivity (00:43:50)
7. Key Takeaways and Connection (00:52:05)
226 episodes
Manage episode 471798190 series 2898713
What can the dying teach us about living? In this transformative conversation, Dr. Kathy Zhang, a palliative care physician, shares profound insights from her work with patients at the end of life that can revolutionize our approach to parenting and emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Zhang reveals how witnessing death daily has paradoxically enhanced her appreciation for life's simple joys. Rather than creating fear, regular exposure to mortality has normalized it, allowing her to find deep gratitude in mundane moments like "just waking up." This perspective shift offers parents a powerful lens through which to view their daily interactions with their children.
The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Dr. Zhang introduces her "bathtub metaphor" to explain the crucial difference between rest and restoration. Many parents mistakenly believe that "doing nothing" on weekends will recharge them, then wonder why they feel just as depleted on Monday. She explains that rest merely "plugs the drain" to prevent further energy loss, while true restoration actively "adds water to the bathtub" through meaningful connection with yourself or others.
About Dr. Zhang:
Dr. Luyi Kathy Zhang is a hospice & palliative care physician, TEDx speaker & hypnotist. She has comforted thousands of dying patients and held space for their deepest secrets, biggest regrets and final wishes. She’s made it her mission to share these life-changing insights so people can benefit from deathbed wisdom while they’re still young and healthy.
Follow Dr. Zhang on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.luyikathyzhang/
💬 Want Support in Your Parenting Journey?
👥 Join the Reflective Parent Club
Parenting can be overwhelming and exhausting—especially when emotions run high.
Join the Reflective Parent Club to find support, practical strategies, and a caring community that helps you thrive.
Try it for FREE for 7 days!
📅 Book a free 1:1 call with Dr. Cindy
Personalized support to help you navigate digital life and emotional triggers.
🧠 Free Resources:
- FREE Workbook: Why Do I Feel Triggered by My Child?
- FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing
📲 Stay Connected:
📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram | 🧠 Reflective Parenting Facebook Group
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube...
Chapters
1. Introduction to Reflective Parenting Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Meeting Dr. Kathy Zhang (00:04:14)
3. Learning from Death to Appreciate Life (00:13:51)
4. Emotional Regulation During Crisis (00:21:58)
5. The Difference Between Rest and Recharge (00:32:40)
6. Avoiding Toxic Positivity (00:43:50)
7. Key Takeaways and Connection (00:52:05)
226 episodes
All episodes
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