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.