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What happens when you’ve got nothing left to give? In Episode 184 of The Empowered & Embodied Show, hosts Kim Romain and Louise Neil explore the complex relationship between caring, capacity, and emotional depletion. From world events to personal overwhelm, they unpack what it really means to reach your limits and why pulling your care back toward yourself can be the most loving act of all.

Kim shares her experience navigating global grief and burnout through the lens of embodiment and awareness, while Louise reflects on midlife disconnection, guilt, and the cultural conditioning that tells us we should always care more. Together, they remind us that self-care isn’t selfish... it’s sacred stewardship of your energy.

If you’ve ever felt drained, disconnected, or guilty for needing a break, this episode will offer you permission to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Why emotional depletion isn’t failure—it’s feedback.
• How to discern between intentional and unintentional energy leaks.
• The power of awareness in rebuilding capacity.
• Why self-devotion is the foundation of sustainable leadership.

Key Moments:

00:00 – Opening reflection: When there’s nothing left to give
01:51 – Welcomes and setting the tone
02:14 – “Any Eff’s to give today?”
06:38 – Midlife disconnection and protecting energy
09:06 – Guilt, shame, and reclaiming capacity
10:22 – Acceptance and devotion
14:59 – Reparenting ourselves
19:23 – Intention, awareness, and energy
20:02 – The awareness–capacity–care circuit
21:17 – Where our energy is going today
23:46 – Invitation to reflect on your own capacity
25:18 – Closing reflections and farewell 

Join a circle of changemakers committed to leading with purpose, presence and ease inside Kim's Rising Visionaries mentorship program.

Reclaim your career and confidence during midlife through Louise's Rise & Redefine program.

If you’re loving this show, come check out the Feminist Podcasters Collective, where creators like us are uplifting diverse voices and driving meaningful change. If you’re looking for new shows to fill your feed, head to https://feministpodcasterscollective.com