Description

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The F.E.E.L Podcast, host Melissa Crook welcomes Dawn, a NICU nurse, military spouse, and devoted mom of four, for a beautiful reflection on what it means to be constantly learning and evolving—through motherhood, marriage, caregiving, and healing.

With nearly 24 years in nursing and 14 years in neonatal intensive care, Dawn brings a deeply compassionate lens to her work and life. She shares how being part of the military community shaped her resilience, how nursing taught her to see strength in the tiniest of beings, and how learning to prioritize her own emotional and physical health has changed everything.

💡 This episode explores:

• Prioritizing self-care while caring for others (2:16)

• Boundary-setting in both personal and professional life (5:31)

• The emotional toll and triumph of NICU nursing (8:38)

• Returning to your why and values (17:29)

• Letting go of others’ expectations (27:38)

• How the F.E.E.L philosophy impacts relationships (38:24)

• Five soul-nourishing activities + how Dawn wants to feel next (44:12)

If you’re a nurse, a caregiver, a mom, or someone simply in a season of rediscovery, Dawn’s story is a powerful reminder that growth never stops—and compassion always matters.

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Keywords:

1. Learning and evolving

2. Women in healthcare

3. NICU nurse perspective

4. Emotional health for caregivers

5. Army wife life

6. Self-care for nurses

7. Military family stories

8. Personal growth and motherhood

9. Setting healthy boundaries

10. Women’s empowerment podcast

11. Healing through experience

12. Nurse life stories

13. Living with purpose and compassion

14. Embracing layers of identity

15. Motherhood and mental wellness

Song Featured: Where’s My Jetpack?! - Computer Music All-Stars