We recently connected with Sara Love and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sara, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
What do you do for self-care and what impact has it had on your effectiveness?
Sara Love, ND
There is a sticker on my water bottle that states “I run to burn off the crazy.” And it is true. For me, my crazy typically tends toward the depressed and anxious blues and running/hiking is my primary method for improving my mood. It is my self-care in many ways. I realize that this is not the typical “self-care” that one sees advertised in stores of the mani-pedis, massages, candles, etc. And I get it, the passive feel-good self-care activities can feel great and can be necessary for folks, but for me it is performative and does not provide the restorative activity I need so I can be at my best. My self-care tends to be solo and physical in nature such as running, hiking, or brisk walking. These outdoor physical activities allow my introverted self space to be alone, primarily in and around tall trees, taking deep breaths and inhaling all the oxygen possible while stopping often for things that provide me with joy (these days it is the beautiful mushrooms, stunning waterfalls, and holiday decorations). I often combine this with listening to an audiobook or a podcast related to a subject that piques my interest or is related to my job/business. (that and audiobooks tend to distract my mind if the negative self-talk starts creeping in, but I have to be selective in the books and beware of books that will be too depressing for me. This is not to say I only listen to positive books, I don’t, I appreciate a book that challenges my thinking or teaches me something new)
This active time outdoors self-care routine is healing for my psyche and clears my mind from all the negativity that permeates society through the news, social media, and more. Being solo in and amongst nature provides the mental and physical reset I need to actively listen to my patients while providing me the energy to shut down the negative self-talk that can interfere with their healing process.
Prioritizing (and scheduling) self-care has proven to be not only important to me, but critical for me to maintain my effectiveness as a naturopathic physician and business owner. My clinical practice requires me to actively listen to my patients tell their stories, which have a traumatic history. Their stories are full of courage, bravery, and tears, requiring me to maintain a professional demeanor in order to create a holistic treatment plan that meets their unique needs. This is not only mentally challenging, but emotionally as I have to create and maintain strong boundaries in order to provide them the care they deserve. I am truly privileged to have this position where individuals trust me with their personal stories and I take this seriously.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have the best job working as a naturopathic physician in Oregon. This means that not only to I have the privilege and opportunity to listen to peoples stories, I also am able to provide primary care services. My business is named Doubletrack Naturopathic, the naming is intentional because of my love of nature and hiking as well as the philosophy that I work along side my patients in creating holistic treatment plans.
My practice focuses on the philosophy of the healing power of nature. The treatment plans tend to be primarily through nutrition and movement therapies in combination with supplements and pharmaceuticals when indicated. I have found that the simplest therapies can provide the most impact and tend to be easier to implement in our busy lives.
I am able to bill multiple insurance plans for my services and can offer telemedicine for Oregon residents.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity, active listening, observation. These skills/qualities are what I use most in my daily work with patients. Without these skills I can easily miss critical information that can guide my diagnostics and treatment plans for my patients. These skills seem simple and for some, not considered skills at all. Yet, it is what I rely on most for my job.
For folks early in their journey, never be afraid to admit you don’t know something, this is an opportunity to learn something new. This curiosity alongside other qualities and skills that you have can offer insight to where you belong in the world.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
An ideal client for me is someone who is committed to improving their health and not afraid of trying something different. Often, my treatment plans offer unique therapies that may seem bonkers, but can offer value. Ideally, they will inform me if a recommendation is not possible for reasons including financial, time, or others, because the reality is that I have multiple recommendations that I can offer dependent on patient needs. My ideal client is willing to work alongside me in creating treatment plans to promote better outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doubletracknaturopathic.com/
- Instagram: doubletracknd
Image Credits
photo by Jenn Byrne (initial picture and office pictures)
photo by Steven Mortinson & Daybreak Racing (the running on a bridge picture)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
