We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stefania Rosa Tiveron. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stefania Rosa below.
Hi Stefania Rosa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding your purpose is a process. It’s not formulaic; it’s something you uncover. I want to answer this question by sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
Purpose gives life meaning. Without it, you can feel lost—waking up unsure of what to do, overwhelmed by the many possible directions. As a result, your energy and attention become scattered. When you uncover your life’s purpose, everything has a direction. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says: “Clarity is freedom. Know what is important to you, and it will grant you the freedom to ignore everything else.”
Looking back, my purpose unfolded through a series of events, starting with my grandfather’s 9-month battle with lung cancer. I desperately wanted to prevent the pain and suffering that he and my family experienced. A wise mentor once told me, “Pain is your path to purpose. If you can heal your own pain, you can make it a path to your purpose.” I wasn’t aware of this idea at the time, and I likely would have rejected it. But looking back, and knowing what I know now, it’s easier to understand the emotional underpinnings of pain and purpose.
Our emotions hold immense power. They influence our thoughts and subconscious beliefs, shaping the lens through which we perceive the world. That’s the emotional side of human cognition. There’s a fascinating interplay between reason and emotion that most people don’t fully recognize. While emotions guide and influence our thoughts, the rational mind uses logic and reasoning to support and defend them.
From that loss, the idea of pursuing medicine was born. It felt logical. It made sense. I could do better. I would do better. The philosophy behind Naturopathic Medicine aligned with my purpose—it’s prevention-focused and patient-centred.
I’m not saying I’m the best doctor, or that people don’t get sick. I don’t want to attach myself to such labels or illusions. I’ve come to realize that identifying with labels or titles creates expectations and desires based on them. Within a year of seeing patients, I questioned my path. Maybe this wasn’t my purpose? Helping people change isn’t easy! It’s taken nearly a decade to learn that I cannot define my intrinsic worth through ego-driven desires. My purpose is greater than me. Rather than trying to force outcomes—often self-serving—I’m deeply committed to helping people achieve and maintain their health to the best of my ability.
Purpose isn’t something we chase. We uncover it by showing up and helping others without expecting anything in return. Self-awareness has helped me step into my purpose with more courage and compassion.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Professionally, I’m focused on seeing patients as a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario and a Certified Health Coach specializing in weight loss and metabolic health. I used to think promoting weight loss seemed “scammy.” Not anymore—this work is too important. As my business coach once said, “You don’t have time to worry about what others think. You’ve got work to do!”
I want to help people live longer, healthier lives by staying disease-free for as long as possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability, and death in America. Many of these diseases—and their complications—are preventable. The rise of chronic diseases has become an urgent public health issue, and supporting metabolic health is one of the most effective ways to address it.
By improving body composition and reducing excess fat, we can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The risk reduction comes from diet and lifestyle interventions that support a healthy metabolism and body weight—including healthy eating patterns, sufficient quality sleep, and physical activity. From this perspective, helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight is far from “scammy”—it’s at the heart of healthcare.
My naturopathic practice is completely virtual, allowing me to serve patients across Ontario. For those outside the province, I offer services as a Health Coach. In addition to my virtual practice, I’m excited to introduce Mediterranean health retreats in Split, Croatia next spring and fall. These retreats will bring a non-virtual element to my practice, allowing participants to integrate the Mediterranean lifestyle into their healthcare. My hope is that the experience will provide tools and inspiration that translate into everyday life.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Readiness and willingness to learn something new: When ideas are held too firmly, they become part of our identity, making it difficult to challenge the beliefs that shape who we are. Many of us instinctively seek validation for our truths rather than exploring unfamiliar concepts. As a doctor, this mindset could significantly limit my ability to help people. I must remain open to new knowledge and perspectives that foster my growth and enhance my capacity to provide the best care to my patients.
Understanding First: People want to be heard, seen and understood—not just fixed. Healthcare professionals are often trained to jump into “fix mode,” but in my experience, prioritizing understanding leads to meaningful change with less friction. Taking the time to truly listen allows me to foster trust and connect with my patients on a deeper level.
Compassion, or being kind to yourself: If you’re like most people, tough moments do not bring out inner kindness. Tough moments are a trigger for the inner critic who uses our faults and mistakes to prove our limiting beliefs. “I’m not good enough”. Sounds familiar, right? A negative headspace is hard to navigate. Recognize moments of suffering and pain. Give yourself permission to adjust and adapt with truly nurturing acts of self-kindness. When internal conflict arises (as it will), practice awareness and curiosity rather than judgment and criticism.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
How we perceive overwhelm can determine whether it becomes debilitating or acts as a catalyst for growth and resilience. A mentor recently told me, “Being overwhelmed is a choice.” Honestly, it was difficult to hear this statement, and I initially rejected it for personal reasons. It never feels like a choice. However, after letting it simmer for a while, I realized there was truth to it.
All states of being can be viewed as a choice—if we can set aside the victim mindset. How we think about our thinking is powerful. By simply reframing overwhelm as a choice, I changed my mindset, which improved how I feel and respond to overwhelming situations.
Even if it’s a choice, I believe no one should ignore their feelings. Start by “noticing and naming” your overwhelm. How are you feeling emotionally and physically? How does it affect your behaviour?
Emotions serve as biofeedback signals, much like the sensation of hunger when you haven’t eaten for a few hours. They indicate that something important needs your attention. Avoid pushing down or ignoring your emotions. Instead of viewing overwhelm as uncomfortable, seek to understand the underlying reasons. Ask yourself, “I am feeling overwhelmed about this because I care about…”
The insights and opportunities we uncover by acknowledging and understanding our emotions make us more resilient and compassionate individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drstefania.com
- Instagram: @dr.stefania
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefaniativeronND
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefania-tiveron/
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