MMD BLOG


CATEGORY:

CENTERED VISION

HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS EASIER ON YOURSELF

 Modern Mommy Doc


PUBLICATION DATE:

July 18, 2022

HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS EASIER ON YOURSELF

 Modern Mommy Doc

CATEGORY: CENTERED VISION

A couple years ago when my in-laws were in town, we were trying to decide where we wanted to go to dinner. Figuring that out for 6 people is hard enough, but when two of them are kids, one with neurodivergence, it can feel impossible.


One place we knew would be too noisy. One place only served fish which was a no-go for some of the adults. We had to account for allergies. And “healthiness.” And just general pickiness.


By the time we sat down for dinner, I realized the restaurant we picked was one of my least faves and there really wasn’t much I wanted to eat there. I hadn’t paid attention to anything iiiiiii wanted. And I think we do that way too often as women.


Now, I’m not saying I should’ve told my family, “I want Italian food and that’s our only option!” Obviously there’s different ways to handle that. Plus, we’re all too aware that there are plenty of times as a mom where you simply have to put aside your wants and do what your kiddos need.


I think we run into the problem when we’re trying to decide on bigger things in life. Where to live, where to send our kids to school, what we want our career to look like. When we don’t take into consideration what our own needs and wants are, everything feels murky.


And honestly, it’s probably because we aren’t even aware of what we actually want. We’re constantly running our decisions through the filter of what everyone else needs, that we don’t know what a “win” would look like for us!


Let’s imagine there were two different options I could take in my career: one is a very high-paid hospital administrator where I would oversee the staffing and daily operations at a hospital that’s about 30 miles from our house and the other is working at a clinic down the street from us where I would see patients on a daily basis and interact with their families.


With the hospital job, the pay would be so good that we could be really set for the future. We could greatly contribute to college funds for my daughters, the paid vacation days are AMAZING, and we wouldn’t just have margin in our budget, we’d have freedom. But it would mean at least an hour commute both ways and I’d have to hire a full-time nanny because there’s no way I’d be able to pick up my girls or be home by the time dinner was on the table.


With the clinical job, it would be significantly less money, but I’d be so close to the girls’ school that I’d be able to do most pickups and drop offs. It would be a higher physical workload than the other job, as I’d be on my feet all day (I’m not saying it’s like I’m working in construction…but still, my poor feet.)


If I just looked at it from those angles, it might be really difficult to decide. More pay (which truthfully helps with a lot of things) or more flexibility and time with my family? More drive time or more achy feet?


But we haven’t looked at the thing that matters most: what do I actually want out of my career? There’s a huge gap that makes it really easy for me to decide (in this totally hypothetical situation): in one job, I’m not actually practicing medicine. I wouldn’t get to see patients. And that’s what gives me LIFE in my job. Yeah, the money would be GREAT (who wouldn’t be tempted by that?) but if I’m going to be miserable, it’s not worth it.


Maybe it’s not a job for you. Maybe it’s whether to have more kids or not. Or how to handle your aging parents.


Each one of those decisions can feel absolutely overwhelming if you’re just looking at what everyone else needs in those situations (again, not that we’re discounting that). If you’re just making a pros and cons list, it still might not account for you, your situation, and what you really want.


You can’t be afraid to voice your opinion, especially on decisions that are more life changing than where to go for dinner. When you don’t, and a choice is made that ends up being in stark contrast to the vision you had for your life, resentment is SURE to grow. And that only leads to other negative places for you, your mindset, and your relationships.


If you’re feeling like, “How the heck do I even figure out what I want out of life in the first place?” go back and read this blog. Because it’s obviously pretty tough to be clear about your needs and wants if you don’t even know what they are.


Take this affirmation with you today: my needs are valuable and deserve to be heard.


Raising Body-Confident Kids Starts at the Doctor's Office!

START NOW
By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
By Dr. Whitney November 13, 2025
Stop being so busy, and start being more present.
By Dr. Whitney November 5, 2025
Starting out right with solids doesn't have to be so scary.
By Dr. Whitney October 29, 2025
What if YOU are the one who needs to calm down first?

Welcome! Get the information you need to win at parenting without losing yourself.

LEARN MORE

My Kids' Book on Body Confidence is Finally Here!


Wish your partner would do more to lessen your mental load?


Want to make self-care a priority but not sure how to?


SIGN UP FOR SUSTAINABLE SELF-CARE. IT'S FREE. CLICK HERE



FRESH

ON THE PODCAST


By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
By Dr. Whitney November 13, 2025
Stop being so busy, and start being more present.