Stop Putting Yourself Last—Self Care Is Your Foundation | Life Lesson Quotes — Zoa Conner | Ep 186

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Zoa Conner, a physicist turned functional wellness practitioner and retreat leader, whose life and work revolve around a transformative mantra: “When you focus on self care for yourself, then everything else falls into place.” Zoa opens up about the heartbreak she witnessed in brilliant women burdened by exhaustion, and the life-changing lesson that self care isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. She shares how guiding her daughter through chronic illness became a powerful example of why our own wellbeing is the key to genuinely caring for others. We unpack daily practices (from mindful walking to prioritizing sleep) and break the myth that self care has to be complicated or expensive. Plus, Zoa reveals how travel—even local adventures—can be a reset for body and soul. If you ever find yourself burnt out or guilty for putting your needs first, this episode will inspire you to reframe self care as a gift, not a chore. Let Zoa’s wisdom guide you towards a life where, truly, everything else falls into place.Connect With Zoa ConnerWebsite: https://zenandvitality.comRetreats: https://intentional-vitality.comIf Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/joinIf the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdomChapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Zoa’s Background and Mission01:19 The Mantra of Self Care01:56 Personal Story: Healing Through Self Care03:02 Daily Wellness Rituals04:03 Prioritizing Sleep and Energy05:40 The Challenges of Self Care07:34 Actionable Steps for Listeners08:54 Self Care Misconceptions11:01 How Zoa’s Mantra Evolved13:05 Timeline of Self Care Beliefs15:22 Maslow’s Hierarchy and Self Care16:31 New Mantra: The Power of Travel17:12 Travel for Healing and Wellness18:52 Travel as a Wellness Supplement21:02 Mindful Travel and Anticipation22:13 Becoming a Travel Coach22:28 Final Reflections and Takeaways23:20 Where to Find Zoa Online23:56 Closing and Next Steps