Name: Dr. Mara Windsor, DO, FACEP and L.I.F.E. Founder and President
Facebook: www.facebook.com/livingenlightenment
Instagram: www.instagram.com/living.enlightenment
Website: www.livingenlightenment.life
Age: 45
Title: Mara Windsor, DO
Married/Single: Married
Kids: 3; Ella 14, Sawyer 12 and Drake 7
City you live in: Paradise Valley
A typical day in my life includes… Working an 8-hour day in the ER then coming home to my second shift chauffeuring children to sporting activities (mainly baseball) and taking care of three dogs Missy 16, Buttons 3, and Bentley 1. Then we get home, have dinner, clean up, and off to sleep before we go do it all over again!
I was born… in Albuquerque, New Mexico
My favorite thing about Arizona… That it is conveniently located between the mountains for winter skiing, lakes for summer fun, and the beaches of Mexico and California.
I’m listening to… the audio book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert when I am alone driving in my car. Otherwise we listen to Sawyer’s playlist which consists of a combination of Lil Tecca, Juice World, and Drake.
My family… is full of energy and spirit! We always have to schedule what I call “resting days” because we are always over committed and very social.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Stevie Nicks. I have always been a fan of her music and Fleetwood Mac.
One thing I cannot live without… DOGS! They bring me so much joy and unconditional love.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a veterinarian but I gave that up when I realized that I would take all of the animals home with me and could not bear to euthanize them.
I’m inspired by… women of all kinds. Working moms, stay at home moms, single moms and women who have no children. I believe that women work so much harder and take on so many responsibilities, guilt, and shame. But yet, they keep going and keeping being strong for the people around them. I am blessed to know amazing men and women.
The one person who motivates me is… my husband Neil. He works ethic and tenacity are unbelievable. He is like a machine who never quits. He has always motivated me to be a better person, mother, spouse, and physician. He is also very accepting of everyone regardless of your background, race, or lifestyle choices.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… to take away all of our worries and negative stress. I think when we die many of us, myself included, will realize that we worried way too much and spent so much time thinking about frivolous concerns that only wasted our energy and time. I wish I could give people TRUST in the Universe or God that things will all work out in the end and we should let go of trying to control the outcomes.
The perfect day would be… wake up in the morning, go hiking with my family, come home to swim and play pool games. BBQ dinner then snuggle up on the couch with my family, dogs, and glass of Pinot Noir (Angeline specifically) then watch a movie together.
My first job was… At Yogurt Demond in Phoenix serving frozen yogurt when I was in high school at Xavier.
My favorite escape… Hawaii (although I have not been in 20 years), followed by Tahoe which has winter and summer activities, and lastly beautiful Sedona. My family and I take trip there every year to hike and get away from the hot summer in the Valley.
My life… is not what I predicted it to be. I have been led down this journey with some very windy roads at times; heck, I have even gone off roading, but luckily I keep getting back on track. I feel very blessed and fortunate that my life has turned out the way that it has. I grew up with a lot of adversity and I was the first person in my family to get a college degree. I thank my mentors every day for guiding me towards the light and I thank myself for trusting in their guidance and the Universe/God.
I’m currently working on… growing my nonprofit organization so that it can become a foundation someday that my kids take over and run.
Always… get up, keep going, and show up!!
Never… let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. I have sadly had many teachers and principals in my life tell me that I was a certain type of student and that I could not accomplish my goals. Thankfully, I have had the right mentors come along and teach me otherwise.
Favorite Quote… Be yourself. Everybody else is taken. By Oscar Wilde.
Biggest Dream… To own a vineyard and a yacht and travel around the world when I am not hanging out with my dogs at the vineyard drinking wine.
My Pet Peeve(s)… When people to don’t commit, follow through or are not accountable for their behavior and words. Also, when people pick their noses and do not wash their hands! Especially these days. You would be surprised how dirty people’s hands are and what is under their fingernails!!!
More About Dr. Mara Windsor:
I am an emergency medicine doctor currently serving as Chief Wellness Officer, for my physician group at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Hospitals. I am also an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix and Clinical Assistant Professor at Midwestern University AZCOM.
These experiences, as well as my passion for positive psychology, led me to begin L.I.F.E., Living in Fulfilled Enlightenment, which I serve as the founder and president of.
