What if giving back wasn’t something you added to your life, but the thing that grounded it?
In this episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, longtime wildlife rescuer and yoga studio co-owner Kelly Mehring shares how two decades of volunteer work have shaped her purpose, strengthened her resilience, and connected her to a community she didn’t know she needed. From rescuing injured raccoons on busy highways to building lifelong friendships through grassroots animal advocacy, Kelly’s story is a powerful example of what it means to serve without seeking credit, and why that kind of service can be so deeply fulfilling.
She opens up about the emotional weight of this work, the joy of educating others about native wildlife, and how volunteering helped her navigate challenges like burnout and even a recent breast cancer diagnosis. For anyone seeking meaning, connection, or a way to give back, this episode offers encouragement to start small and stay open.
Whether you’re craving more purpose or simply curious about how others create it, this conversation invites you to explore volunteering not as an obligation, but as a life-affirming act of care.
Key Takeaways
Start with what you care about: The best volunteer work begins with your own values, and one small step toward what lights you up.
Fulfillment can come from structure: A regular volunteer commitment can bring purpose, connection, and a sense of being needed in the best way.
It’s okay to try different paths: If one experience doesn’t fit, try another. The right organization will value your energy and your unique strengths.
Emotional weight is real, and worth it: Hard moments will come, but knowing you’re reducing suffering, even by minutes, can make the discomfort meaningful.
Community is a hidden benefit: Volunteering often leads to unexpected friendships and shared purpose, especially in emotionally intense settings.
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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.
Learn more about Emily at: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com
Connect on Instagram: @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman
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The guest on this episode, Kelly Mehring, is childfree by choice and co-owns the Columbus-based Mat Happy Yoga studio alongside her sister. She has spent over 20 years volunteering as a wildlife rescuer with the Ohio Wildlife Center and continues to advocate for animal welfare through hands-on rescue and public education. Kelly also supports farmed animal sanctuaries and has built a lifestyle rooted in service, compassion, and community.
Follow her on Instagram: @mehringway
Learn more: ohiowildlifecenter.org | sunrisesanctuary.org | mathappy.com