We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Monica Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Monica, what makes you happy? Why?

My nurse passed by my desk recently and commented that she loved my notebook cover. I said thank you with a smile as I thought how the notebook speaks to me on so many levels. The colorful notebook says, “Do What Makes You Happy.” It is a daily reminder that happiness is a choice. This is why daily I make a conscious effort to choose happy. Over the past year and a half it has been even more important for me to focus on my happiness. The pandemic has taught me how precious life is, and how living in the present is so essential to establishing and maintaining a healthy mindset. My happiness lies in my decision to prioritize what is most important to me; my faith, family, friends and serving others.

Beginning each day with prayer, and gratitude has allowed me to truly tap into what makes me happy.

I find great joy in reflecting on all that life has given me. Being blessed with a loving family, supportive friends and being able to give back to those in need makes me extremely happy.

No matter what is going on around me, self-reflection and putting things in proper prescriptive allow me to realize what true happiness is. During the pandemic I have found time to connect more with my husband and daughter and formed deeper and more meaningful relationships with my extended family and friends, as we all adjust to this new normal.

I have also continued in my efforts to help those in need. It brings me an abundance of joy to serve my community and I am inspired by Gandhi’s statement, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

My life is fulfilled by spreading light and love to others and knowing that someone’s life is touched, transformed, and enhanced by even the smallest act of kindness that I can give.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Premier Wellness is a virtual Pediatric practice providing after hours care for the busy family. We also offer a nutrition and weight control program to assist families who have been struggling to find ways to lose and maintain a healthy weight. The need for this platform became even more important during the pandemic. I have seen so many families experience weight gain as a result of working and attending school remotely. The stress of the pandemic has caused many to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. We offer a personalized and comprehensive weight control program and meet regularly with patients to help them set, achieve and maintain their weight loss goals. Patients are also provided digital monitoring equipment that allows me to track their weight and vitals. My patients love the comfort and convenience of being able to meet with me in their own homes.

Having to learn the business side of medicine did not come without a steep learning curve. I owe a lot to the coaches and mentors who have guided me in the right direction and helped me gain clarity and confidence in my endeavors.

I am proud that I did not let fear of failure, the unknown, or self doubt prevent me from stepping outside of my comfort zone and leaping into this new venture.

I can truly say that my steps have been ordered by God. I have to thank my parents and family who I know pray for me and who keep me encouraged, motivated and inspired. I have learned to never be afraid to ask for help and that failure is a part of the growth process.

I’m a mother, wife, daughter, and friend who is committed to leaving a legacy for my daughter, working to change the world I live in. I strive to touch each life I encounter and leave a positive and lasting impression on those around me. As a mother I understand the importance of instilling in my daughter a strong sense of self worth. I also realize that at times, mothers need to be uplifted, encouraged and reminded of their own self worth. This is why in addition to starting Premier Wellness, I also founded Girls Growing Gracefully, a non profit organization that curates experiences that cultivate healthy mother/daughter relationships. My goal is to build, restore and preserve the mother/daughter bond and to provide a safe space for mothers and daughters to learn, grow and share together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Spending time with great friends, eating delicious food and laughing until my sides hurt is what I call the best time ever.

Girlfriend time comes in close 2nd as my favorite thing to do after spending time with my family.

After the initial excitement of learning that my best friend would be coming to visit me in Atlanta, I would immediately begin to plan a week filled with fun, adventure and relaxation.

After scooping her up from the airport, we would grab a bite to eat off Fairburn Road at Baltimore Crab and Seafood, as we both love the ambience and great seafood. We would then head to my house, let her unpack her bags, then just chill, relax and catch up, preparing ourself for our week ahead.

Monday morning we would enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast at Buttermilk Kitchen off Roswell Road before beginning our road trip to hike Amicalola Falls, a breathtaking 729 foot waterfall. On our way back home we would stop at Sublime Doughnuts for a well deserved treat after our adventurous hike.

Tuesday we would get up leisurely as I am sure our bodies will need the rest after having spent the day hiking. We would then begin our day with breakfast at Highlands Bakery, where I would indulge in the crabcakes benedict. Next, we would spend the day exploring a few of the historical sites here in Atlanta. We would visit The Martin Luther King Memorial, the Herndon House and the Apex Museum.

That evening, we would enjoy some local food at Food Truck Tuesday in Smynra. I would introduce my friend to a local favorite, King of Pop.

Wednesday-After enjoying my favorite salmon chips paired with an aged pinot noir at 2 Urban Licks, we would hop on the Beltline for a leisurely walk, taking in all of the beautiful nature around us. Later that evening, we would lace up our skates and spin around the rink at Sparkles Family Fun Center.

Thursday- The morning would begin with Breakfast at Barney’s, where I am sure an engaging conversation at the bar would ensue. We would then head to Ponce City Market for shopping and enjoy my second favorite cuisine by having lunch at Bellina Alimentari. After spending the afternoon shopping, we would relax under the melodic sounds of live music at the City Winery.

Friday- We would spend another day shopping, this time at the Avalon in Alpharetta. We would stop for a bite to eat at CRU Food and Wine Bar. Our last stop before leaving would be for a cool tasty cone of ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

Since my girlfriends are like family, my friend would join the tradition of family night at my house. This usually involves making  homemade pizza,  popping popcorn, and kicking back watching a movie or engaging in a mostly friendly but always fun UNO competition.

Saturday- Earlier in the week, I would have found out the location of Chay J’s New Orleans Candies pop up shop and fulfill our guilty pleasure by ordering a praline pecan brownie. After picking up our dessert, we would meet up with a few mutual friends at Twisted Soul and Cookhouse and Pours for a lively lunch experience. Because self care is a must, after saying good bye to our friends, we would walk a few blocks to Vayu Spa to enjoy a relaxing, yet therapeutic massage.

To top off the night, dinner, drinks and dancing would take place at Sage off Roswell Road.

Sunday- As the weekend of girl time comes to an end, we would enjoy our last meal of the trip together by having brunch at The Southern Gentleman.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

The two most influential people in my life are the two people responsible for my existence here on earth, my amazing, loving, and supportive parents. It has been their enduring presence in my life that has given me the motivation to never give up on my dreams. From as early as I can remember they have been my biggest cheerleaders. From elementary school spelling bees and award ceremonies, marching band performances, traveling to hear me speak, to moving me in and out of dorms and apartments and finally into my first home, they have always been right there. I consider myself extremely blessed to have been given such selfless, kind, loyal and caring parents. There is nothing that they did not and will not do to ensure I have more than I need to excel in life. They have provided me with a strong sense of self-worth, taught me the importance of resilience and been an excellent model for a hard work ethic. All of these life lessons are the reason I am at the place I am in life now and I am truly grateful for the role they have played in my success and I will continue to pursue my goals of providing excellent service and value to others.

Website: www.premierwellnesspediatrics.com

Instagram: drmonicacares

Linkedin: drmonicacares

Facebook: drmonicacares

Other: Girlsgrowinggracefully.com

Image Credits
Krustom Kreation Photography Charmaine Edwards Photography

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