Hi Reader,

Welcome to another Instagram Live @ The Divine Self by Josie. In this week's episode we discuss "Shedding the People Pleaser Persona". Listen in here!​

In our journey towards self-discovery, we must often confront the uncomfortable truth that people-pleasing can become an obstacle to living authentically. In today's profound discussion with our guest Mariah, we delve into the transformative process of shedding the people-pleaser persona, understanding why we say yes when we want to say no, and how we can step into our authentic selves by setting boundaries with grace and conviction. Now, let’s expand on the enlightening exchanges from our podcast episode.

🔘 Understanding the People-Pleaser Persona: The term 'people pleaser' might sound benign, almost endearing, but the reality reveals a far more complex pattern of behavior rooted in a deep-seated desire for acceptance and fear of letting others down. As Mariah shared, being the quintessential 'yes' person often stems from childhood experiences where affirmatives were rewarded with attention or seen as a pathway to avoid conflict and maintain harmony. This subconscious programming leads us to spread ourselves thin and prioritize others' needs over ourselves, yet it often does more harm than good.

Countering this urge starts with self-inquiry. Before automatically responding with a yes, we must pause and ask ourselves: Why do I feel inclined to agree? Is it in line with my values, or am I seeking approval? More often than not, the validity of a 'no' is lost in our quest to avoid hurting feelings rather than a true inability to comply with requests. This revelation is the first step in dismantling the people-pleaser construct.

🔘 The Power of Saying No: Saying no is a profound act of self-care. It’s about establishing our limits and protecting our time and energy. Mariah enlightened us with her method of saying no with grace, often starting with gratitude before gently declining. It’s a crucial skill that preserves relationships without sacrificing our wellbeing.

But there's also something to be said for the outright 'no' without explanation. It’s an empowerment tool, signaling that we trust our judgment and don't owe anyone an account for our choices. As Josie pointed out, how we communicate our refusal conveys much about our relationship with self-respect — and when authentic, it won’t be misconstrued as unkind.

🔘 Embracing Your Authentic Self: Beyond declining requests, embracing authenticity involves a loving acceptance of all facets of ourselves. It's about the joy Mariah finds in hikes that clear her mind and the peace Josie feels from walking daily. These activities embody the essence of living genuinely — doing what fulfills us, unapologetically.

When we engage in acts that bring us joy and satisfaction, we inadvertently raise our vibrational energy, which attracts like-minded individuals and shapes a reality more in tune with our deepest desires. Personal authenticity is not a single act but the culmination of constant, mindful decisions that honor our true selves.

🔘 Lasting Tips for Shedding the Persona: As our discussion came to a close, Mariah left us with a powerful question to ponder: why are we inclined to say no? Reflecting on this question illuminates the hidden motivators shaping our behavior, offering a chance to rewrite our narratives.

🔘 Parting Thoughts: To shed the weight of constant accommodation and step into our power takes courage and conscious effort. Yet, as today's conversation reveals, the path to an authentic life not hampered by the reflexive need to please is both rewarding and liberating. May we all find the strength to say no when it’s right for us, open ourselves to the full range of our experiences, and courageously embrace the person we are meant to be.

Remember, authenticity is the highest form of self-respect, and a genuine 'no' is as valuable as a heartfelt 'yes.' Join us next time on The Divine Self by Josie, where we will continue to explore the realms of internal growth and the pursuit of our divine truth.

With much gratitude and appreciation 🙏,

Josie

💫 P.S. Know any SuperMoms who are feeling stuck? Forward this to a friend so we can support one another!