How to Stop People Pleasing: A Kind and Gentle Guide to Putting Yourself First

Do you find yourself saying yes when you really want to say no? 

Do you worry about disappointing people, upsetting someone, or being seen as selfish? 

Perhaps you regularly put other people's needs before your own.  You help when you're exhausted, agree when you don't really want to, stay quiet to avoid conflict, or change what you want because you're worried about what someone else might think.

If this sounds familiar, please don’t beat yourself up about.  So many people (including me) have felt this.  Oprah Winfrey calls herself a recovering people pleaser – and she only really stopped people pleasing well into her 40s. 

And yes, as Oprah has demonstrated, you can learn how to stop people pleasing.  And even better, you can stop people pleasing, without the following common fears:

• You don’t have to become selfish, uncaring, or difficult.

• You don’t have to stop being kind.

• You don't have to stop helping people.

You simply need to learn how to include yourself in the equation – because, despite what others may say or hint at, your needs matter too.

People pleasing is a pattern of putting other people's wants, needs, feelings, or approval ahead of your own.

It can include things such as:

• Saying yes when you really want to say no

• Finding it difficult to ask for what you need

• Worrying about disappointing people

• Avoiding difficult conversations

• Apologising when you haven't done anything wrong (I’m still working on this one)

• Agreeing with people even when you have a different opinion (you can agree to disagree)

• Taking responsibility for other people's feelings (still working on this, too!)

• Doing too much for others

• Feeling guilty when you put yourself first

• Changing yourself to be accepted

• Constantly seeking approval or reassurance

• Feeling responsible for keeping everyone happy

• Staying in relationships or situations that don't feel good because you're afraid of upsetting someone

Occasionally doing something for someone else when you'd rather not is simply part of being considerate. 

Sometimes it’s helpful to consider your responses, and your feelings, before you respond.  Oprah has said that now she states ‘I’ll get back to you on that.’  This allows her to consider how she feels, and where she’s coming from, before she answers. 

And am I perfect at all the people pleasing traits above?  Absolutely not.  While I’m a lot better at saying no, and considering myself in a number of situations, I’m definitely still working on some of them.

The problem is when putting other people first becomes your automatic response, particularly when it regularly comes at the expense of your own wellbeing.  This can contribute to stress, frustration, resentment and emotional exhaustion.

There is more than one reason why someone becomes a people pleaser.

For some people, it may develop from experiences earlier in life.  For others, it can grow from low self-worth, fear of rejection, a strong need for approval, perfectionism, difficult relationships - or simply years of learning that being ‘nice’, helpful, and easy-going keeps things peaceful.

• You may have learned to carefully watch other people's moods and reactions.

• You may have learned that saying yes feels safer than saying no.

• You may have become so used to thinking about everyone else's needs that you don't even know what you want anymore.

And sometimes people pleasing can feel like kindness.  However, there is an important difference between the two.  Kindness is something you choose, while people pleasing is something you feel you have to do.

One comes from a loving, giving heart, while the other feels more like an obligation.

At first, people pleasing can feel rewarding.  People may thank you. They may tell you how wonderful, helpful, or reliable you are.  This can make you feel good, so you continue doing it.

But constantly putting yourself last can come at a cost.  You may start feeling:

• Exhausted

• Overwhelmed

• Invisible

• Unappreciated

• Anxious

• Resentful

• Disconnected from yourself

• Trapped

• Guilty

• Angry with yourself or others

• Unsure about what you actually want

You might even think ‘Why do I always do this?’ or ‘Why can't I just say no?’   (If you struggle setting healthy boundaries, our blog post How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach can help.)

Other common questions you may have asked yourself include ‘Why am I so worried about what everyone thinks?’ and/or ‘Why do I feel guilty for looking after myself?’

These are all important (and common) questions.  Most people pleasers (including me) have asked themselves these questions at some point.

However, rather than judging yourself, try becoming curious instead.  Go within, and learn more about you, and why you feel the need to please people.  For example, your people-pleasing pattern may have been trying to protect you, or help you feel accepted.  Now that you’re aware of this, you can consider other options, and learn a new way to get the same result without putting yourself last, and causing yourself upset.

Stopping people pleasing isn't about changing overnight.  Rather, it's about making small, conscious choices that help you reconnect with yourself.  (It’s also about learning to love yourself enough to stand up for you, like you would others.)

Here are some practical steps you can start using today.

1. Notice When You're People Pleasing

Before you can change a habit, you need to notice it.  Going forward, start paying attention to the moments when you automatically say yes.

Instead, pause, and ask yourself some questions.

• ‘Do I actually want to do this?’

• ‘Am I saying yes because I want to, or because I'm afraid to say no?’

• ‘What am I worried will happen if I say no?’

• ‘How do I feel in my body when I think about saying yes?’

• ‘What would I choose if I wasn't worried about disappointing anyone?’

You don't need to change anything immediately.  This first step is about self-awareness, and noticing when and how you people please.  Notice your thoughts (eg. ‘I better do as they say, even though I don’t want to’), your emotional reactions (eg. smothered frustration or anger), and your body reactions (eg. tight tummy).

Awareness gives you a little space between the request, and your response.  And you can utilise that space well.

2. Stop Giving an Immediate Yes

One of the simplest ways to stop people pleasing is to stop answering immediately.

You don't have to give someone an answer just because they've asked you a question.  You can pause, and reflect a bit first.  Some helpful phrases for this include:

• ‘Let me check and get back to you.’

• ‘I'll have a think about that.’

• ‘Let me see what I've got on.’

• ‘I'll get back to you shortly.’

This gives you time to check in with yourself.  You can consider whether you have the time, and/or the energy to do whatever the request is.  You can also reflect on whether or not you actually want to do it. 

Does it fit with your priorities?  Your personal values?  Do you feel obligated to do it – and if so, consider why, and whether you want to do it, choosing freely.  (A personal example of this is a relative of mine is very unwell, and needed a lot of help.  Most of the family were unable to assist, due to one reason or another, so I flew interstate, and spent a few weeks helping her.  While I had to put other things aside in order to do this, my personal values include helping family when possible/practicable, so I chose to do it.)

Giving yourself permission to pause can be a powerful first step towards breaking the automatic ‘yes’.

3. Learn How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty

One of the biggest challenges for a people pleaser is learning how to say no.

You may know you want to say no, but then you feel guilty.  However, it’s important to remember that feeling guilty can come from many things.  Sometimes feeling guilty simply means you're doing something unfamiliar – eg. saying no to something that you feel you ‘should’ be doing.

If you've spent years putting everyone else first, choosing yourself can feel uncomfortable at first.  It is definitely worth spending time on practicing this, so you are able to live more of your life on your own terms. 

Some simple responses, such as the ones below, can help.

• ‘Thanks for asking, but I can't this time.’

• ‘I'm not available for that.’

• ‘No, I won't be able to do that, but thank you for thinking of me.’

• ‘(Sorry), that doesn't work for me.’

You don't need a long explanation (although this is something that I’m still working on myself).  You don't need to convince someone that your no is reasonable (although you might feel that way, and they may challenge you if they are used to you saying yes all the time – it’s handy to have an explanation ready if they do challenge you – although your life is your own, and you can say no).

And you also don't need to apologise for having limits.  (And again, if challenged, you can say something like you’re setting new boundaries, as you need more time and energy to do what is important to you.)

4. Remember That No Is a Complete Sentence

This doesn't mean you should suddenly refuse everything.  It simply means you don't have to provide a detailed defence of every decision you make.  Sometimes, a ‘No, thank you’ is enough.

The more you practise, the more comfortable it can become.  Start with small things. 

• Say no to something you genuinely don't want to do.

• Choose the restaurant you actually want to visit.

• Don't answer a message immediately just because you feel you should.

• Give yourself permission to rest.

Every small choice teaches your brain that your own needs matter too.  And after all, if you want to live your Best Life, you need to have the time and energy to do so.

5. Set Healthy Boundaries

People pleasing and boundaries are closely connected.

When you're afraid of disappointing people, you may allow others to take more of your time, energy, and emotional space than feels healthy.

This is why learning how to set boundaries is such an important part of stopping people pleasing. 

A boundary is about deciding what you are comfortable with, and what you are not. 

Boundaries are not about punishing others; they are not about controlling other people.  They are about ensuring you put yourself in the equation when deciding what to do, and what not to do, so you have some say in how you spend your time and energy.  It’s about ensuring you have the time and energy to do things that are important to you.

If you struggle with setting boundaries (or want more information, my blog post How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach is a great resource.  It can help you learn how to communicate your boundaries in a way that feels kind, clear, and respectful.

6. Stop Taking Responsibility for Everyone's Feelings

This can be a big one for people pleasers (and yes, that includes me too).  This is something that I am still actively working on.

If someone is disappointed, you can feel guilty.  If someone is angry, you immediately try to fix it.  If someone doesn't like your decision, you question yourself.

But here's something important to remember:-

You can care about someone's feelings without being responsible for managing them.

Other people are allowed to feel disappointed.  They are allowed to disagree with you.  They are allowed to have feelings about your choices.  And you are allowed to make decisions that are right for you.

Healthy relationships have room for different needs, opinions, and feelings.

7. Start Asking Yourself What You Want

People pleasing can disconnect you from your own preferences.  When you’ve spent years asking what other people want, it can be a difficult transition to asking what you want.  It’s easiest to start with small things.

• What do I want to eat?

• Where do I want to go?

• What do I want to do this weekend?

• Who do I actually enjoy spending time with?

• What gives me energy?

• What drains me?

• What matters to me?

• What am I no longer willing to tolerate?

These questions can help you reconnect with your authentic self.  It’s also helpful to go within, and really get to know you – what is important to you (your values), what you love to do, etc.  That’s where our Clarity Within Journal can help you – it gives structure and focus to your exploration into you.  It’s a chance to delve into who you are – and who you wish to be.

And that is an important part of living your Best Life.

8. Get to Know Your Values

When you know what matters to you, decisions become easier. 

Your personal values can act like an inner compass, when you need to make a decision.  (As mentioned earlier, I value family, and I took time out of my life to fly interstate, and help a relative who was very unwell.  This was important to me, and I was prepared to let go of a number of things in order to do it.  And I still stand by that decision, as it aligned with my own personal values.) 

Some common personal values include:

• Freedom

• Honesty

• Family

• Love

• Adventure

• Peace

• Health

• Creativity

• Spirituality

• Growth

• Authenticity

• Respect

• Connection

When you know your own personal values, you can ask yourself whether various choices support your values, and the person you want to be, or not.  Perhaps you are asked to attend a work conference, however a family member needs you that weekend, and had already you to help them.  That can make the decision to say ‘no’ easier.

You don't have to make everyone happy.  You can make choices that are aligned with your values and the life you want to create.

There are so many ways you can explore this.  We have a free mini-course called The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self, which is a simple yet powerful way to explore your own personal values.  (There is a download to help you on your journey.  Videos are on the list of things to do!)

Journaling is another way to explore who you are, and who you want to be.  The Clarity Within Journal can help you slow down, reflect and become clearer about what is happening within you.

You may also enjoy the My Spiritual Self-Help Journal if you're looking for a deeper spiritual and personal reflection practice.

9. Practise Self-Love

At the heart of people pleasing is often a difficult relationship with yourself.

When you truly value yourself, it becomes easier to believe that your needs and feelings matter.  Your time and energy matter too.

Another thought to consider is ‘I don't have to earn love by constantly giving.’

Self-love isn't about thinking you're perfect.  It's about treating yourself with the same kindness, patience and compassion that you would offer someone you love.

If you're ready to work on this area, The Glow Within Bundle is designed to encourage and support self-love, confidence, boundaries, and a kinder relationship with yourself.

Because the more comfortable you become with who you are, the less you may need everyone else to approve of you.

10. Stop Trying to Be Liked by Everyone

This one can be difficult, especially if you are naturally caring and sensitive.  But the truth is that you cannot make everyone happy.

You can be the kindest, most thoughtful, and loving person in the world, and someone will still disagree with you.  Someone may misunderstand you.  Someone may not like your decision.  Someone may prefer the version of you who said yes to everything (and yes, that will happen).

That doesn't mean you have done something wrong.  Sometimes, learning to stop people pleasing means becoming comfortable with the fact that not everyone will approve of you.  Not everyone will like you.  And that's okay.

Your goal isn't to be liked by everyone.

Your goal is to live a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and right for you.

11. Notice Where You Feel Resentment

Resentment can be a useful clue, when learning to stop people pleasing.

You may notice resentment when you’re giving more than you genuinely want to give.  Or perhaps when you’re saying yes when you secretly wish you had said no.  It’s good to ask yourself who or what you’re feeling resentful towards, and use that as a starting point for more exploration.

Sometimes resentment is telling you that a boundary needs attention.

It doesn't mean the other person is necessarily a bad person.  It may simply mean you've been giving beyond what feels healthy for you.

Instead of waiting until you're completely overwhelmed, use resentment as a signal to pause and reassess.

12. Look at Your Relationships

People pleasing can have a big impact on relationships.

You may become the person who always listens, always helps, and always compromises.  (And always being the one to compromise is not a great feeling, is it?)

Perhaps you are the person in the relationship who always makes the effort, and always reaches out.  (I do note this – and I also made a conscious decision to keep in touch with a couple of friends, while making peace with the fact that it will always be me reaching out – I decided in this instance, it was worth it, so there is no resentment around it.) 

Healthy relationships, on the whole, need reciprocity.  If some questions are coming to mind around some people, consider if you feel safe being around them, and whether you feel you can say no, and/or share honest opinions.  Also, do they respect your boundaries?  These are all clues in relation to healthy relationships, and people pleasing tendencies.

Another big question is ‘Do I feel valued for who I am, rather than what I do for them?’

If you’d like to consider your relationships in depth, our Friendship Journal can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your friendships - what you value in them, and what healthy connection looks like for you.  It includes 50 journal prompts, and 30 bonus message templates to reach out, making it easier to update your relationships, if they need a little tweaking.

13. Let Yourself Be Disappointing Sometimes

This may sound strange - but you are going to disappoint people sometimes.  That’s what all people do – they get disappointed, and they disappoint others.  It’s part of life.

• You might cancel because you're exhausted.

• You might say no.

• You might choose yourself.

• You might change your mind.

• You might have a different opinion.

• You might not be available.

It’s important to note that that doesn't make you a bad person.  You are being honest, and true to yourself.  Perhaps you need a rest, or you have a different priority/value to someone else.  That’s ok.

Sometimes you need to let someone experience a little disappointment, so that you can remain honest with yourself.

Someone else's disappointment is not proof that you made the wrong decision. Sometimes the ‘right’ decision for you, is the ‘wrong’ decision for someone else – and that’s ok too.

14. Release the Need to Explain Everything

People pleasers often over-explain.  (Yep, that’s me, too.)

You say no, then immediately give five reasons explaining why you said no.  You change your mind, then apologise.  You set a boundary, then soften it so much that it disappears.

The standard recommendation here is to say something like ‘That doesn't work for me.’  And then pause, without additional explanation.  For me, it depends on the context – who I’m speaking with, the situation (personal or professional), and what the topic is. 

Sometimes I leave it at that, while other times I might add a softener, like ‘Sorry, but…’ before it.  I am now at the point where I often don’t feel like I owe them an explanation, and that I don't have to fill the silence.  (Having said that, I still sometimes offer explanations – but I’m getting better at not feeling it is required – it is now usually if I’m talking to a good friend, and it is part of my conversation with them, catching them up on my life, rather than excusing myself for saying no.)

However, it can feel uncomfortable at first – and that’s ok.  It can take time to feel like you have the right to just state that you can’t do it – without having to justify why you really can’t.  (Because really, your time and energy is your own – unless you’re at work – and you get to choose how to spend it.)

Over time, you will become more comfortable with this, and eventually you will become more confident. 

15. Be Kind to the Part of You That Became a People Pleaser

It’s important not to shame yourself for people pleasing.  You did not become this way because you're weak – and you are not broken. 

And it doesn’t help to be mean to the older version of you while you develop your new skills which are more ‘you-friendly’ than they currently are. 

It helps to instead be kind to yourself – all versions of you.  You could say things to yourself like:

• ‘Thank you for trying to keep me safe.’

• ‘I understand why you learned to do this.’

• ‘But I don't need to abandon myself anymore.’

• ‘I can be kind and still have boundaries.’

• ‘I can love others and love myself.’

• ‘I can choose myself without being selfish.’

That is a much gentler path to change, and doesn’t create more negative energy that you’d have to undo at a later date.  (Negative emotions can become trapped within you, and then you need to release them – our blog Releasing Emotional Baggage using The Emotion Code discusses this a bit more.)

This is one of the biggest fears people have – how people will react when you start setting boundaries. 

People who are used to you saying yes, and not setting boundaries, may react differently when you begin setting boundaries.  Someone who is used to you always saying yes may not immediately understand your new no.  They may push back, and question you.  However, it’s important to remember that boundaries are healthy, and they help others respect your time and energy.  They are used to you respect their time and energy instead, so it is a big change for them.

A boundary isn't wrong simply because someone doesn't like it.

Healthy relationships can adapt.  You may need to discuss it when you first start setting boundaries.  People who challenge them may need a reason when you first start saying no.  You can explain that you need more time to yourself, or to your family (or whatever it is), and that you don’t have time for their thing.  You are considering your own mental health as part of your decision-making process going forward.

People who genuinely care about you may need time to get used to your changes, but they can learn to respect your boundaries.

And if a relationship only works when you constantly abandon your own needs, that is useful information too.  You may wish to consider what you really get out of the relationship – is the time and energy spent pleasing them a good use of your own time and energy?  Or could it be better used getting to know yourself, and developing friendships that fulfill you as well as them?  (If you’d like to explore this further our Friendship Journal is a great way to delve deeper into your friendships and relationships.)

You are learning who can meet and enjoy the real, authentic you, rather than the version of you who is constantly trying to keep everyone happy.

Sometimes, the people pleasing pattern can be connected to deeper experiences of loss, disappointment, or unmet hopes.

Perhaps you have spent years trying to be ‘good enough’ to receive the love, approval, or connection you wanted.  Perhaps you're still carrying grief about a relationship that didn't become what you hoped it would be.  Or perhaps you're grieving something that never happened.

These experiences can leave emotional patterns that can be difficult to simply think your way out of.

My Releasing the Grief of What Never Was one-to-one session is a personalised process designed for people who feel stuck with grief connected to an unmet hope, expectation, or experience, that never became what they wanted it to be. The intention is to gently acknowledge what was lost, process the emotions around it (gently), and to create more space (and balance) for moving forward.

If you feel your people pleasing is connected to deeper grief, or an experience that you haven't been able to let go of, this may be something worth exploring.

If you're someone who enjoys a holistic approach, you may also find energy work helpful as part of your personal wellbeing journey.

People pleasing can leave you feeling emotionally drained, especially when you're constantly giving your time, attention and energy to other people.

My one-to-one Energy Clearing sessions offer a space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and explore your wellbeing from an energetic and holistic perspective.

Energy work isn't a replacement for professional medical or mental health care, but it can be used as a complementary wellbeing practice for people who enjoy this approach.

The next time someone asks you to do something, try asking yourself the following question.

‘If I knew this person would be completely okay with my answer, what would I choose?’

The answer can be very revealing.  This question helps separate your true preference from your fear of someone else's reaction.

And with practice, you may discover that you already know what you want.  You just haven't always felt safe enough, confident enough, or worthy enough, to listen to yourself.

Stopping people pleasing isn't about becoming selfish - it's about putting yourself into the equation, and creating more balance.

• You can be loving and have boundaries.

• You can be generous and have limits.

• You can care about other people's feelings and honour your own.

You can say yes when you genuinely want to.  You can say no when you don't.

You can help others without abandoning yourself.  You can be a good friend, partner, daughter, mother, sister, colleague, or human being without constantly putting yourself last.

And something that may hit home:  You don't have to earn your worth by being useful to everyone else.

Your worth isn't determined by how much you do. 

You don't need everyone's approval to be valuable. 

You don't need to make everyone happy to deserve love.

You are allowed to take up space in your own life.  And if you want to live your Best Life – you need to do so.

If you've been a people pleaser for years, don't expect yourself to suddenly become completely confident with boundaries.

Start small.  Pause before saying yes.

Listen to your feelings, and notice your needs.

Practise saying no, and spending time getting to know yourself.  Write in your journal, explore your values, and practice self-love.

And remind yourself that choosing yourself isn't selfish.  Instead, it's an important part of creating a life that feels authentic, peaceful, fulfilling, and truly yours.

And if you feel you need a little more inspiration, and want your life to be happier and more fulfilling, start exploring who you are, and who you’d like to be, our 52 Ideas to Help You Live Your Best Life ebook is another simple way to explore practical ideas for creating more purpose, joy, confidence, and fulfilment in your everyday life.

Because your Best Life isn't about becoming the person everyone else wants you to be.

Your Best Life is about becoming more fully you.

And perhaps the next time you feel that familiar urge to please someone, you can pause, take a breath and gently ask ‘what would I choose if I trusted myself?’  That answer may be the beginning of something wonderful.

1. What is people pleasing?

People pleasing is a pattern of regularly putting other people's needs, feelings, or approval ahead of your own.  It can include difficulty saying no, seeking approval, avoiding conflict, and neglecting your own needs while tending to others’.

2. How do I stop being a people pleaser?

Start by noticing when you automatically say yes, pause before answering requests, identify what you actually want, and practise small boundaries.  Learning self-love, and becoming more comfortable with your own needs, can also help.

3. How do I say no without feeling guilty?

Remember that guilt doesn't always mean you've done something wrong.  Start with small, simple nos, and avoid over-explaining. You can be kind and respectful while still saying no. 

If you struggle with setting boundaries (or want more information), my blog post How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach is a great resource.  It can help you learn how to communicate your boundaries in a way that feels kind, clear, and respectful.

4. Is people pleasing a form of low self-esteem?

It can be connected with low self-worth, or a strong need for external approval, although people pleasing can have different causes.  Understanding your own reasons can help you change the pattern.

5. How do I stop caring what other people think?

You probably won't stop caring completely — and you don't need to.  Instead, work towards caring about other people's opinions, without allowing them to make every decision for you. Becoming clearer about your own personal values, and practising self-trust, can also help.

6. Can people-pleasing affect relationships?

Yes.  Constantly agreeing, over-giving, or hiding your true needs, can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and relationships that don't feel balanced.  Learning healthy boundaries can help create more honest and respectful relationships.

7. Is setting boundaries selfish?

No.  Healthy boundaries help you communicate what you are and aren't comfortable with. You can care about other people while still respecting your own needs.

If you struggle with setting boundaries (or want more information), my blog post How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach is a great resource.  It can help you learn how to communicate your boundaries in a way that feels kind, clear, and respectful.

8. How long does it take to stop people pleasing?

There isn't a set timeframe.  People pleasing is often a long-standing pattern, so changing it usually takes practice.  Start with small steps, rather than expecting yourself to change everything at once.

9. Can journaling help with people pleasing?

Yes, it can.  Journaling can give you quiet space to explore your feelings, needs, values, relationships, and patterns.  It can be especially useful for noticing where you're saying yes, when you really want to say no.

10, When should I seek professional help?

If people pleasing is causing significant distress, affecting your relationships, or making it difficult to function in everyday life, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.  You don't have to work through everything alone.

We have a variety of resources that can assist you on your journey to living your Best Life, many of which are relevant to those of us who people please (or are a recovering people pleaser, as Oprah Winfrey says).

You can download a free 7-Day People Pleasing Challenge, to get you started, in a simple, gentle way.

We have a number of journals which can assist you on your people pleasing journey. Journaling is a great way to explore who you are, and who you want to be. Our Friendship Journal is a great way to delve deeper into exactly what you want from your friendships - as well as 30 bonus message templates to help you reach out initially. The Clarity Within Journal can help you slow down, reflect, and become clearer about what is happening within you. You may also enjoy the My Spiritual Self-Help Journal if you're looking for a deeper spiritual and personal reflection practice. Each journal has it's own purpose, yet can take you deeper within, so you are clearer about where you are, and where you would like to be.

We have a free mini-course called The Values Code: Unlocking Your Best Self, which is a simple yet powerful way to explore your own personal values.  (There is a download to help you on your journey.)

My Releasing the Grief of What Never Was one-to-one session is a personalised process designed for people who feel stuck with grief connected to an unmet hope, expectation, or experience, that never became what they wanted it to be. The intention is to gently acknowledge what was lost, process/release the emotions around it (gently), and to create more space (and balance) for moving forward.

I also have one-to-one Energy Clearing sessions available, which are a chance to consider where you are, where you'd like to be, and consider how we can clear blocks to getting there, while reconnecting with yourself, and who you wish to be, from an energetic and holistic perspective.

If you feel you could benefit from some more self-love, The Glow Within Bundle is designed to encourage and support self-love, confidence, boundaries, and a kinder relationship with yourself.

If you'd like a little more inspiration, and want your life to be happier and more fulfilling, start exploring who you are, and who you’d like to be, with our 52 Ideas to Help You Live Your Best Life ebook. It's a simple way to explore practical ideas for creating more purpose, joy, confidence, and fulfilment in your everyday life.

Want more practical ideas and thought-provoking content on a regular basis?  Don’t miss out on all the hints & tips that you can implement over time!  Sign up for weekly input to help you uplift your life – one week at a time!

We have also created stand-alone pages in the 7 life segments with all blogs, freebies, and paid products grouped together, so you can easily find and review items of interest to you.  Click on the links below to find the areas of most interest to you!  

Life Purpose & Best Life - Health & Wellness - Relationships - Abundance - Personal Growth - Peace of Mind - Spirituality & Energy.

https://psychcentral.com/health/the-need-to-please-the-psychology-of-people-pleasing

https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/how-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/people-pleasing

https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/what-oprah-knows-for-sure-about-always-saying-yes

https://eapassist.com.au/overcome-people-pleasing/

YouTube Video: Oprah on ‘The Disease to Please’

The information in this blog is provided for general educational and self-help purposes only. It is designed to give you ideas, reflection points and practical tools to support your personal growth and wellbeing.

People pleasing can sometimes be connected to deeper emotional experiences, anxiety, trauma, low self-worth or relationship difficulties. This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical, psychological or mental health care.

Please listen to yourself and seek support from a qualified health or mental health professional if people pleasing is causing significant distress, affecting your relationships or making it difficult to cope with everyday life.

Everyone's situation is different, so please take what feels helpful for you and leave what doesn't. You are always encouraged to make choices that support your own wellbeing, and seek appropriate professional guidance when needed.

The resources, products and services mentioned on this page are intended to complement your personal growth and wellbeing journey, and are not a substitute for professional healthcare or therapy.