Embrace Your Inner Unicorn: How to Stop Being a People Pleaser and Embrace Your Inner Truth
Hey there, fellow dreamer! Are you tired of feeling like a chameleon, constantly changing colors to meet the perceived expectations of others? Well, my friend, it’s time to unleash your inner unicorn and break free from the chains of people-pleasing! Get ready for a magical journey as we explore some ways to reclaim your authenticity and live life on your own terms.
Cast Away the Fear of Disapproval - Believe in Yourself
No one is living your life, but you. No one knows you better than yourself. Do you look to others to get approval, or validation on what to do in life? It seems easier in the moment to do what others think is best, but in the end, it doesn’t serve us. We don’t live our authentic lives. We end up resenting the choices we’ve made, and the people who have “forced” us to make them. Believe in yourself. You know what is best for you, how much you can take on, what will make you happy in the long run. When you believe in yourself and your ability to make decisions, the spell of people-pleasing loses its power.
Create Healthy Boundaries
You know that movie “Yes Man” staring Jim Carrey? Well I think they should make another follow up movie called “No Ma’am”. Us people-pleasers tend to say “yes” to just about everything, even when we don’t want to, or don’t have time, or have too much on our plate, or want to be laying on our couch watching bad reality TV and catching up on the latest Scandoval news instead of doing anything else. What if instead of saying yes, we said no? (gracefully, of course). Prioritize yourself, honor your time, and surround yourself with those who understand (and respect) that “No” is a complete sentence.
Discover Your Inner Rainbow: Follow Your Passions
Sometimes us people-pleasers spend so much time doing what others want, we lose track of what we want or enjoy. Take time to reflect on what makes you happy, ask yourself “what brings me joy?” Engage in the activities that light up your soul - art making, dancing, making music, baking, hiking, horseback riding…whatever it is - do more of it! (It’s okay if you don’t know what makes your light radiate from within - try out different activities/hobbies until you find it. Sometimes just trying something new creates a spark!)
Dance with Unicorns, Not Dragons
In the enchanted forest of healthy relationships, seek out kindred spirts who love and appreciate you for who you truly are. If you get the sense that a friend or family member is trying to change who you are at your core, or pressing you to act in a certain way, they may be a dragon, and you may soon get burned. Dance with unicorns, not dragons, and find out what true support and unconditional love feels like.
Speak Your Authentic Truth
Unicorns are pretty special; magical really. We have a lot of insights to offer! Don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts, emotions, and opinions. Don’t fall into the trap of agreeing with others because you want to be liked. Being liked is great, but wouldn’t you rather be liked for who you are and what you believe in? Being authentic around others and sharing a differing opinion or viewpoint might be a challenge, but in the end, expressing your true self will feel better than conforming to others’ beliefs, simply to keep the peace.
So, dear reader, it’s time to don your glittering crown, harness the power of your inner unicorn, and step into a world where you are the author of your own fairy tale. Break free from the chains of people-pleasing, embrace your own authenticity, and let your vibrant spirit sparkle like the rarest of gems. And remember - the path to breaking free from people-pleasing is a journey, not a destination. Don’t get down on yourself if you fall back into bad habits. Instead, celebrate each baby step you take to reclaiming your authenticity and living life on your own terms!