Shake It Off: Releasing People-Pleasing, Self-Doubt, and Worry.

Let's be real: who hasn't felt like they're carrying the world's weight on their shoulders at times? Whether it's the need to keep everyone happy, constantly questioning if you're enough, or the overthinking that keeps you up all night, we've all been there. I know that I've definitely been there recently, and it's exhausting!

But here's the thing: worrying about things that probably won't ever happen, doubting our every move, or saying "yes" when we really mean "no" isn't just tiring, it's a habit that can keep us stuck -disconnecting us from our authentic selves and draining the energy we need to live a fulfilling life.

Why Do We Do This To Ourselves?

People-Pleasing:

We're hardwired to seek connection, so we naturally want to avoid conflict and disappointment, but saying "yes" at the expense of our own needs causes us to lose balance. People-pleasing can be a survival strategy, but it's important to remember it's not sustainable if it leaves us empty.

Self-Doubt:

You know that little voice? The one in the back of your head, whispering "you're not good enough" - it's a liar. Most of the time, that little voice reflects fear, past experiences, or a manifestation of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.

Worry:

Let's face it - half the things we worry about never even happen. We let our precious energy be drained by spiralling over the 'what-ifs', but what if we channel that energy into something more fulfilling? Letting go and releasing traits of people-pleasing, self-doubt, and anxiety helps us engage in a life that truly fills our cup and connects us to the world.

The Big Question: Can We Find Balance?

The good news is: Yes, we can. But it requires intention and practice (lots of practice!).

It means checking in with yourself regularly and asking questions like: “What do I *really* need right now?” or “Am I pouring from an empty cup?”

It’s about recognising that caring for others doesn’t mean abandoning yourself.

Here are a few thoughts to guide you in your journey:

Pause and Feel:

Sometimes, we’re so busy doing that we forget to feel. Take a moment to notice what’s happening in your body. Are your shoulders tense? Is your heart racing? Acknowledge it.

Ask yourself: What do you need right now to feel better?

Shake, Move, or Punch:

If you’re feeling stuck, get it out! Dance, jump, scream into a pillow, or try a few rounds of pillow boxing. Movement is a powerful tool for releasing tension in both mind and body, helping us clear out any unhelpful emotional clutter.

Set Boundaries:

Saying "no" doesn’t mean you’re selfish. It means you’re choosing where your energy goes. That’s not just okay - it’s essential.

Reflect With Compassion:

Check in with yourself daily.

• Are you worrying about something that won’t matter next week?

• Are you being kind to yourself, or letting doubt take the wheel?

Rest and Digest:

Don’t forget to give yourself plenty of time to rest. This can take many forms depending on what we need most at each moment; it might look like journaling, taking a nap, or sitting quietly. Whatever resting looks like for you, it's important to remember that rest is where growth happens.

Releasing People-Pleasing and Self-Doubt ---

The Bottom Line:

Worry, self-doubt, and people-pleasing are normal.

We’re not broken or weak for feeling this way - we’re human.

But when we let these patterns take over, we’re robbing ourselves of joy, connection, and energy.

Take the time to release it all, shake it off, let it go, and find a pause - allowing ourselves to release self-doubt and worry are some of the kindest things we can do for ourselves.

So, let’s commit to:

• Checking in

• Shaking it out

• Being just that little bit kinder to ourselves

  
  

✨ You deserve to feel light, free, and whole. ✨

Further resources :

If you're looking for ways to find peace in your head and rest, I invite you to take a look at some of my free resources at https://www.brighterlife.nz/guided-practices .