Inner Work With MaryAnn Walker: Stop People Pleasing and Start Honoring You!

Send us a text3 Life-Changing Lessons About Guilt, Boundaries, and Authenticity. Today I’m joined by licensed clinical social worker and lifestyle coach, Tricia Corso. Tricia shares her powerful journey of leaving behind the “supposed to’s” of life in New York to create a more aligned, authentic life in Colorado. Together, we explore the themes of guilt, people pleasing, authenticity, and how to quiet the voices of external expectations so you can finally hear your own.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How guilt often shows up when you start honoring your truth—and why it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.Why people pleasing is really a form of self-abandonment and how it keeps you small.How to step into authenticity, even when it means disrupting others’ expectations.The role of unspoken cultural and familial “shoulds” in shaping your choices—and how to break free.Practical ways to identify your voice, values, and desires amidst the noise of other people’s opinions.Challenge for the WeekNotice where guilt or “shoulds” are steering your choices. Ask yourself: Whose voice is this? Is it truly yours—or an inherited belief? Then take one small step this week to honor your own values, even if it feels uncomfortable.Work With MeIf you’re ready to break free from people pleasing and start living life on your own terms, I’d love to support you. Book a free clarity call with me today: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult.✨ I'm currently offering 6 and 12 week 1:1 coaching packages where we’ll dive deep into the limiting beliefs shaping your life and create space for growth, clarity, and connection.🎯 Ready to reserve your 6 or 12 week package? email me at maryann@maryannwalker.lifeDon’t Forget to Subscribe:Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss next week’s episode. We’ll keep exploring emotional boundaries, mindset shifts, and how to change your life completely—especially for those who feel deeply and love big.Let’s Stay Connected:📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life*Don’t Forget to Subscribe*If this conversation resonated with you, make sure you hit “subscribe” so you never miss an episode.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Connect with Tricia Corso on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amongwildflowerstherapy/

Send us a textAlign Your Affirmations: Why They’re Not Working (and How to Fix Them)Are your affirmations falling flat? You say them every morning, but nothing seems to change. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why don’t affirmations work for me?”—this episode is exactly what you need.The truth is, affirmations aren’t magic spells. They don’t work just because you repeat them. But when you learn how to align your thoughts, actions, and energy with your affirmations, they become powerful tools for transformation.In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, we’ll explore why traditional affirmations often backfire—and how you can shift them into believable, empowering statements that actually rewire your brain and move you toward the life you want.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why affirmations like “I am slim and healthy” or “Money flows easily to me” might trigger your brain to reject them.The key difference between affirmations and aspirations (and why most people confuse the two).How your brain’s built-in “lie detector” can sabotage affirmations that feel too far from reality.Simple reframes that turn empty affirmations into daily practices of alignment.How to make your brain your ally, not your adversary.How to embody affirmations like “I am healthy, I am wealthy, I am wise” by finding evidence in your current reality.Challenge for the Week:Pick one affirmation you’ve been using and ask yourself: Does this feel true right now, or is it more of an aspiration? If it feels out of reach, reframe it into a statement you can actually affirm today. For example:Instead of “I am slim and healthy,” try “I am making choices each and every day that improve my health and wellness.”Notice how your brain responds differently—and how your actions shift as a result.Work With MeIf you’re ready to live in alignment with the version of you that you know is possible—but you need some support shifting your thoughts and energy—I’d love to work with you. I currently have three coaching spots becoming available this month. Apply now and let’s help you embody the life you’ve been affirming.👉 Wondering if coaching is right for you? Book your free clarity call here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultDon’t Forget to SubscribeMake sure you’re subscribed to Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker so you never miss an episode.Connect with me!Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultContact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

Send us a textIs your “positive mindset” actually emotional avoidance in disguise? In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, I’m joined once again by guest Kellyn Legath for an honest conversation about the difference between true positive thinking and emotional bypassing. Together, we explore how to sit with and process uncomfortable emotions, why they matter, and how shifting your relationship with avoided feelings can unlock deeper healing and empowerment.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe difference between positive thinking and emotional bypassingHow to sit with emotions rather than suppress themWhy emotions aren’t positive or negative—but valuable informationReal-life role plays that show what it looks like to process emotions like sadness, anger, and anxietyHow curiosity can help you uncover the truth behind your emotionsGrounding practices and simple tools to support emotional regulationHow emotions can act as “cheat codes” to identify unmet needs and map a plan for getting them metChallenge for the WeekNotice where you might be using “positivity” to avoid uncomfortable feelings. This week, choose one emotion you usually avoid and practice sitting with it. Get curious: What is this feeling trying to tell you? What need is it pointing you toward?Work With MeIf you’re ready to stop bypassing your emotions and start listening to them as valuable guides, I’d love to support you. Book a free clarity call today and let’s explore what working together could look like: Book here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult.Don’t Forget to SubscribeIf you haven’t already, be sure to follow Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker so you never miss an episode!Links Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://amzn.to/3Voj1OHConnect with MaryAnn Walker!Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultContact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifeConnect with Kellyn Legath: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daydreamercoaching/Other Links: https://bio.site/daydreamer?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadHHKuglgXR4iC8g_c7amm4N8mNN7M4vYHFKwFQOEd1cLtvCbV9jGlMubeqtw_aem_C5FnuHOJ9prsPYcdkiSnKABook Recommendation: The Body Keeps The Score: https://amzn.to/3IQIIop

Send us a textThis ancient principle could be the missing piece to creating sustainable, reciprocal relationships.Ayni—the Andean principle of sacred reciprocity. Unlike the transactional way we often view give-and-take in the West, ayni invites us into a mindful balance of energy, sustainability, and connection in our relationships.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat ayni means and how it differs from transactional reciprocity.Why imbalance in relationships often leads to obligation, resentment, and burnout.How reciprocity can show up in unexpected and creative ways (tamales, artwork, or simply being seen).Practical ways to begin practicing ayni in your daily life.Why balanced reciprocity strengthens trust, resilience, and belonging in relationships.Challenge for the WeekTake some time to reflect on where you might be experiencing imbalance. What small shift could you make this week to restore balance? This might look like asking for what you need, practicing gratitude, or initiating a simple act of kindness.Work With MeIf this episode resonates and you’re ready to experience what balanced reciprocity feels like, I would love to support you as your coach. Together, we can identify where imbalance shows up in your life and create more sustainable, nourishing relationships. Spots are opening for October—don’t wait to invest in yourself.Don’t Forget to SubscribeMake sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Each week, we dive deeper into the practices that help recovering people pleasers create balance, self-worth, and authentic connection.🎯 email me now at maryann@maryannwalker.life to work with me! Follow me on my other platforms and join the conversation! Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

Explore the deep-rooted fear of abandonment that drives people to please others excessively. Discover how self-abandonment connects to this fear and learn to distinguish between fear-driven thoughts and love-driven truths. Engaging practices help you shift from fear to love, fostering genuine connections. Prioritizing self-love becomes essential for nurturing healthy relationships. Challenge yourself to recognize fear's influence and take small actions rooted in love, even when it's uncomfortable.

Explore the deep-seated fear of abandonment that drives people pleasers to ignore their own needs. Discover how past experiences can mold our perceptions of love and connection. The discussion highlights how fear leads to self-abandoning behaviors, like overgiving and staying in toxic relationships. Understand the damaging cycle of seeking approval while feeling increasingly disconnected. Uncover the illusion of connection that these patterns create, leaving individuals feeling more alone than ever.

Send us a textDo you ever feel like you’re working so hard, but somehow still not making progress? What if the thing that's holding you back smaller than you think?Self-sabotage is sneaky. It can show up in tiny, everyday choices that keep you stuck, frustrated, and wondering why your efforts aren’t paying off. In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, I share a real-life lesson that turned into a powerful reminder: sometimes it’s not about making massive changes—it’s about one small tweak that can make all the difference.Whether you’re a recovering people pleaser, an empath, or a highly sensitive person, you may notice self-sabotage showing up in your relationships, your goals, and even in the way you talk to yourself. The good news? Once you learn how to stop self-sabotaging, you’ll see how one small mindset shift and tiny daily habits can create big and lasting results.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeCommon self-sabotage patterns and how to recognize them.Why people pleasers often minimize their accomplishments (and how to stop).How avoiding conflict in relationships can actually create more conflict.Practical mindset shifts to break the cycle of self-sabotage.Why making tiny changes every day can lead to massive transformation.Challenge for the WeekAsk yourself: What’s one small tweak I could make today that would have the biggest impact on my life? Maybe it’s speaking up sooner, accepting help instead of refusing it, or finally celebrating your own accomplishments.Work With MeIf you’re ready to stop sabotaging your goals and start creating the results you really want, I’d love to help. As a life coach for empaths, highly sensitive people, and recovering people pleasers, I specialize in spotting the small shifts that can lead to big breakthroughs. Book your free clarity call today: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultDon’t Forget to SubscribeBe sure to follow Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker so you never miss an episode. And if you found this helpful, please leave a review—it helps more helpers, healers, and people pleasers discover tools to stop getting in their own way and live with more confidence, clarity, and ease.Want to connect on other platforms?  I've got you!Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifeFollow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maryannwalkerlife

Send us a textTrauma Bonds: Why They’re So Hard to Spot, Why They Feel Addictive, and How to Break Free for GoodIf you’ve ever wondered “Am I in a trauma bond?” or found yourself walking on eggshells, feeling extreme emotions in a relationship, and clinging to the hope things will go back to how they “used to be,” this episode is for you. We’ll explore how people pleasing as a trauma response can deepen trauma bonding and keep you trapped in toxic relationship patterns.You’ll learn the difference between a toxic relationship vs trauma bond, and how trauma bonds often develop through love bombing, devaluing, discard, and sporadic reinforcement. We’ll also talk about the role of anxious attachment, why leaving can feel impossible, and exactly how to break free of a trauma bond so you can reclaim your peace and self-worth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode💛 What a trauma bond really is and how it’s formed💛 The “slot machine effect” and why sporadic reinforcement keeps you hooked💛 How trauma bonds amplify people pleasing and self-abandonment💛 The repeating cycle of love bombing, devaluing, and discard💛 Common signs you may be trauma bonded (and how to tell)💛 Why walking on eggshells becomes the norm in trauma-bonded relationships💛 How anxious attachment fuels the cycle💛 The truth about healthy love versus conditional, inconsistent attentionChallenge for the WeekPay attention to your relationship patterns. Do the highs feel intoxicating while the lows drag on endlessly? Are you ignoring your own needs to keep someone else happy? Notice if your emotions swing from extreme highs to crushing lows. Write down your observations without judgment—awareness is the first step to change.Work With MeIf you’re ready to stop asking “Am I trauma bonded?” and start breaking free from the cycle, I’d love to support you. In coaching, we’ll work together to untangle the patterns keeping you stuck and help you create relationships that feel safe, balanced, and mutually fulfilling. Click here to book your free clarity call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultDon’t Forget to SubscribeIf you found this episode helpful, make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode. Every week we explore the topics that matter most to recovering people pleasers, highly sensitive people, and anyone ready to heal from toxic relationship dynamics.Connect with me!Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultContact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

Time alone doesn't heal emotional wounds; intention and effort are key. The discussion encourages listeners to recognize when rest becomes avoidance and offers insights into true healing for highly sensitive people. Breakups and transitions can serve as powerful growth catalysts. Discover how to differentiate between coping and genuine healing, along with a self-inquiry practice to guide your progress. It's time to take charge of your healing journey!

Send us a textAre you a highly sensitive person who’s constantly giving but feeling invisible in your relationships? Do you ever catch yourself wondering, “Do they know I’m here?” or feeling like “They are walking all over me”? Maybe you’ve been feeling used or taken advantage of, and deep down you’re thinking, “I just want to be seen and loved.”In this episode, I open up about my own journey as a helper, healer, and recovering people pleaser, including the powerful images that came into my mind’s eye during Reiki sessions with client that revealed just how it can feel to over-giving at your own expense. I’ll share 2 impactful stories from my time as a Reiki practitioner—moments when unhealed codependency and energetic imbalances were manifesting through two powerful images... a doormat and a cloak of invisibility. Through metaphors like doormat vs. welcome mat energy and the cloak of invisibility, we’ll explore how patterns of over-giving can leave you exhausted, resentful, and wondering if you’ll ever feel truly valued. You’ll also learn practical, heart-centered tools for reclaiming your energy, setting boundaries without guilt, and stepping into relationships where you can be authentically seen and loved for who you are.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:💛 The difference between doormat energy and welcome mat energy🌀 How codependency keeps you stuck in over-giving cycles🌱 The role of the solar plexus and heart chakra in emotional boundaries🧠 What your resentment is trying to tell you🧍‍♀️ The emotional cost of wearing a cloak of invisibility✨ How to shift from seeking love through usefulness to receiving love through authenticity🔮 How Reiki and chakra healing can help process emotional patternsThis episode is especially for you if:You’re a recovering people pleaser or codependent personalityYou often feel taken for granted or invisible in relationshipsYou give your time, energy, and love freely—but rarely feel nourished in returnYou’re tired of feeling invisible and want to step into your worthYou’re interested in the intersection of spirituality, energy work, and emotional healingReady to Be Seen?If you’re tired of feeling invisible and drained from always being the “go-to” person for everyone else, this is your sign to step out of the doormat role, take off the cloak of invisibility, and feel safe being seen. You don’t have to prove your worth through over-giving.Ready to make lasting change? 🔗 Book your free clarity call today to explore where your energy might be leaking and how you can shift toward empowered, authentic connection.Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultContact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life