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

Send us a textWhy Your Anger Isn't the Problem- But a Path to Clarity and SolutionsAre you a people pleaser or highly sensitive person who struggles with feeling safe expressing anger? You’re not alone—and in today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on anger. Instead of seeing it as something to suppress or shame, we’ll explore how anger is actually a powerful messenger guiding you toward healthier boundaries, clearer values, and unmet needs.I’m MaryAnn Walker, a life coach who helps highly sensitive people and recovering people pleasers reconnect with their emotions so they can feel more empowered and live life on their own terms.This episode is part two of our anger series. Last time, we discussed why anger feels unsafe for people pleasers and the common ways it shows up. Today, we’re going deeper: what is anger trying to teach you, and how can you use it to create real change in your life?What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to reframe anger as a protective, motivating force rather than a problem to fix.How to identify boundaries that need to be set or reinforced and communicate them effectively.How anger reveals your core values and helps you assess whether your relationships and actions are in alignment with what matters most.How anger signals unmet needs—whether for rest, support, appreciation, or reciprocity—and strategies to meet those needs proactively.Practical examples for turning anger into action, from setting digital boundaries to advocating for fairness in relationships.Challenge for the Week:When anger shows up, pause and ask yourself:Is this about a boundary I need to set?Is this revealing something about my values?Is this highlighting an unmet need I can address?Take time to reflect on your answers, and notice how approaching anger with curiosity instead of shame can transform your relationships and your sense of self.Work With Me:If you want support uncovering what anger is trying to teach you and learning how to honor your boundaries, values, and needs, I’d love to work with you. Visit www.maryannwalker.life or email me at maryann@maryannwalker.lifeto check availability.Wondering if you're a good candidate for coaching? You can book a free clarity call with me here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultDon’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.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

Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed by the news, politics, or the state of the world? You’re not alone. In this bonus episode, MaryAnn Walker dives into how empaths and highly sensitive people can stay grounded during times of uncertainty — like the current U.S. government shutdown — without shutting down emotionally. She shares practical strategies for transforming overwhelm into hope and meaningful action.Whether you’re stressed about finances, worried about loved ones, or simply drained by constant headlines, this episode provides tools to help you regain clarity, calm, and control.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow highly sensitive people experience macro vs micro stress during crisesTechniques to reduce overwhelm while staying empatheticPractical ways to take small, meaningful actions that help both yourself and othersHow serving your community can regulate your emotions and restore hopeWhy staying centered in your values is more powerful than trying to fix everythingChallenge for the WeekAsk yourself: what is the one thing weighing heaviest on me right now? Choose one small, compassionate action that can lighten that burden — whether it’s donating to a local food pantry, reaching out to a friend, or simply taking a mindful pause for yourself.Work With MeIf you’re an empath or highly sensitive person struggling to stay grounded in overwhelming times, I can help you find clarity, calm, and emotional resilience. Email me at maryann@maryannwalker.life or click here to get started. https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meIf you have been impacted by the shutdown, reach out. I have deferred billing and scholarships that can help. Want to contribute? Venmo me or add a few bucks to my digital tip jar!Venmo: @MaryAnn-Walker-Life, Digital Tip Jar: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/tip-jarDon’t Forget to SubscribeIf you found this episode helpful, subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes on emotional regulation, empath self-care, and navigating life as a highly sensitive person.MaryAnn Walker coaching: https:maryannwalker.lifeFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifeJoin my email list and get a FREE GIFT! https://maryannwalker-life.ck.page/3da1fd88a9

Send us a textWhy many people pleasers struggle with anger (and how to start feeling it safely)For many people pleasers, anger feels unsafe, unpredictable, or even shameful. But here’s the truth—anger itself isn’t the problem. It’s actually a signal, like a check engine light, telling us something is out of alignment.This is part one of a two-part series on anger. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why people pleasers struggle with anger and the many ways it can show up. Next week, we’ll dive into what anger is here to teach us and how it can actually help us live more authentic and aligned lives.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why anger feels so unsafe for people pleasers.How suppressing emotions leads to shame, resentment, and burnout.The “rule of thirds” of life and why resisting emotions only compounds suffering.Sneaky ways anger shows up: passive aggression, sarcasm, silent treatment, martyrdom, over-accommodating, and more.Why anger is best understood as a check engine light, inviting curiosity rather than panic.Challenge for the Week:Notice how anger shows up for you. Do you turn it inward? Suppress it? Explode? Withdraw? Instead of judging yourself, simply observe your patterns. Awareness is the first step to creating change.Work With Me:If you’re ready to better understand your emotions and break free from the cycle of people-pleasing, I’d love to support you. Visit www.maryannwalker.life to apply for coaching, or email me at maryann@maryannwalker.life.Don’t Forget to Subscribe:This is part one of a two-part series on anger. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll uncover what anger is here to teach you.✨ 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.life to get started and inquire about availability. Let’s Stay Connected:📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifeRelated Episodes: 168: Am I The Jerk Now? How to Set Boundaries Without Becoming The Villain https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17472392162: How to Stop Fixing, Controlling, and Over-Accomodating Everyonehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17147279127: When Someone Makes You Upset: How to Control Your Feelings https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/15548383

Send us a textAre you always showing up for everyone else — yet feeling unseen, unfulfilled, or disconnected from yourself?In this episode, life coach MaryAnn Walker shares the top 10 struggles she sees most often in highly sensitive people and recovering people pleasers — and how to start reclaiming your joy, balance, and authenticity.As you listen, take a gentle self-inventory. If even one of these resonates, you deserve support. But if four or more hit home, consider it a loving nudge that it’s time to invest in you — because you deserve a life that feels peaceful, balanced, and full of joy.10 most common struggles: You’re checking all the boxes but still not feeling happy.Life looks good on paper, but joy still feels just out of reach.You’ve lost yourself in caring for everyone else.You’re so tuned in to others’ needs that you can’t even identify your own anymore.You’re doing the lion’s share of emotional labor in your relationships.You’re the one who comforts, initiates repairs, and carries the weight of everyone’s feelings.You feel personally responsible for others’ emotions.You can’t rest until everyone around you is okay — even if it drains you.You feel like you’re walking on eggshells.You’re constantly scanning for danger or disapproval, trying to keep everyone happy and avoid conflict.You feel insecure and wonder if you’re too much or too little.You replay conversations and second-guess yourself long after interactions have ended.You love serving others, but something feels missing.Giving brings you joy — and yet you feel a quiet ache that there should be more for you, too.You crave deeper, more balanced relationships.You’re longing for mutual care, emotional depth, and connection where you can be fully yourself.You’re tired of living on autopilot.You want more than productivity — you want passion, creativity, and joy.You’re ready to reconnect with you.You’ve spent years living by others’ expectations, and now you’re ready to rediscover who you are and what lights you up.How many are you experiencing? Work With MeIf you recognized yourself in several of these struggles, know that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Coaching can help you reconnect with who you are, set healthy boundaries, and create a life that feels balanced and joyful.✨ Book your free clarity call today to see if coaching is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultOr email me directly at maryann@maryannwalker.lifeDon’t Forget to SubscribeIf you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes on emotional healing, boundaries, and reclaiming your joy as a sensitive soul.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeWelcome Mat vs. Doormat Energy episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17600742Brené Brown: Empathy vs. Sympathy video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQBook: Becoming Sister Wives by Christine Woolley Brown https://amzn.to/4neLh1JBook a Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult 

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.