Inner Work With MaryAnn Walker: Life Coach for Empaths, Highly Sensitive People & People Pleasers

Send us a text***Energetic Boundaries 101: A Survival Guide for Empaths***As an empath or highly sensitive person, your energy is constantly checking in on others—even when you don’t realize it. In this episode, MaryAnn Walker breaks down what energetic boundaries are, why they’re crucial for empaths, and how to set them so you can protect your energy, stop the emotional burnout, and still show up with love and compassion.*What You’ll Learn in This Episode:*✨What empath energy really looks and feels like✨The difference between conscious and subconscious energy outreach✨Why you feel exhausted after emotionally charged interactions✨The difference between resistance and boundaries✨Simple and effective ways to set energetic intentions throughout your day✨Powerful rituals to honor your compassion without losing yourself in someone else's pain✨How to shift from emotional rescuing to empowered support✨Why self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s energetic survival for empaths*Challenge for the Week:*Choose one interaction or activity this week where you’ll set an energetic intention beforehand. Whether it’s a gathering, a phone call, or even scrolling social media, decide how you want to show up and where your energy will go—on purpose. Write it down. Say it aloud. Notice how it changes the experience.*Work With Me*If you’re ready to stop the emotional burnout and start protecting your energy while still showing up in love, my six-week coaching package is designed specifically for empaths and highly sensitive people like you. Let’s create a more balanced, sustainable life together.Visit www.maryannwalker.life to get started. I’d love to work with you!*Don’t Forget to Subscribe*If this episode resonated with you, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you never miss a new episode. And if you’ve found this helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review—it helps other empaths find this work and feel supported too.*Links Mentioned in This Episode**More on Energetic Boundaries:* https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/12768879*Self-Care for Empaths: 10 Practical Tips* https://youtu.be/rhxf4ni6yd0www.maryannwalker.life – Work with MaryAnn*Follow me on my other platforms!**Instagram* https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/*Facebook* https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life*TikTok* https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifeRelated Searches: how to stop absorbing other people’s emotions, setting energetic boundaries as an empath, emotional overwhelm as a highly sensitive person, how to protect your energy as a healer, empathy burnout recovery, tools for empaths to stop people pleasing, how to say no without guilt as a helper, managing compassion fatigue, emotional self-care for empaths, signs you’re in empathy overload, how to set boundaries without feeling mean, support for highly sensitive women, how to recharge as a people pleaser, grounding techniques for emotional overload, how to navigate life as an empathic woman

Send us a text✨***Emotional Hygiene for Empaths & HSP's and Why it Matters More Than You Think***Have you ever found yourself totally drained after spending time with someone—even if you weren’t the one going through something heavy? Maybe lately you’re feeling anxious, not sleeping well, or just not like yourself. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.Today, we’re talking about why self-care isn’t optional for empaths and highly sensitive people. We’ll dive into what happens when you ignore your needs, how your body starts to whisper (or scream) for help, and how your sensitivity—when supported—can become your superpower.I’ll also be sharing 10 practical, powerful self-care tips to help you protect your energy, feel grounded, and get back to being your beautifully balanced self.*What You’ll Learn in This Episode:*✨Why self-care is a lifeline—not a luxury—for empaths and HSPs✨How your body gives you warning signs (and what happens when you ignore them)✨What energetic and emotional burnout really looks like✨The difference between being “under-hydrated” and dehydrated✨Why your sensitivity makes you more responsive to both burnout and healing✨The energetic impact of processed food, sleep, and movement✨How to recognize and honor your own energy boundaries✨10 practical ways to nourish your body, mind, and spirit—starting today***10 Self-Care Tips to Protect Your Energy as an Empath:****Eat High-Vibrational Foods*Be intentional about what you eat. Choose foods that energize and nourish your body, and pay attention to how different foods make you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.*Stay Hydrated*Don’t underestimate the power of water! Staying hydrated helps support emotional flow, nervous system regulation, and even anxiety reduction.*Prioritize Sleep*Your nervous system needs time to recharge. Get to know your optimal sleep needs—and honor them without guilt.*Move Your Body Daily*Movement isn’t just about physical health—it’s essential for clearing out stuck emotional and energetic blocks. Even 10 minutes can help reset your energy.*Get Outside*Nature is deeply regulating for the nervous system. Step into the sunlight, breathe fresh air, and let the Earth ground and calm you.*Set Emotional and Energetic Boundaries*Visualize a one-way mirror around your aura. You can see others clearly, but their energy doesn’t come in unless you allow it. Remember: holding space isn’t the same as over-owning someone else’s experience.*Notice Who Drains You*Pay attention to people, places, or situations that consistently leave you feeling depleted. Prepare your energy before engaging—or limit exposure when necessary.*Practice Breathwork and Meditation*Just 10 minutes a day can help you return to yourself. Use breathwork to call your energy back, calm your mind, and recenter your spirit.*Journal and Reflect*Regular journaling helps you process emotions and tune into your body’s messages. Ask: What do I need right now? What am I avoiding? What am I feeling?*Challenge for the Week*Choose one or two of the self-care tips from today’s episode and commit to practicing them daily for the next 7 days. Keep it simple. Check in with yourself each day and ask, What does my energy need today?*Remember:* your well-being is not optional—it’s foundational.*Work With Me*If you’re ready to move from burnout to balance and want guidance personalized to your unique energy, I offer one-on-one coaching packages designed specifically for empaths, HSPs, and people-pleasers. Let's work together to reclaim your energy and rewrite your story.

Send us a textAre you looking for a way to process emotion? Try the RAIN technique, a mindfulness practice created by Tara Brach that can help you emotionally process in a way that’s grounded, compassionate, and healing.  Listen in as we break down the RAIN technique—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture—and how you can apply it to your daily life for more emotional resilience and self-compassion.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe RAIN technique: An introduction to each step—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture.Why this method works: How RAIN helps to break the cycle of self-judgment and over-identifying with your emotions.Examples of applying RAIN: Real-life scenarios on how to use RAIN to manage overwhelming emotions, emotional burnout, or self-doubt.Practical tools: How to build emotional resilience and be kinder to yourself.The power of mindfulness: How RAIN can help you process emotions without being consumed by them.Challenge for the Week:Try using the RAIN technique when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Journaling about your experience is a great way to reflect. Write out the acronym and fill it in—Recognize what you're feeling, Allow it to be there, Investigate what's beneath it, and Nurture yourself with self-compassion. See what shifts in how you relate to your emotions, and pay attention to how your reactions may change.Work With Me!If you’d like support in using the RAIN technique or would like deeper guidance on emotional processing, I invite you to check out my coaching packages. Together, we can build a healthier, more balanced way of being.Don’t Forget to Subscribe!Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes. And if you’re loving the show, please leave a review to help others find this resource!Links Mentioned in This Episode:Tara Brach's Radical Acceptance https://amzn.to/3FCdQGkWebsite: https://maryannwalker.life/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifeBook a FREE consult call!  This is a free 20 minute call where I can answer any questions you might have. I look forward to meeting you! https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultRemember, emotional processing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With practices like RAIN, you can create space for self-compassion and mindfulness in your everyday life!

Send us a textAre you stuck in a toxic relationship but can’t quite understand why? You may be caught in a trauma bond—a deeply ingrained psychological attachment that keeps people trapped in unhealthy dynamics. In this episode, I break down what trauma bonds are, why they form, and how they create cycles of emotional dependency. I also explore real-life examples, including the shocking story of Ruby and Kevin Franke, to illustrate how manipulative tactics can keep victims loyal to their abusers.If you’ve ever felt torn between love and pain in a relationship, this episode is for you. Let’s break the cycle together.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What a trauma bond is and how it formsThe role of intermittent reinforcement in keeping victims hookedPsychological effects of trauma bonds, including anxiety and addiction-like behaviorsHow abusers shift the rules over time to create confusion and dependencyWhy victims often struggle to leave, even when the abuse is obviousA real-world example from Ruby, Kevin & Shari Franke that highlights the impact of trauma bondingSteps to recognize and break free from a trauma bondChallenge for the Week:Reflect on your relationships—past or present. Have you ever felt stuck in a dynamic where love was used as a reward and withheld as a punishment? Journal about any patterns you’ve noticed and what steps you can take to prioritize your well-being.Work With Me:If you’re struggling to break free from a trauma bond or need support navigating emotional healing, I’m here to help. My coaching programs are designed to empower empaths and highly sensitive people to reclaim their self-worth and set healthy boundaries. Book a session today!Don’t Forget to Subscribe:Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes filled with insights, tools, and real-life stories to help you thrive. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review—it helps others find this content too!Links Mentioned in This Episode:📖 Shari Franke’s book on her family’s experience: https://amzn.to/4c6ykTF🔗 Book a free consultation call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultShould I Stay or Should I Go Guided Journal:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-journalRelated searches: Ruby Franke parenting controversy, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke case, Franke family abuse scandal, 8 Passengers YouTube scandal, Ruby Franke arrest explained, how toxic parenting affects children, breaking free from family trauma, signs of emotional abuse in families, healing from a narcissistic parent, generational trauma and breaking the cycle, why strict parenting can be harmful, the dangers of authoritarian parenting, religious trauma and family control, how to recover from a controlling parent, gaslighting in parent-child relationships, setting boundaries with toxic parents, how childhood trauma impacts adulthood, emotional neglect and its long-term effects, rebuilding self-worth after family abuse, healing from toxic family dynamics.

Send us a text***The Secret Superpower of Empaths That No One is Talking About!***Did you know that as an empath or highly sensitive person, you have the power to influence the energy of those around you? You don’t just absorb emotions—you can actually set the tone for any space you enter. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a little-known superpower that can completely change how you experience the world. You’ll learn how to shift from being a thermometer (passively reacting to energy) to a thermostat (actively influencing it), and I’ll give you three simple strategies to start using this gift today.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:-The surprising ability empaths and HSPs have to influence energy.-The difference between being a thermometer and a thermostat in any situation.-A fascinating study that proves how shifting your own energy impacts others.-Three simple strategies to strengthen your energy and radiate confidence.-Why prioritizing self-care is essential for standing in your power.Challenge for the Week:Pick one of the strategies shared in this episode—power poses, setting intentions, or mindful energy investments—and intentionally apply it for the next few days. Journal your experience and notice any shifts in how others respond to you.Work With Me:If you’re ready to stop feeling drained by others and start stepping into your power, let’s work together! Book a free 20-minute consultation call where we’ll explore how you can harness your energy for deeper confidence and connection. Click here to book your free call! https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultConnect with MaryAnn:Website: https://maryannwalker.life/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life *Don’t Forget to Subscribe!* If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode. I’m here every week with fresh insights to help you navigate life as an empath or highly sensitive person.Check out these other episodes!From Empathy Overload to Self Empowerment: https://youtu.be/bvoZAEDKHiQUnmet Needs: When Others Don't Reciprocate: https://youtu.be/Q8e0vYitsx4The Art of Showing Up: Measurable Ways to Boost Self Worth: https://youtu.be/lo0ExvbJaHATwo Types of People Pleasers: Why Saying "No" Feels Impossible: https://youtu.be/unk-K48cT94Related searches: how to stop absorbing negative energy, how to protect your energy as an empath, empath energy management, how to influence energy around you, thermometer vs thermostat energy, stop feeling drained by others, how to set energetic boundaries, energy healing for empaths, how to raise your vibration, shift from absorbing to influencing energy

Send us a textDo you find yourself doom scrolling and feeling like you have to consume everything in order to be informed? You are not alone. However, this doom scrolling can often feel like drinking from a fire hose, leaving you exhausted and anxious. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between consumption—gathering knowledge and staying informed—and rest and digest—taking time to process and recharge. Learn when to consume, when to take a break, and how to create a more intentional approach to information intake.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why both consumption and rest are essential for mental and emotional well-beingHow to recognize when information overload is harming youThe importance of mindful and intentional consumptionSigns that it’s time to shift from gathering information to resting and processingPractical strategies to limit information intake without feeling uninformedHow taking breaks from news and social media can improve your relationships and reduce anxietyChallenge for the Week:Pick one rest and digest activity and commit to it at least once this week. Whether it’s taking a break from the news, listening to music instead of a podcast, or spending time in nature, notice how it impacts your mental and emotional well-being.Work With Me:Struggling with information overload or emotional burnout? Let’s work together to create a plan that supports your well-being. Book a free 20-minute consult call through the link in the show notes.Don’t Forget to Subscribe:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need it! Let’s start a conversation about creating healthier boundaries around information intake. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!Links Mentioned in This Episode:Book a Free Consult Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsultFollow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/Join My Email List & Get a FREE Empathy Journal: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/3da1fd88a9Related Searches: Information overload and mental health, How to avoid doomscrolling, Finding balance between news consumption and self-care, When to take a social media break, Managing anxiety from too much information, The importance of rest and digest for highly sensitive people, Self-care tips for empaths

Send us a textWhen you're used to putting others first, it's easy to focus on whether someone likes you rather than asking yourself if you actually like them. Red flags are warning signs that a relationship might be unhealthy. Some are obvious, like abuse or toxic behavior, but others are personal, based on your personal values. For example, if you enjoy spending time camping and being outdoors, being with someone who doesn't like outdoor picnics might cause some long-term frustration. Many people ignore red flags, hoping the other person will change, but that only leads to resentment. Instead of being in love with who someone could be, it’s important to accept who they are and decide if that’s what you really want.Green flags, on the other hand, show that a relationship is healthy. These include things like respect, honesty, consistency, and emotional intelligence. A good partner or friend supports your growth, respects your boundaries, and communicates openly. It’s not enough to just avoid red flags—you also need to look for green flags that show true compatibility. Identify your personal green flags, like shared values, hobbies, or life goals, so you can find relationships that truly align with what you want.By getting clear on your red and green flags, you can avoid settling for relationships that don’t serve you. Instead, you’ll make space for people who respect, support, and appreciate you. Whether in romantic relationships or friendships, the key is to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.Connect with MaryAnn:Website: https://maryannwalker.life/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Email me at: maryann@maryannwalker.life Sponsor a coaching session: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/become-a-coaching-sponsorFreebies & Other Resources:Should I Stay or Should I Go Guided Journal:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-journalFREE- 100 Bridge Thoughts for Health, Wealth, and Relationships: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/fbd72512ddFREE- Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37

Send us a textWhat is empathy, anyway? And how empathetic are we as a society? Now more than ever, we are a world divided. This division often leads to disconnect and misunderstandings. But it doesn't have to be that way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The role of empathy in deepening connections with othersHow compassionate inquiry fosters understanding in difficult conversationsThe difference between sharing your narrative and asking someone about theirsHow our own biases can hinder true empathy and emotional growthThe three types of empathizers: cognitive, highly sensitive, and true empathsHow emotional intelligence is tied to empathy and the willingness to hear multiple perspectivesThe power of kindness, compassion, and listening in fostering connectionChallenge for the WeekTake time this week to have a conversation where you lead with curiosity instead of assumption. Ask someone, “Can you help me better understand your perspective on this?” See where the conversation leads, and notice how it impacts your relationship.Work With MeIf you’re struggling with empathy, emotional regulation, or navigating difficult conversations, I’m here to help. Come work with me to improve your emotional intelligence, build better relationships, and create more meaningful connections.https://maryannwalker.life/contact-meDon’t Forget to SubscribeIf you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more insights on empathy, emotional growth, and mindfulness.Links Mentioned in This Episode:The three types of empathizers: How Cognitive Empathizers, Highly Sensitive People (HSP's) & Empaths Empathize with Others  https://youtu.be/hknedYyUSRgEmail me at: maryann@maryannwalker.lifeSponsor a coaching session: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/become-a-coaching-sponsorFreebies & Other Resources:Should I Stay or Should I Go Guided Journal:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-journalFREE- 100 Bridge Thoughts for Health, Wealth, and Relationships: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/fbd72512ddFREE- Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37You might also like:✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8jJW0xqY7c✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvoZAEDKHiQ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH4e1gdHTFgmy playlist :▶️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlsP5RjLfyymgAOKQP7HZMo-9xHNXDTJH #empathy #connection #howtoempathize #howempatheticareyou

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the difference between headspace and heart space—and why it matters, especially for highly sensitive people, healers, and empaths. When we’re stuck in our headspace, we experience fear, anxiety, and overthinking, often leading to fight, flight, or freeze responses. This state can make it difficult to separate emotions from reality, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, defensive, or disconnected. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward shifting out of headspace and into a place of greater calm and clarity.Heart space, on the other hand, is where we find emotional safety, intuition, and presence. It allows us to listen with compassion rather than react from fear, regulate our emotions more effectively, and access deeper self-awareness. When we’re in our heart space, we’re more grounded, able to differentiate between thoughts and facts, and open to our intuitive gifts. This shift is essential for both personal well-being and for showing up as the best version of ourselves in relationships and healing work.To cultivate heart energy, we can use grounding techniques such as breathwork, visualization, and mindfulness. Coaching is also a powerful tool for gaining clarity and developing a practice of self-awareness. By intentionally shifting into heart space, we strengthen our ability to respond rather than react, enhance creativity and problem-solving, and create a more peaceful, balanced inner world. Through practice, this transition becomes easier, allowing us to move from fear and overwhelm to calm and connection more quickly.Connect with MaryAnn:Website: https://maryannwalker.life/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Email me at: maryann@maryannwalker.life Sponsor a coaching session: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/become-a-coaching-sponsorFreebies & Other Resources:Should I Stay or Should I Go Guided Journal:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-journalFREE- 100 Bridge Thoughts for Health, Wealth, and Relationships: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/fbd72512ddFREE- Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook:https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37

Send us a textBreaking free from people-pleasing isn’t just about learning to say “no” to others. It's about learning to say "yes" to self.  It’s about rediscovering who you are beneath all the over-giving, boundary-blurring, and self-sacrificing. Many of us fall into the trap of thinking that if we just give enough—if we’re kind enough, accommodating enough—others will eventually do the same for us. But instead of building mutual respect, this pattern often leads to exhaustion, resentment, and one-sided relationships. The good news? You can break free. The journey isn’t always easy, but by moving through these three key stages—recognizing your people-pleasing tendencies, seeing the injustices in your relationships, and stepping into your healed, boundaried self—you’ll start showing up in a way that honors you.Stage 1: The People-PleaserThis is where we put everyone else first, hoping that if we accommodate their needs, they’ll eventually accommodate ours. We tell ourselves that being “nice” means making excuses for their lack of effort, justifying their behavior, and minimizing our own needs. But over time, we realize that this isn’t kindness—it’s self-abandonment. And instead of fostering connection, it just keeps us stuck in a cycle of over-giving while the other person gets comfortable taking. Eventually, the burnout and resentment creep in, signaling that something has to change.Stage 2: Recognizing InjusticeThis is when the blinders come off. We start seeing the imbalance in our relationships—not as a misunderstanding, but as an injustice. We realize just how much we’ve been pouring into others while getting very little in return. And what’s worse? They’ve come to expect it. This stage can be painful because, once we see the truth, we can’t unsee it. But it’s also empowering because anger, grief, and frustration—while uncomfortable—are often the very things needed to push us toward change.Stage 3: The Healed & Boundaried SelfHere’s where things shift. Instead of managing other people’s emotions, we start managing our own. We take responsibility for our needs, our limits, and our well-being. And yes, this means setting boundaries—even when it makes others uncomfortable. Not everyone will like the new, boundaried you, but that’s okay. The people who truly care about you will adjust, and those who don’t? Well, now you have clarity on where to invest your energy. The more you practice standing in your truth, the more you attract relationships that honor and respect you as much as you respect yourself.Healing from people-pleasing isn’t about becoming cold or unkind—it’s about loving yourself enough to stop overextending for people who won’t do the same for you. It’s about realizing that your worth isn’t tied to how much you give, but to who you are. And yes, setting boundaries might feel uncomfortable at first. But you know what’s even more uncomfortable? Staying stuck in relationships where you’re undervalued. True healing happens when we stop looking for external validation and start building our self-worth from within.Ask me about current sponsorships available by emailing me at maryann@maryannwalker.life Become a coaching sponsor: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/become-a-coaching-sponsorJoin my private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1761618643936935Connect with MaryAnn:Website: https://maryannwalker.life/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifeInst