

Inner Work With MaryAnn Walker: Stop People Pleasing and Start Honoring You!
MaryAnn Walker: Life Coach for Empaths, Highly Sensitive People & People Pleasers
Welcome to Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker—the podcast for recovering people pleasers (many of whom are also highly sensitive) who are ready to stop living on autopilot and finally start honoring themselves.I work with those who feel emotionally drained from saying yes when they want to say no, from carrying everyone else’s emotions on their shoulders, and from constantly showing up for others while quietly abandoning themselves.You’ve spent years being the dependable one—the caretaker, the partner, the parent, the professional—and now you’re realizing you’ve lost touch with who you are outside of those roles.You may feel:Burned out from trying to make everyone happyAnxious about disappointing othersUnsure of your own needs, wants, and boundariesOverwhelmed by the pressure to keep the peace, even when it costs you your ownIf this sounds like you, you’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone.As a certified life coach who specializes in supporting recovering people pleasers and highly sensitive souls, I’ll guide you through tools and practices to help you:Set guilt-free boundaries that stickReclaim your time, energy, and peace of mindBuild authentic connections without self-abandonmentProcess emotions in a healthy, empowering wayReconnect with who you really are—not just who others need you to beEach week, I’ll share personal stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you move from over-giving and burned out to clear, confident, and deeply connected—with yourself and with others.If you’re ready to stop people pleasing your life away and start living it fully, hit subscribe and let’s do this inner work together.https://www.maryannwalker.life https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.lifehttps://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.lifehttps://www.youtube.com/@maryannwalkerlife
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 23, 2023 • 24min
70: Modeling Emotional Processing
Send us a textI was recently interviewed for the Raising Confident Kids online summit. In this episode I am sharing that interview where I talk about the importance of modeling emotional processing, especially as it pertains to self care. Emotions are there to teach us where we are and what we need. The more skilled adult care givers at processing their own emotions, the more those in their care learn from their example, allowing both parties the opportunity to learn to act rather than react emotionally. Virtual Tip Jar: Several of you have wondered how you can say thank you for all of the free support I offer on my podcast, so here is a virtual tip jar! If you find value in the content you've found here, feel free to click to buy me a drink! Thanks for the love! I couldn't do what I do without you.

Nov 16, 2023 • 22min
69: Dealing with Difficult People with Brittney Philips
Send us a textIt can be a challenge to navigate life with difficult people. Be it an ex spouse or an awkward family member, we face difficult interactions often. In this episode bonus mom and blended family coach, Brittany P, shares her insights around how to maintain peace while engaging with difficult people. Want to connect with Brittney? Click here! Want to connect with MaryAnn? Click here!

Nov 8, 2023 • 19min
68: Honoring Personal Healing Timelines
Send us a textWe all process and heal in our own time and in our own way. In this episode, MaryAnn expands on Michael Singers metaphor for healing, comparing it to a spike in ones arm. Our wounding impacts how we show up in the world, how we engage with others, and how we self identify.In this episode, MaryAnn shares 4 steps for personal healing: 1: Acknowledge what IS: It is only when we acknowledge what is that we can become conscious as to what we want to create on purpose. 2: Remove the spike: Distinguishing ourselves from our wound rather than identifying it is key when it comes to healing. We are not our wounds. We are the ones observing our wounding. 3: Tend to the wound: Once we have removed the spike, now is the time to attend to our wound. Clean it. Use ointment. Wrap it in a bandage and allow it to heal from the inside out. 4: Trust the process: Do not compare your healing to others. Trust that you will heal on your own timeline. Surround yourselves with people that can remind you of you journey and how far you have come when you get discouraged. If you want to connect with MaryAnn either to book a session or come on the podcast, click here. To get your own copy of Micheal Singers book, The Untethered Soul, click here.

Nov 2, 2023 • 22min
67: People Pleasing vs Pleasing People
Send us a textIn this episode MaryAnn identifies 10 qualities of both people pleasing and pleasing people. Descriptors for People Pleasing:Overly accommodatingSubmissiveFear of conflictDifficulty saying noExcessive apologizingSeeking approvalAvoiding personal needsConstant need for validationSelf-sacrificingAnxious about disappointing othersDescriptors for Pleasing People:Being considerateKind and empatheticGenerousCooperativeAltruisticSupportiveRespectfulAttentive to others' needsPositive and upliftingWillingness to help without sacrificing personal boundariesWhile the behaviors of each may appear to be the exact same on the outside, the motivation and internal impact of each are vastly different. Would you like help learning how to identify where people pleasing might be showing up for you and transitioning that into pleasing people? Come and work with me. Click here to get started.

Oct 26, 2023 • 30min
66: People Pleasing Your Adult Children with Michelle Evans
Send us a textIn this episode, MaryAnn Walker and Empty Nest coach, Michelle Evans, explore the concept of people-pleasing, particularly in the context of empty nesters and their relationships with their adult children.People-pleasing may seem innocent on the surface, but it often involves neglecting one's own needs while prioritizing the desires and expectations of others. This can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. MaryAnn highlights the potential dark side of people-pleasing, where individuals aim to fulfill their emotional needs by pleasing others. In the context of empty nesters, there can be a tendency to rely on adult children to fill emotional gaps, which can complicate the parent-child relationship.While it can be a challenge, it is critical for empty nesters to allow their adult children to experience and manage their own emotions, even if it leads to moments of discomfort.Maryann provides actionable steps for listeners to clean up their people-pleasing tendencies, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental self-awareness, patience, and celebrating small victories in the process. She suggests shifting from a parental role to a coaching role as adult children grow and need more independence.Want to connect with MaryAnn or register for the FREE Raising Confident Kids Summit? Click here! https://linktr.ee/maryannwalker.lifeWant to connect with Michelle? Click here! https://linktr.ee/michellesevans/

Oct 24, 2023 • 19min
65: Raising Confident Kids Summit
Send us a textAre you seeking to create more confidence for yourself? Are you wishing you had the tools to help your kids to feel more confident? Come and register for the FREE Raising Confident Kids Summit!21 experts have joined together to share tools and experiences to support you and your family, no matter how old the kids are. Click the link to register now! Interviews will be sent out via email November 1st-11th. See you there! https://raisinglittlehumansinabigworld.com/registernow

Oct 19, 2023 • 17min
64: Update Available
Send us a textYou wouldn't use the same cell phone from 20 years ago. So why are you allowing thoughts and beliefs from 20+ years ago to determine how you navigate life? It's time for an upgrade!MaryAnn will soon be presenting at a mental health summit and her email list will be the first to know the details! Subscribe to MaryAnn's email list to be the first to know AND snag yourself a free copy of her Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries guidebook! Click here! https://maryannwalker-life.ck.page/2124419f37Want to connect with MaryAnn on her other platforms? Click here! https://linktr.ee/maryannwalker.life

Oct 12, 2023 • 29min
63: Boundaries with Andelin Price
Send us a textIn this episode, MaryAnn talks with relationship coach, Andelin Price, about how boundaries can actually improve and increase intimacy. Boundaries are often thought of as being about the other person they are fundamentally about self-protection and creating a sense of safety. Feeling safe is crucial for intimacy and trust in any relationship, and boundaries play a key role in achieving this safety.Andelin highlights that setting boundaries is essential for ensuring that you "have your own back." It's about deciding what you will do if something happens, and it contributes to a sense of security, allowing you to get closer to others. Pulling away from relationships often occurs when one feels unsafe, underscoring the importance of safety in fostering intimacy and trust.Some have the misconception that boundaries are about controlling the other person. Andelin clarifies that boundaries are about defining what is acceptable and safe for you. It's not about trying to control someone else's behavior.Boundaries are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they are an evolving, intuitive process. Recognizing the need for boundaries, understanding their role in relationships, and learning to set them in a way that benefits both parties is an essential skill for building healthy connections.Get your FREE Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries guidebook here! Book Recommendations: The Four AgreementsWomen's bodies, Women's WisdomWant to connect with MaryAnn? Click here!Want to grab Andelin's free date ideas? Click here!

Oct 5, 2023 • 16min
62: "Manage Your Reactions, But do not Suppress Your Emotions."
Send us a textI recently shared the following quote by Yung Pueblo on social media: "Manage your reactions, but do not suppress your emotions." This quote sparked some great conversations, so I decided to explore this quote in further detail here. The main points include:The Difference Between Managing and Suppressing Emotions: Many people are confused about the distinction between managing and suppressing emotions. A common misconception is thinking that managing means hiding feelings or expressing them intensely.The Consequences of Suppressing Emotions: Suppressing emotions involves denying their existence, which is not a long-term solution. Much like holding a beach ball underwater, emotions can resurface unpredictably and potentially harm oneself or others.The Impact on Mental and Physical Health: Suppressing emotions can lead to physical symptoms and, in the long run, contribute to stress-related illnesses. Emotions play a significant role in overall health.Identifying and Naming Emotions: Most people can only identify basic emotions like sadness, anger, and happiness. However, increasing emotional maturity involves probing deeper to understand more nuanced feelings.Noticing How Emotions Feel in the Body: Pay attention to how emotions manifest physically in your body. Understanding bodily sensations associated with emotions is a key step in processing and managing them.Choosing to Act Rather Than React: Managing emotions involves consciously choosing how to respond to them. Emotions drive actions. Identifying the emotion helps us to identify and communicate the underlying need. The Power of Emotional Management: Effectively managing emotions leads to solutions rather than problems. Practicing Emotional Management: Emotional management is a skill worth developing over time. It takes practice, but is worth the effort.Seeking Support? Come and work with me! Click here to get started!

Sep 28, 2023 • 29min
61: Navigating Anxiety, A Healing Your Anxious Teen Podcast Interview with Britt Bishoff
Send us a textIn this episode, host of the Healing Your Anxious Teen Podcast, Britt Bischoff, interviews MaryAnn Walker, life coach for the helpers, healers, and people pleasers. MaryAnn shares her insights on finding balance in life, meeting your own needs, and how this perspective can positively impact parenting, especially when dealing with anxious teenagers.MaryAnn emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting your own needs and emotions as a parent. She discusses the common tendency to prioritize others' well-being above your own and how this can lead to burnout and a sense of inadequacy. MaryAnn encourages parents to shift their perspective and understand that their child's struggles do not reflect their parenting skills. She also emphasizes the significance of allowing children to experience discomfort and navigate their own emotions.The conversation delves into the concept of sustainable love and the idea that focusing solely on giving without receiving can lead to imbalance and exhaustion. It's crucial to create mutually beneficial relationships where both parties contribute and receive support.Britt and MaryAnn also explore the topic of balance and how being mindful of the energy you invest in relationships can lead to healthier and more fulfilling connections. They highlight the importance of recognizing when you may be unintentionally creating an imbalance in relationships.In the context of parenting, MaryAnn discusses how adopting a mindset of meeting your children where they are emotionally can lead to more profound connections and better communication. She encourages parents to allow their children to experience negative emotions and resist the urge to fix or rescue them.Overall, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into finding balance in life, nurturing healthier relationships, and adopting a more compassionate and understanding approach to parenting, especially when dealing with teenagers and their anxieties. To connect with MaryAnn Walker, click here: https://linktr.ee/maryannwalker.lifeTo connect with Britt Bishoff, click here: https://www.instagram.com/brittbishoffcoaching/