Becoming Me

Episode 114  If you're a people-pleaser, chances are good that you also have an insecure attachment with God and that your understanding of "pleasing God" comes from a place of anxiety rather than confidence.This episode discusses the struggles of recovering people pleasers within the context of spiritual life. I  share some insights on a passage from 'Time for God' by Jacques Philippe, addressing the concept of pleasing God and how we can mis-interpret it when we lack healthy self-esteem and self-worth.This is a particularly relevant episode to those struggling with people-pleasing and who often feel concerned that they are not "good enough" at pleasing God.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:33) - Introduction(00:01:21) - The Connection between People-Pleasing and Pleasing God(00:03:28) - The Root Cause of People-Pleasing(00:06:24) - The Importance of Secure Attachement(00:08:40) - The Journey towards Secure Attachment with God(00:11:09) - The Grace of Humility(00:16:07) - The Importance of Interior Integration(00:19:03) - Embracing the Journey(00:21:12) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDo you identify as a people-pleaser? Perhaps you recognise this in someone else. How does people-pleasing affect your relationship with God and with yourself? We need to have a secure attachment with ourselves and with God. Do you have this? How can you achieve this?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 113  When those of us who never had boundaries start learning to exercise them, it can feel really "wrong" to us and this may keep us second guessing if drawing boundaries is the right thing to do.In this episode I reflect upon the struggle of exercising personal boundaries in the context of faith, familial expectations, and societal norms. I delve into my journey of establishing an authentic relationship with God and how insecurities, trauma, and distorted perceptions can impact this process. Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:16) - Introduction(00:08:56) - The Struggle of Exercising Boundaries(00:12:52) - The Impact of Dysfunctional Family Systems(00:21:13) - The Role of Faith in Setting Boundaries(00:38:17) - The Journey Towards Secure Attachment with God(00:39:33) - My Personal Journey Towards Secure Attachment(00:40:35) - The Fear and Anxiety of Making Mistakes(00:43:34) - Embracing Freedom and Trust in God(00:45:19) - The Impact of Secure Attachment on Our Identities(00:46:54) - How to Exercise Boundaries(00:47:15) - Overcoming Fear and Embracing God's Love(00:53:42) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDo you struggle with boundaries? Think about a particular instance of where and when you were unable to feel safe enough to exercise your boundaries? Do you feel this way with God as well? We are meant to feel safe with ourselves and God. Do you feel this secure attachment yet?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 112   In this episode's deep dive, I explain the vital connection between our senses of identity and security in faith, sharing insights drawn from Catholic tradition, modern psychology, and personal experience. I share about my journey towards developing a secure attachment with God, and how the prayer of the Examen, which originated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, helped me in this journey.   Through integrating perspectives from the study of trauma, I share how focusing on the concept of God's constant and loving presence rather than on self-evaluation helped me to deepen my felt sense of security in God's love for me.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:17) - Introduction(00:02:01) - The Importance of Conviction and Integration(00:07:20) - The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth(00:10:21) - Virtue and Emotion Regulation(00:11:51) - The Struggle of Living Out Convictions(00:13:58) - God's Love in Personal Transformation(00:25:58) - The Challenge of Living Out Conovictions in Relationships(00:26:59) - The Journey of Healing and Integration(00:29:52) - The Role of Discernment in the Interior Journey(00:43:20) - ConclusionREFLECTION PROMPTHave you experienced being full of passion and conviction about the kind of life you want to live while realising that you don't have the power to make that conviction a reality in your life? Can you identify how a lack of integration may be the reason for that?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 111   Have you experienced feeling overwhelmed while making the interior journey? In this episode I propose three coping strategies for these difficult periods: the understanding that nothing real changes, realising that we are not the saviours of ourselves or the world, and being extra gentle and mindful towards ourselves. I also highlight the significance of recognising seasons and rhythms in our lives and the importance of self-care during challenging times. This episode is relevant for anyone seeking comfort and guidance when confronting overwhelming emotions during their personal journeys towards authenticity and openness.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:17) - Introduction(00:02:01) - The Importance of Conviction and Integration(00:07:20) - The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth(00:10:21) - Virtue and Emotion Regulation(00:11:51) - The Struggle of Living Out Convictions(00:13:58) - God's Love in Personal Transformation(00:25:58) - The Challenge of Living Out Conovictions in Relationships(00:26:59) - The Journey of Healing and Integration(00:29:52) - The Role of Discernment in the Interior Journey(00:43:20) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you experienced being full of passion and conviction about the kind of life you want to live while realising that you don't have the power to make that conviction a reality in your life? Can you identify how a lack of integration may be the reason for that?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 110   Conviction alone can’t get you where you want or need to go. When we don’t do the work of interior integration we often end up hiding behind our convictions to feel safe instead of flourishing because we are rooted in a secure relationship with God and our Self.In this episode, I explore how personal integration is a crucial factor for living an authentic and balanced life. I share from my personal experience how having strong convictions doesn't necessarily lead to fruitful actions. Instead, it is the work of facing and accepting one's truths without fear, healing, and evolving through different stages of growth that helps us to become more open to divine grace and bear good fruit.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:17) - Introduction(00:02:01) - The Importance of Conviction and Integration(00:07:20) - The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth(00:10:21) - Virtue and Emotion Regulation(00:11:51) - The Struggle of Living Out Convictions(00:13:58) - God's Love in Personal Transformation(00:25:58) - The Challenge of Living Out Conovictions in Relationships(00:26:59) - The Journey of Healing and Integration(00:29:52) - The Role of Discernment in the Interior Journey(00:43:20) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHave you experienced being full of passion and conviction about the kind of life you want to live while realising that you don't have the power to make that conviction a reality in your life? Can you identify how a lack of integration may be the reason for that?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 109   What's the difference that healing and integration makes we  get triggered back into old insecurities and anxieties? We often expect that healing will result in the absence of struggles but in reality, the journey involves self-awareness and fostering a sense of internal freedom with which we learn to manage our anxieties and insecurities. In this episode I recount a personal experience in which I was able to regain composure and freedom after encountering a stressful situation which had triggered me into being fearful and anxious. The integration journey slowly increases our ability to find the interior freedom to respond rather than just react, allowing us to be more wholly human even in our struggles.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:42) - Introduction(00:01:21) - The Healing Journey(00:02:58) - Experiencing Healing(00:04:04) - The Role of God in the Healing Journey(00:05:31) - The Struggle with Insecurities and Fears(00:08:53) - The Power of Self-Awareness in Healing(00:10:33) - Regaining Freedom through Healing(00:14:18) - The Role of Prayer and Discernment in Healing(00:17:22) - The Impact of Healing and Integration(00:19:30) - The Complexity & Courage of the Healing Journey(00:22:44) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTCan you identity with any part of the experience I shared in this episode about getting triggered and re-centering myself? What, in your experience, is an early sign you can pick up on that you are being triggered? What have you found useful as a first step to halt the slide into further anxiety or panic?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 108   In this episode, I delve into how understanding complex trauma has helped me in my spiritual life. I share how certain challenges I face, such as emotional regulation in stressful environments, couldn't be solved merely through deepening my spiritual life and prayer routine. By learning more about trauma, I discovered how coping mechanisms and defense mechanisms have shaped my personality and reactions. I share how learning about trauma has led me to see myself more wholly and helped me to be more compassionately curious and courageous in my interior integration journey.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:03:24 ) - New Season Updates(00:14:47) - Introduction(00:16:05) - The Connection Between Spiritual Journey and Trauma(00:18:54) - The Struggle With Spiritual Growth(00:20:37) - The Revelation Of A Shaky Foundation(00:23:56) - Understanding Complex Trauma(00:27:26) - The Impact of Trauma On The Nervous System(00:28:30) - The Integration of Body, Mind and Spirit(00:29:51) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTWhat emotional response do you have to this episode? Are you open to exploring how trauma affects your own spiritual journey?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 107   Do you feel overwhelmed in Advent and more tense than usual? Does that make you feel guilty all the more because it makes you feel like you're not "doing" Advent well?In this bonus episode, I share my personal experiences about the overwhelming feelings often associated with the Advent season, particularly for those on a trauma recovery journey. I talk about my struggles with complex trauma and how my wounds show up specifically during the Christian Advent season. This episode highlights the difficult balance between religious traditions, family scripts, and self-care. I emphasise the importance of pace, space, and grace especially if we are in a season of healing and share personal strategies for managing anxiety during this Advent season.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:21) - Introduction(00:02:13) - The Impact of Trauma on Advent Experience(00:03:58) - Recognizing Overwhelm and Trauma Responses(00:06:08) - The Role of Family and Faith Traditions(00:07:48) - The Challenge of Trauma Recovery During Advent(00:10:50) - The Importance of Agency and Choice in Trauma Recovery(00:13:12) - Managing Overwhelm: Pace, Space and Grace(00:21:27) - Personal Experiences and Reflections(00:32:24) - Final Thoughts(00:33:09) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTDo you recognise any signs of overwhelm in your body during this Advent season? What scripts (societal / familial / religious) may be activated for you during this lead up to Christmas? Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 106     Have you ever felt that gut-wrenching feeling that something just isn't right in your life, but couldn't quite pinpoint the cause? That sense of dissonance might actually be the key to unlocking a more authentic and fulfilling life. In this heartfelt conversation, I examine the importance of authenticity and attunement, and how these two conflicting needs can cause us to lose touch with our inner compass. I share my own struggles with finding and maintaining integrity, and discuss how the discomfort of dissonance can be seen as a blessing rather than a burden. By recognizing and acknowledging this feeling in our lives, we can use it as an invitation to move towards greater self-awareness and self-love.This episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the value of dissonance in your life and the journey towards authenticity.Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:06:08) Introduction(00:06:45) What is Dissonance?(00:11:47) Filling the Emptiness(00:15:14) Authenticity & Attachment Needs(00:17:00) Dissonance is a Blessing(00:18:34) My Experiences of Dissonance(00:30:10) Moving Towards Authenticity and Integrity(00:34:56) Are you Experiencing Dissonance?(00:36:37) ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTAre you currently experiencing dissonance in your life? Sit with it, bring it to God. What is one way you can live more authentically?Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.

Episode 105           “What’s an interior integration coach and why are you one?”I often get asked how what I do is different from spiritual direction, counselling/therapy and life coaching.In this last episode from the 30 day challenge series I explain what interior integration specifically addresses and how the kind of coaching I do draws upon, differs from, complements and integrates other approaches to inner work.You may wish to check out A Leader’s Spirituality, an online course I teach that provides an experiential introduction to interior integration, and Clarity: Interior Integration Journey, an 8-month long small group coaching journey that facilitates pilgrims into clearer self-knowledge and deeper acceptance.This episode is part of a series taken from my 30 Day Instagram Live Challenge where I went on live video to speak about different aspects of the interior journey every day for 30 days straight. Watch this recording on YouTube.Follow me on my Instagram account @animann for more material on the integration journey and subscribe to my monthly reflections on Begin Again.CHAPTER MARKERS(00:00:44) - Introduction(00:03:33) - Interior Integration(00:11:47) - Why I Do What I Do(00:27:22) - Integration Coach VS Counselling & Spiritual Direction(00:32:10) - Making Sense of the Data(00:33:25) - Praxis (00:38:48) - Stringing the Clues Together(00:49:58) - Sharing my Story(01:11:06) - ConclusionTRANSCRIPTAvailable here.REFLECTION PROMPTHas anything from today's Live resonated with you? Do you feel like you are tapping on the right resources for yourself, at this particular point in your journey? Remeber that each journey is unique and each call and mission is unrepeatable. Sit with this. Ponder this.Support the showSUBSCRIBE | FOLLOW | SUPPORTSocial Media:Follow Ann Yeong on Instagram or Facebook.Newsletter:Subscribe to Begin Again for Ann's updates and reflections.Support the Show:Monthly Support (starting at USD$3)One-time DonationLeave a Review:If this podcast has blessed you, please leave a review by clicking here.