Ep 66: Embrace the Real You: Ditch the 'New Year, New You' Myth

Summary of the episode

The latest episode of noseyAF dives into the concept of self-acceptance versus the pervasive "New Year, New You" mentality that often pressures individuals to completely reinvent themselves each January. Host Stephanie Graham reflects on her own experiences and goals from the past year, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and embracing who we already are. Guest Valerie Friedlander expands on this idea, discussing how societal expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the harmful messaging that something is inherently wrong with us. Instead of striving to become someone new, the conversation encourages listeners to reclaim their true selves and recognize the value of their unique identities. This thought-provoking dialogue invites everyone to step into 2025 with self-acceptance and a commitment to honoring their authentic selves.

Takeaways:

• The New Year, new you mantra is often toxic, pushing unrealistic expectations on individuals.
• Instead of trying to reinvent ourselves, we should focus on reclaiming our true selves.
• Reflecting on the past year can help us set more authentic intentions for the future.
• Building self-trust is key to personal development, rather than conforming to external pressures.
• Embracing who we are allows for more genuine connections with ourselves and others.
• Recognizing that our perceived flaws can actually be strengths is essential for growth.

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Welcome to Nosy: Conversations About Art and Activism
• 04:16 - Embracing the New Year as Your True Self
• 14:38 - Reclaiming Yourself: The Journey to Authenticity
• 17:59 - Embracing Your True Self
• 26:30 - Understanding Self Through Personality Assessments
• 34:15 - Building Self Trust and Relationships

All about Valerie

Valerie is a compassionate and creative coach dedicated to helping individuals, particularly women, break free from internalized patterns that limit their potential. With a deep understanding of societal pressures and the unique challenges faced by empathetic individuals, Valerie empowers clients to align with their most powerful selves and channel their energy toward meaningful work.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes that transforming internalized patterns not only amplifies one’s impact on the world but also fosters intentional, joyful relationships in all areas of life. Known for her empathetic and engaging style, Valerie guides clients through a creative and fun process that honors their humanity and intuition, uncovering personalized solutions that lead to lasting change.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Flow Mastery Group Coaching

Create Your Flow Course

You Were Born For This by Chani Nicholas

🚨Lofi Beats for you to lay on the couch!🚨

Fun Personality Tests:

Myers Brigg

Enneagram (read up on this one though folks have wild ideas about it)

SHOW NOTES

As the calendar turns to 2025, Stephanie Graham reflects on the whirlwind of experiences and challenges that shaped 2024. In this engaging conversation, she discusses the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, especially at year-end. Stephanie encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves rather than succumbing to the societal pressures of the 'New Year, New You' mantra that has pervaded our culture. Highlighting her own experiences with unmet goals and the lessons learned, she emphasizes celebrating achievements, no matter the scale, and fostering a supportive community that embraces individuality. The episode culminates in a special feature from Valerie Friedlander, who delves into the toxic nature of the 'New Year, New You' ideology, advocating instead for self-acceptance and trust. Listeners are invited to embark on a journey of reclaiming their identities and envisioning a year that honors who they truly are, rather than who they feel pressured to become.

Valerie Friedlander takes center stage as she dismantles the harmful narratives surrounding personal transformation. She critiques the idea that individuals must completely reinvent themselves with each new year, positing that this mindset stems from a deeper societal belief that one is inherently flawed. Valerie encourages listeners to identify and embrace their authentic selves, arguing that the traits often labeled as 'defects' are merely misunderstood assets waiting to be recognized and harnessed. By sharing personal anecdotes and insights from her coaching practice, Valerie inspires a shift in perspective, inviting individuals to reflect on their journeys and reclaim the parts of themselves that society may have sidelined. This enriching dialogue not only underscores the significance of self-trust and authenticity but also empowers listeners to approach the new year with a renewed sense of agency and purpose, focusing on self-compassion rather than unattainable standards of perfection.

The conversation between Stephanie and Valerie serves as a powerful reminder that personal growth does not necessitate losing oneself in the process. Instead of adhering to rigid resolutions, they advocate for a more fluid approach to self-improvement, one that acknowledges the complexities of individual experiences. This episode encourages listeners to recognize the societal pressures that influence their self-perceptions and to challenge the notion that they need to conform to external expectations. By engaging in introspection, celebrating progress, and fostering a mindset of acceptance, individuals can cultivate a year filled with genuine growth and fulfillment. As Stephanie and Valerie navigate these themes, they ultimately empower their audience to embrace their true selves, setting the stage for a transformative and authentic 2025.

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Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: @stephaniegraham

Email: [email protected]

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam