Season 2: Series 9: Episode 3- You Can be a Saint or Sinner: The Myth of Selflessness
January 11, 2026
This series explores the journey of understanding the myth of selflessness and our categorization as saints or sinners.
In this series, You Can Be a Saint or Sinner: The Myth of Selflessness, we will examine selflessness and how individuals can be both saints and sinners.
We are taught that putting ourselves first is selfish. That sacrifice is noble. That good people give, and bad people take. But what if that is not the whole story? What if those ideas are traps, rooted in tired tropes, that limit who we get to be and how we show up in the world? This series challenges the binary of selfish and selfless by examining how society, culture, and internalized narratives trap us in limiting identities. Through storytelling, reflection, and redefinition, we will examine how these labels are often used to control behavior, particularly among individuals socialized into care/service roles, such as educators, leaders, mothers, and community builders.
A trap in this series is:
A mental, emotional, or social pattern that limits your behavior, choices, or growth. Often internalized and unseen, traps shape what you think you should be or do.
A trope in this series is:
A commonly repeated story or character type. Tropes are shortcuts that simplify people into roles, like the "selfless caregiver" or the "selfish individual", without honoring complexity.
Absolute Thinking:
Binary or all-or-nothing beliefs (e.g., "You are either selfish or selfless"). These are traps in themselves because they do not allow for nuance, context, or evolution.
Some of the themes covered in this episode are:
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Do we recognize the seasons in our lives?
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Where do you need to be in this moment?
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Watching sacrifice through role models.
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Do not neglect yourself in the process of completing roles and responsibilities.
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Enjoying the process of living and not just completing tasks.
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Assessing your emotions.
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What is making me think this way?
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Having choice and voice in what you desire or need is essential.
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Seeing the anointing without the formal title.
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Not being attached to an outcome.
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Blessings are wrapped up in opportunities and challenges.
Co-Host Biographies:
Jasmine A. Green, MAOL., is an inspiring, informative, and passionate advocate for individuals. With her extensive experience in personal development, she shares practical self-care and community engagement strategies that are both effective and accessible.
Rhonda A. Lindsay is a servant leader at heart. She is continually seeking ways to enhance effectiveness within our community. She values collaborating with individuals and communities to benefit all participants.
Sebrina A. Lindsay-Law, Ed.D., CPDC, is a career student who advocates for learning opportunities, structures, and practices in any environment. She believes that everything is a lesson with a chance to grow and improve as an individual.
Connect with us:
Facebook Page: Existence Podcast
Instagram: @Weare_existencepodcast
Email: [email protected]