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The Fear Disappointing Others: Healing The Need to be Liked

The fear of disappointing others is so often invisible, yet it drives so many of your choices—what you say yes to, what you stay silent about, and how you show up in your relationships. If you’ve ever worried that someone’s disappointment might cost you connection, safety, or love… this episode will feel like exhaling.

This isn’t an episode about fixing the pattern—this is about finally seeing it with compassion and clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why so many HSPs and people pleasers fear disappointing others—and why it makes perfect sense.
• How this fear subtly impacts your boundaries, your energy, and your authenticity.
• The emotional toll of over-functioning, overexplaining, and absorbing other people’s feelings.
• How fear of disappointment shows up differently in friendships, romantic partnerships, and work environments.
• The deeper nervous system roots behind people-pleasing and why it feels so scary to say no.
• Real stories (Sarah, Ben, and Maya) that will help you see these patterns in your own life with more compassion.
• The surprising way avoiding disappointment often causes resentment, burnout, disconnection, and self-abandonment.
• A gentle mindset shift that can help you move from chasing approval to honoring your truth.

Challenge for the Week

Notice the moments—big or small—when your choices are driven by the fear of disappointing someone.
Don’t fix them.
Don’t change them.
Just notice.
Awareness is the first step toward healing this pattern.

Work With Me

If this episode hit home and you’re ready to break free from the exhaustion of people-pleasing and learn how to take up space without fear, I’d love to support you.

Many people choose to gift themselves a more empowered, authentic life for the holidays—and if that’s you, I invite you to book a free clarity call with me. 

This is a 20-minute conversation to explore what you’re struggling with and whether coaching might be your next step.

Spaces are limited—so if your heart is nudging you, listen.
Book your free clarity call here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult

Don’t Forget to Subscribe

Be sure to follow the show so you don’t miss new episode.  Staying connected helps to ensures you never miss a topic that could support your healing.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Book your free clarity call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult
  
  
• MaryAnn Walker coaching: https:maryannwalker.life
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
• Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life
• Join my email list and get a FREE GIFT! https://maryannwalker-life.ck.page/3da1fd88a9

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Have you ever had a small moment that changed your life trajectory? This week I'm sharing two personal experience with Marissa Campbell from the Art of Heart podcast. 

One experience is about learning to release the shame of not always feeling “happy,” and another about is my journey of self-discovery after burnout. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to recognize when shame is clouding your emotional truth
• Why it’s possible (and human) to feel this and that—multiple emotions at once
• The subtle ways people pleasing sneaks into “good intentions”
• How shame and toxic positivity can block genuine healing
• What it means to reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit
• How to create a solo retreat to refill your emotional cup and rediscover who you are

Challenge for the Week

Take time this week to check in with yourself. Ask:

• “What am I actually feeling right now?”
• “What do I need—mentally, physically, and emotionally?”
  Then, give yourself permission to honor whatever comes up without judgment. Let it be okay to be both this andthat.

Work With Me

If you’re ready to break free from burnout and people pleasing, I’d love to help you reconnect with your authentic self. Together, we’ll rebuild your confidence, strengthen your boundaries, and help you create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.
👉 Book your free clarity call here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult

Don’t Forget to Subscribe

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow Art of Heart and Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode full of heart-centered insight and inspiration.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Marissa Campbell, host of Art of Heart: 
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mc.speaks/
  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-heart-with-marissa-campbell/id1835497338
• MaryAnn Walker coaching: https:maryannwalker.life
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
• Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life
• Join my email list and get a FREE GIFT! https://maryannwalker-life.ck.page/3da1fd88a9

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Why Your Anger Isn't the Problem- But a Path to Clarity and Solutions

Are you a people pleaser or highly sensitive person who struggles with feeling safe expressing anger? You’re not alone—and in today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on anger. Instead of seeing it as something to suppress or shame, we’ll explore how anger is actually a powerful messenger guiding you toward healthier boundaries, clearer values, and unmet needs.

I’m MaryAnn Walker, a life coach who helps highly sensitive people and recovering people pleasers reconnect with their emotions so they can feel more empowered and live life on their own terms.

This episode is part two of our anger series. Last time, we discussed why anger feels unsafe for people pleasers and the common ways it shows up. Today, we’re going deeper: what is anger trying to teach you, and how can you use it to create real change in your life?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to reframe anger as a protective, motivating force rather than a problem to fix.
• How to identify boundaries that need to be set or reinforced and communicate them effectively.
• How anger reveals your core values and helps you assess whether your relationships and actions are in alignment with what matters most.
• How anger signals unmet needs—whether for rest, support, appreciation, or reciprocity—and strategies to meet those needs proactively.
• Practical examples for turning anger into action, from setting digital boundaries to advocating for fairness in relationships.

Challenge for the Week:
When anger shows up, pause and ask yourself:

1. Is this about a boundary I need to set?
2. Is this revealing something about my values?
3. Is this highlighting an unmet need I can address?

Take time to reflect on your answers, and notice how approaching anger with curiosity instead of shame can transform your relationships and your sense of self.

Work With Me:
If you want support uncovering what anger is trying to teach you and learning how to honor your boundaries, values, and needs, I’d love to work with you. Visit www.maryannwalker.life
or email me at [email protected]
to check availability.

Wondering if you're a good candidate for coaching? You can book a free clarity call with me here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult

Don’t Forget to Subscribe
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Each week, we dive deeper into the practices that help recovering people pleasers create balance, self-worth, and authentic connection.

Follow me on my other platforms and join the conversation! 

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

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Feeling overwhelmed by the news, politics, or the state of the world? You’re not alone. In this bonus episode, MaryAnn Walker dives into how empaths and highly sensitive people can stay grounded during times of uncertainty — like the current U.S. government shutdown — without shutting down emotionally. She shares practical strategies for transforming overwhelm into hope and meaningful action.

Whether you’re stressed about finances, worried about loved ones, or simply drained by constant headlines, this episode provides tools to help you regain clarity, calm, and control.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How highly sensitive people experience macro vs micro stress during crises
• Techniques to reduce overwhelm while staying empathetic
• Practical ways to take small, meaningful actions that help both yourself and others
• How serving your community can regulate your emotions and restore hope
• Why staying centered in your values is more powerful than trying to fix everything

Challenge for the Week
Ask yourself: what is the one thing weighing heaviest on me right now? Choose one small, compassionate action that can lighten that burden — whether it’s donating to a local food pantry, reaching out to a friend, or simply taking a mindful pause for yourself.

Work With Me
If you’re an empath or highly sensitive person struggling to stay grounded in overwhelming times, I can help you find clarity, calm, and emotional resilience. Email me at [email protected] or click here to get started. https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me

If you have been impacted by the shutdown, reach out. I have deferred billing and scholarships that can help. Want to contribute? Venmo me or add a few bucks to my digital tip jar!

Venmo: @MaryAnn-Walker-Life, Digital Tip Jar: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/tip-jar

Don’t Forget to Subscribe
If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes on emotional regulation, empath self-care, and navigating life as a highly sensitive person.

• MaryAnn Walker coaching: https:maryannwalker.life
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
• Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life
• Join my email list and get a FREE GIFT! https://maryannwalker-life.ck.page/3da1fd88a9

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Why many people pleasers struggle with anger (and how to start feeling it safely)

For many people pleasers, anger feels unsafe, unpredictable, or even shameful. But here’s the truth—anger itself isn’t the problem. It’s actually a signal, like a check engine light, telling us something is out of alignment.

This is part one of a two-part series on anger. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why people pleasers struggle with anger and the many ways it can show up. Next week, we’ll dive into what anger is here to teach us and how it can actually help us live more authentic and aligned lives.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why anger feels so unsafe for people pleasers.
• How suppressing emotions leads to shame, resentment, and burnout.
• The “rule of thirds” of life and why resisting emotions only compounds suffering.
• Sneaky ways anger shows up: passive aggression, sarcasm, silent treatment, martyrdom, over-accommodating, and more.
• Why anger is best understood as a check engine light, inviting curiosity rather than panic.

Challenge for the Week:
Notice how anger shows up for you. Do you turn it inward? Suppress it? Explode? Withdraw? Instead of judging yourself, simply observe your patterns. Awareness is the first step to creating change.

Work With Me:
If you’re ready to better understand your emotions and break free from the cycle of people-pleasing, I’d love to support you. Visit www.maryannwalker.life
to apply for coaching, or email me at [email protected]
.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe:
This is part one of a two-part series on anger. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll uncover what anger is here to teach you.

✨ I'm currently offering 6 and 12 week 1:1 coaching packages where we’ll dive deep into the limiting beliefs shaping your life and create space for growth, clarity, and connection.

🎯 Ready to reserve your 6 or 12 week package? email me at [email protected] to get started and inquire about availability.


Let’s Stay Connected:
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

Related Episodes: 

168: Am I The Jerk Now? How to Set Boundaries Without Becoming The Villain https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17472392

162: How to Stop Fixing, Controlling, and Over-Accomodating Everyonehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17147279

127: When Someone Makes You Upset: How to Control Your Feelings https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/15548383

Send us a text

Are you always showing up for everyone else — yet feeling unseen, unfulfilled, or disconnected from yourself?

In this episode, life coach MaryAnn Walker shares the top 10 struggles she sees most often in highly sensitive people and recovering people pleasers — and how to start reclaiming your joy, balance, and authenticity.

As you listen, take a gentle self-inventory. If even one of these resonates, you deserve support. But if four or more hit home, consider it a loving nudge that it’s time to invest in you — because you deserve a life that feels peaceful, balanced, and full of joy.

10 most common struggles: 

1. You’re checking all the boxes but still not feeling happy.
   Life looks good on paper, but joy still feels just out of reach.
2. You’ve lost yourself in caring for everyone else.
   You’re so tuned in to others’ needs that you can’t even identify your own anymore.
3. You’re doing the lion’s share of emotional labor in your relationships.
   You’re the one who comforts, initiates repairs, and carries the weight of everyone’s feelings.
4. You feel personally responsible for others’ emotions.
   You can’t rest until everyone around you is okay — even if it drains you.
5. You feel like you’re walking on eggshells.
   You’re constantly scanning for danger or disapproval, trying to keep everyone happy and avoid conflict.
6. You feel insecure and wonder if you’re too much or too little.
   You replay conversations and second-guess yourself long after interactions have ended.
7. You love serving others, but something feels missing.
   Giving brings you joy — and yet you feel a quiet ache that there should be more for you, too.
8. You crave deeper, more balanced relationships.
   You’re longing for mutual care, emotional depth, and connection where you can be fully yourself.
9. You’re tired of living on autopilot.
   You want more than productivity — you want passion, creativity, and joy.
10. You’re ready to reconnect with you.
    You’ve spent years living by others’ expectations, and now you’re ready to rediscover who you are and what lights you up.

How many are you experiencing? 

Work With Me

If you recognized yourself in several of these struggles, know that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Coaching can help you reconnect with who you are, set healthy boundaries, and create a life that feels balanced and joyful.

✨ Book your free clarity call today to see if coaching is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult

Or email me directly at [email protected]

Don’t Forget to Subscribe

If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes on emotional healing, boundaries, and reclaiming your joy as a sensitive soul.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Welcome Mat vs. Doormat Energy episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17600742
• Brené Brown: Empathy vs. Sympathy video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQ
• Book: Becoming Sister Wives by Christine Woolley Brown https://amzn.to/4neLh1J
• Book a Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult 

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3 Life-Changing Lessons About Guilt, Boundaries, and Authenticity.

Today I’m joined by licensed clinical social worker and lifestyle coach, Tricia Corso. Tricia shares her powerful journey of leaving behind the “supposed to’s” of life in New York to create a more aligned, authentic life in Colorado.

Together, we explore the themes of guilt, people pleasing, authenticity, and how to quiet the voices of external expectations so you can finally hear your own.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How guilt often shows up when you start honoring your truth—and why it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
• Why people pleasing is really a form of self-abandonment and how it keeps you small.
• How to step into authenticity, even when it means disrupting others’ expectations.
• The role of unspoken cultural and familial “shoulds” in shaping your choices—and how to break free.
• Practical ways to identify your voice, values, and desires amidst the noise of other people’s opinions.

Challenge for the Week
Notice where guilt or “shoulds” are steering your choices. Ask yourself: Whose voice is this? Is it truly yours—or an inherited belief? Then take one small step this week to honor your own values, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Work With Me
If you’re ready to break free from people pleasing and start living life on your own terms, I’d love to support you. Book a free clarity call with me today: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult.

✨ I'm currently offering 6 and 12 week 1:1 coaching packages where we’ll dive deep into the limiting beliefs shaping your life and create space for growth, clarity, and connection.

🎯 Ready to reserve your 6 or 12 week package? email me at [email protected]

Don’t Forget to Subscribe:
Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss next week’s episode. We’ll keep exploring emotional boundaries, mindset shifts, and how to change your life completely—especially for those who feel deeply and love big.

Let’s Stay Connected:
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

*Don’t Forget to Subscribe*
If this conversation resonated with you, make sure you hit “subscribe” so you never miss an episode.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Tricia Corso on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amongwildflowerstherapy/

Send us a text

Align Your Affirmations: Why They’re Not Working (and How to Fix Them)

Are your affirmations falling flat? You say them every morning, but nothing seems to change. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why don’t affirmations work for me?”—this episode is exactly what you need.

The truth is, affirmations aren’t magic spells. They don’t work just because you repeat them. But when you learn how to align your thoughts, actions, and energy with your affirmations, they become powerful tools for transformation.

In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, we’ll explore why traditional affirmations often backfire—and how you can shift them into believable, empowering statements that actually rewire your brain and move you toward the life you want.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why affirmations like “I am slim and healthy” or “Money flows easily to me” might trigger your brain to reject them.
• The key difference between affirmations and aspirations (and why most people confuse the two).
• How your brain’s built-in “lie detector” can sabotage affirmations that feel too far from reality.
• Simple reframes that turn empty affirmations into daily practices of alignment.
• How to make your brain your ally, not your adversary.
• How to embody affirmations like “I am healthy, I am wealthy, I am wise” by finding evidence in your current reality.

Challenge for the Week:

Pick one affirmation you’ve been using and ask yourself: Does this feel true right now, or is it more of an aspiration? If it feels out of reach, reframe it into a statement you can actually affirm today. For example:

• Instead of “I am slim and healthy,” try “I am making choices each and every day that improve my health and wellness.”
  Notice how your brain responds differently—and how your actions shift as a result.

Work With Me

If you’re ready to live in alignment with the version of you that you know is possible—but you need some support shifting your thoughts and energy—I’d love to work with you. I currently have three coaching spots becoming available this month. Apply now and let’s help you embody the life you’ve been affirming.

👉 Wondering if coaching is right for you? Book your free clarity call here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult

Don’t Forget to Subscribe

Make sure you’re subscribed to Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker so you never miss an episode.

Connect with me!

Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult
Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

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Is your “positive mindset” actually emotional avoidance in disguise? In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, I’m joined once again by guest Kellyn Legath for an honest conversation about the difference between true positive thinking and emotional bypassing. Together, we explore how to sit with and process uncomfortable emotions, why they matter, and how shifting your relationship with avoided feelings can unlock deeper healing and empowerment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between positive thinking and emotional bypassing
• How to sit with emotions rather than suppress them
• Why emotions aren’t positive or negative—but valuable information
• Real-life role plays that show what it looks like to process emotions like sadness, anger, and anxiety
• How curiosity can help you uncover the truth behind your emotions
• Grounding practices and simple tools to support emotional regulation
• How emotions can act as “cheat codes” to identify unmet needs and map a plan for getting them met

Challenge for the Week
Notice where you might be using “positivity” to avoid uncomfortable feelings. This week, choose one emotion you usually avoid and practice sitting with it. Get curious: What is this feeling trying to tell you? What need is it pointing you toward?

Work With Me
If you’re ready to stop bypassing your emotions and start listening to them as valuable guides, I’d love to support you. Book a free clarity call today and let’s explore what working together could look like: Book here: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult
.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe
If you haven’t already, be sure to follow Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker so you never miss an episode!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://amzn.to/3Voj1OH

Connect with MaryAnn Walker!

Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult
Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life

Connect with Kellyn Legath: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daydreamercoaching/

Other Links: https://bio.site/daydreamer?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadHHKuglgXR4iC8g_c7amm4N8mNN7M4vYHFKwFQOEd1cLtvCbV9jGlMubeqtw_aem_C5FnuHOJ9prsPYcdkiSnKA

Book Recommendation: 

The Body Keeps The Score: https://amzn.to/3IQIIop

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This ancient principle could be the missing piece to creating sustainable, reciprocal relationships.

Ayni—the Andean principle of sacred reciprocity. 

Unlike the transactional way we often view give-and-take in the West, ayni invites us into a mindful balance of energy, sustainability, and connection in our relationships.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What ayni means and how it differs from transactional reciprocity.
• Why imbalance in relationships often leads to obligation, resentment, and burnout.
• How reciprocity can show up in unexpected and creative ways (tamales, artwork, or simply being seen).
• Practical ways to begin practicing ayni in your daily life.
• Why balanced reciprocity strengthens trust, resilience, and belonging in relationships.

Challenge for the Week
Take some time to reflect on where you might be experiencing imbalance. What small shift could you make this week to restore balance? This might look like asking for what you need, practicing gratitude, or initiating a simple act of kindness.

Work With Me
If this episode resonates and you’re ready to experience what balanced reciprocity feels like, I would love to support you as your coach. Together, we can identify where imbalance shows up in your life and create more sustainable, nourishing relationships. Spots are opening for October—don’t wait to invest in yourself.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Each week, we dive deeper into the practices that help recovering people pleasers create balance, self-worth, and authentic connection.

🎯 email me now at [email protected] to work with me! 

Follow me on my other platforms and join the conversation! 

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life
Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life