You know, I’ve been in this weird phase of overthinking and overanalyzing everything. It started about five years ago when my dad almost died from AML, and more recently, knowing several people my age who've passed away from illnesses or cancer. It’s made me rethink a lot about life and how I’ve spent so much of it trying to please others.

Growing up, I always tried to please everyone around me. This has been especially challenging over the last decade, but I’ve put so much effort into overcoming it. Even though I like to call myself a recovering people pleaser, those tendencies still creep up sometimes.

People-pleasing is wired into us, partly due to societal norms. For girls, it's about being polite and looking your best. For guys, it's about being tough and not showing sensitivity. These ingrained beliefs shape our behavior and our need to be accepted and liked by others.

The thing is, people-pleasing isn't just about wanting everyone to like you. It’s about feeling the need to act a certain way to feel safe. And that’s exhausting. So, today, I want to share some tips to help you overcome this. Here are six tips to work through people-pleasing:

• Get a therapist or counselor to talk to. 🧠 Smart people have a therapist, and it’s a great starting point.
• Become aware of when you're prioritizing others' needs over your own. 🧘‍♂️ Just recognizing this behavior is a huge step forward.
• Practice saying “no” without guilt. 🚫 This was a hard one for me, but it’s crucial to set boundaries and not feel bad about it.
• Do something that fills your cup and makes you happy. 🌟 Whether it’s a hobby or self-care, reinforcing your own needs is important.
• Practice speaking up with confidence. 📢 It might be uncomfortable at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
• Challenge any negative thoughts or beliefs. 🌈 You can download my free workbook, Think This, Not That, at kathireuter.com/thinkthisnotthat to help rewire your brain and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Hey there! Thanks for listening! ⭐

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💡 I’m diving into something really important: how to be more present in our lives.

You know, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, stressing about bills, deadlines, and all those things that pull us away from enjoying the present moment.

But why do we let that happen?

Why do we let stress and worry steal our joy?

Imagine fast-forwarding 30 years from now. You’ve achieved every goal, every dream. But what would you trade to be back here, right now, enjoying this moment fully? That’s the essence of today’s Do Life Big Podcast episode.

I’ve identified four powerful ways to help you break free from distractions and overwhelm, and truly be present:

• Sensory Awareness Exercise 🌳👂: Take a moment to sit outside or in a quiet place. Engage each of your senses for just 30 seconds: What do you see? Hear? Feel? Smell? Taste? It’s a simple but effective way to ground yourself in the present.

• Breath Work 🌬️: Practice deep breathing throughout your day. Whether it’s in the shower, during a walk, or just before bed, focusing on your breath helps calm your mind and brings you back to the here and now.

• Journaling 📝: Grab a journal and ask yourself, “What’s getting in the way of me being present?” Write down your thoughts. It’s amazing how clarifying your thoughts on paper can help you prioritize what truly matters.

• Digital Detox 📵🌿: Disconnect from technology, even if just for a few minutes each day. Step outside, observe nature, and let your mind rest from constant stimulation. It’s refreshing and helps you appreciate the simple things.

By making these practices part of your daily routine, you’ll feel more grounded, more present, and ultimately happier. Remember, life is happening right now, in this moment. Let’s make the most of it.

Grab my FREE workbook, Think This, Not That - kathireuter.com/thinkthisnotthat

Hey there! Thanks for listening! ⭐

Help me spread the word about Do Life Big! Take a screenshot and post it to your Instagram Stories or feed, and tag me @katherinereuter!

A review also puts rocket fuel on getting our message of living your best freakin' life possible out there! Go to kathireuter.com/itunes, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Listen to the Do Life Big Podcast:

• Listen on iTunes --> kathireuter.com/itunes
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Have a topic you'd like to hear about? Shoot me an email at hello@kathireuter.com!

In this short and sweet Do Life Big Podcast episode, we’re diving into how we can start to think more clearly and get to the truth of what's really happening, rather than living in a distorted reality full of made-up stories that keep us trapped and feeling like victims. 🚫🧠

Have you ever found yourself interpreting something someone said in a way that made you feel awful, only to later realize that wasn’t what they meant at all? 🤔 I definitely have!

Let me tell you a story from when I was a new teacher.

I remember teaching a lesson and getting observed by my principal. Afterward, he gave me constructive criticism, but in my mind, I twisted it into thinking he believed I was a terrible teacher. That wasn’t the truth at all—it was just a story I made up. 😬📚

We do this all the time. We create these narratives that aren’t based on facts, and they keep us from living our truth and finding freedom. It’s like being inside a jar and not being able to read the label. 🏷️

We need to pull ourselves out, look objectively, and ask, "What’s really happening here?" 🌟

Here are some key points we discussed:

1. Distorted Reality: We often interpret events and comments in a way that isn’t true, creating false narratives in our minds. 🌀
2. Objective Perspective: It's crucial to step back and look at situations objectively, asking ourselves what the real facts are. 🔍
3. Ego Interference: Our ego can cloud our judgment, making us feel inadequate or misunderstood. Learning to quiet our ego helps us see the truth. 🤐
4. Freedom in Truth: By seeking the truth and questioning our thoughts, we can free ourselves from unnecessary suffering and live more authentically. 🕊️

Next time you feel triggered or upset, ask yourself: Is it what someone actually said, or how I interpreted it? What are the facts? This practice of questioning our thoughts and looking for the truth takes effort, but it’s so worth it. The truth really does set us free. 💡

Remember, no one’s perfect, but we’re all here to improve and be the best versions of ourselves. And hey, if you haven’t grabbed my free Think This, Not That workbook, head over to kathireuter.com/thinkthisnotthat. It’s packed with ways to rewire your mind for success. 📘✨

Hey there! Thanks for listening! ⭐

Help me spread the word about Do Life Big! Take a screenshot and post it to your Instagram Stories or feed, and tag me @katherinereuter!

A review also puts rocket fuel on getting our message of living your best freakin' life possible out there! Go to kathireuter.com/itunes, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Listen to the Do Life Big Podcast:

• Listen on iTunes --> kathireuter.com/itunes
• Listen on Spotify --> kathireuter.com/spotify
• Listen on Google Podcasts -->kathireuter.com/googlepodcasts

Have a topic you'd like to hear about? Shoot me an email at hello@kathireuter.com!