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Ever wonder why a stranger's approval often feels more valuable than our own self-acceptance? This thought-provoking episode explores our collective obsession with external validation and the exhausting mathematics of people-pleasing.

We dive into the dangerous equation many of us follow: dividing ourselves into smaller and smaller pieces to meet others' expectations until we're stretched impossibly thin, serving no one well – especially not ourselves. I explore how we've become masters of relationship politics, pretending everything's fine when it isn't, then feeling frustrated when nobody notices our unspoken distress. This growing gap between our authentic selves and our public personas creates a mathematical impossibility – trying to be everything to everybody simply doesn't add up.

But there's profound freedom in recognizing yourself as the only common denominator in your life – the prime number that cannot be divided. Consider this: of the 7+ billion people on Earth, most will never know you existed, and of those who do, how many truly know the authentic you? When we shift focus from external approval to internal alignment, we discover that what matters isn't universal acceptance but personal integrity. Yes, standing in your truth means some people won't like what you have to say – and that's perfectly okay. The journey will be messy and imperfect, but gloriously yours. By showing up authentically, you not only reclaim your power but create space for others to do the same. Isn't that a much more fulfilling way to contribute to the world than endless people-pleasing?

What might change in your life if you stopped seeking validation from others and started honoring your inherent worth? I'd love to hear your thoughts – share your experiences or reflections in the comments, and if this message resonated with you, please subscribe and share with someone who might need to hear it.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?**
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern**
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Have you ever felt misunderstood because people reduce you to a single trait? This powerful conversation dives into the frustration of being labeled "optimistic" when what's really at play is something much deeper – authentic values of curiosity, connection, and openness.

We unpack the significant difference between toxic positivity (the forced brightness that refuses to acknowledge difficulties) and genuine engagement that stems from core values. As one participant notes, "I'm not just some dainty June" – highlighting how these mischaracterizations can prevent others from taking us seriously or seeing our depth and complexity.

The discussion reveals a fascinating paradox: our greatest strengths can become weaknesses when others expect us to embody them constantly. When we're skilled at presenting as positive or energetic, people come to expect that performance, creating pressure to maintain it even when it conflicts with our authentic state. The key insight emerges – rather than defaulting to our signature strengths in all situations, we can place them "in our toolbox" as reliable tools without letting them define us completely. This creates space for developing other aspects of ourselves and showing up differently across contexts.

This conversation speaks to anyone who's felt boxed in by others' perceptions or struggled with honoring their authentic self while meeting external expectations. As we hear, "we're not monochrome here" – a powerful reminder that human beings are multifaceted and deserve to be seen in their full complexity. How might you start placing your signature strengths in your toolbox rather than letting them define your entire identity? Listen in and reconsider how you express your authentic self in a world that loves simple categories.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?**
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern**
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Take a deep breath and pause with me. Right now. This guided five-minute reset offers something we all desperately need but rarely give ourselves—permission to stop, even briefly, and reconnect with ourselves.

Designed to fit seamlessly into your busy day, this practice guides you through a gentle but powerful sequence of mindful breathing, subtle movement, and sensory awareness. As you follow along, you'll release physical tension through simple stretches and twists, then awaken each of your senses to fully anchor yourself in the present moment. The practice concludes with a moment of gratitude and an invitation to consciously choose the energy you want to bring into your next hour.

What makes this reset different is its accessibility and immediate impact. You don't need special equipment, extensive time, or previous meditation experience—just five minutes and a willingness to pause. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed at work, scattered between tasks, or simply disconnected from yourself, this practice offers a way back to center. Use it hourly as suggested, or whenever you need to clear mental fog, release physical tension, or reset your emotional state.

The most powerful reminder comes at the end: "You don't need more time. You just needed this moment." In a world constantly telling us we need more—more productivity, more achievement, more hours in the day—this simple practice offers a revolutionary perspective: that wellbeing isn't about having more, but about fully experiencing what's already here. Give yourself this gift whenever you need it. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?**
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern**
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg