Very insightful essay that resonates with me as a fellow trauma survivor. I identify with the "people pleasing" mode, that definitely was me in my younger years, and still trips me up occasionally to this day. Spiritual health is always a work in progress.
I'm definitely in the people-pleasing, always be "good" camp here. It's interesting how these things become internalized, too; when I experience the shadow side of this, it typically comes from my own thoughts rather than someone else's words or actions.
Excellent point! And me too! That “shadow side” shame and stress come from inside me, like a programmed response, rather than from actual, real-time threats from other people. The safety I’m unconsciously trying to reach for in those moments is not actually located where my programming tells me!
Thanks so much, Josh, for reading, liking, and commenting! 🩵
Very insightful essay that resonates with me as a fellow trauma survivor. I identify with the "people pleasing" mode, that definitely was me in my younger years, and still trips me up occasionally to this day. Spiritual health is always a work in progress.
Thank you so much for reading, Jane! I’m glad it resonated. I like your last sentence there—so true!
I'm definitely in the people-pleasing, always be "good" camp here. It's interesting how these things become internalized, too; when I experience the shadow side of this, it typically comes from my own thoughts rather than someone else's words or actions.
Excellent point! And me too! That “shadow side” shame and stress come from inside me, like a programmed response, rather than from actual, real-time threats from other people. The safety I’m unconsciously trying to reach for in those moments is not actually located where my programming tells me!
Thanks so much, Josh, for reading, liking, and commenting! 🩵