Breaking Free from Approval Seeking: Reclaiming Your Identity
Episode Overview
Recognise how seeking approval can lead to losing your identity. Understand the impact of growing up in dysfunctional families. Learn strategies for setting boundaries and reclaiming self-identity. Discover the importance of community support in the healing process. Hear personal stories that provide comfort and practical advice.
We became approval seekers and lost our identity in the process.
Ever felt like you’re losing yourself while trying to please everyone around you? This episode of 'Adult Child' tackles that very issue head-on. Host Andrea and her guests dive deep into the second trait from the Laundry List: 'We became approval seekers and lost our identity in the process.' They explore how growing up in dysfunctional families can lead to a lifelong struggle with seeking approval and losing one's sense of self.
The discussion is raw and honest, with plenty of personal stories that many will find relatable. From childhood experiences of trying to win parental approval to adult challenges in setting boundaries, the conversation is both eye-opening and comforting. Andrea shares her own journey, including the moment she realised her need for approval was harming her relationships. She recounts how she’s learning to reclaim her identity by setting boundaries and seeking genuine connections.
The guests also contribute their experiences, shedding light on how deeply ingrained these behaviours can be and offering practical advice on how to start the healing process. The episode isn’t just about recognising the problem; it’s about finding solutions. You'll hear about strategies for breaking free from the cycle of people-pleasing, such as attending support groups and practising self-acceptance.
Andrea emphasises the importance of community and finding a safe space where you can be your true self without fear of judgement. If you’ve ever felt trapped by the need to make others happy at the expense of your own well-being, this episode is a must-listen. It offers hope and practical steps for reclaiming your identity and living a more authentic life.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that’s both heartfelt and humorous, and take the first step towards breaking free from the chains of approval-seeking.