335. Navigating your people pleasing this Christmas with Sena Smith335. Navigating your people pleasing this Christmas with Sena Smith
How I quit alcohol
Shauna Smith discusses overcoming people-pleasing tendencies during Christmas, offering strategies for maintaining sobriety amidst holiday pressures.
11:18•10 Dec 2025
Conquering People-Pleasing This Christmas with Shauna Smith
Episode Overview
- Recognise and address people-pleasing tendencies.
- Plan morning activities to avoid late-night drinking.
- Be your own advocate; prioritise your health.
- Set boundaries to manage holiday stress.
- Practice self-compassion and kindness.
“"If we can't be our own best advocate, who the hell is going to be?"”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety, especially during the festive season? This episode of 'How I Quit Alcohol' offers a candid conversation with Shauna Smith, a beloved guest known for her engaging charm and insights. Christmas is often a time of joy, but it can also be a hotbed for stress and emotional triggers, especially for those on a sobriety journey.
Shauna and host Danni Carr dive into the challenges of people-pleasing during the holidays, a common hurdle for many trying to maintain their sobriety. Shauna opens up about her own struggles with people-pleasing, sharing how the fear of being perceived as boring led her to drink more than she wanted during Christmas. She reflects on the societal pressures women face to keep everyone happy, often at the expense of their own well-being.
The episode is filled with practical advice on setting boundaries and prioritising personal health over social expectations. Danni and Shauna also discuss the importance of self-compassion and planning, offering listeners actionable tips like planning morning activities to avoid late-night drinking temptations. They stress the significance of being your own advocate and recognising that you are the expert on your own life.
If you're looking for support and strategies to handle the festive season without compromising your sobriety, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a heartfelt reminder that prioritising your health and happiness is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas. Are you ready to embrace a healthier, more self-compassionate holiday season?

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