Letting Go of People Pleasing: Stop Betraying Yourself and Choosing Your Authentic SelfLetting Go of People Pleasing: Stop Betraying Yourself and Choosing Your Authentic Self
Recover Your Soul: A Spiritual Path to a Happy and Healthy Life
Rev. Rachel Harrison talks about moving away from people pleasing and codependency towards a more authentic, spiritually grounded life. She shares personal examples and the Recover Your Soul process as tools for those ready to stop self-betrayal and honour who they really are.
37:55•6 Apr 2026
Letting Go of People Pleasing and Choosing Your Authentic Self
Episode Overview
- People pleasing and codependency often feel loving, but can be a deep form of self-betrayal that blocks authenticity.
- Real change starts by turning attention inward, noticing long-held patterns and beliefs rather than trying to fix others.
- Letting go of old family roles and expectations may bring backlash, but staying small to avoid discomfort no longer works.
- Spiritual practice can help you see yourself and others with more compassion, releasing judgement while still holding boundaries.
- Doubt is a natural part of growth; choosing your true self may mean some people do not understand you, and that is okay.
“"This abandoning ourselves is over."”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation with Rev. Rachel Harrison focuses on a different kind of addiction that many quietly live with: people pleasing, codependency, and the habit of betraying yourself to keep everyone else happy. Aimed at those in recovery from alcoholism, control addiction, or simply burned out from always playing the supporting role, this episode looks at what it really means to choose your authentic self.
Rachel shares her own story of shaping her life around her husband, kids and family, often without even noticing. From pretending to enjoy sporty adventures to being the family "cruise director", she explains how everyday choices can slowly erode your sense of self. At the heart of the conversation is the Recover Your Soul process and Rachel’s forthcoming memoir on spiritual healing from addiction, codependency and people pleasing.
She talks about a wider cultural shift away from "playing nicey-nicey" and into a softer, but stronger kind of boundary-setting. As she puts it, "This abandoning ourselves is over." You’ll hear how spiritual practice, honesty about long-running patterns, and a willingness to feel uncomfortable can lead to a more genuine life.
Rachel stresses that change doesn’t start with fixing other people; it begins with turning attention inward, seeing how old beliefs drive our behaviour, and slowly re-writing that inner operating system. She reminds listeners that doubt is natural, especially when stepping into a more visible, truthful version of yourself. If you’ve ever asked, "What do I actually want?" and struggled to answer, this episode offers language, comfort and gentle challenge.
It invites anyone tired of shoulds and expectations to ask a braver question: what would it look like to stop abandoning yourself and stand in who you really are?
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