I write my story to become emboldened.
I share my story to embolden you.
My mission is to facilitate dialogue among and about people-pleasers, because sharing our story is the first step in becoming emboldened.
Have you ever said yes when your heart screamed no? Most people do, on occasion.
But for many people-pleasers, agreeableness is a lifestyle and the pricetag is high.
What does it cost you?
Stick around. We’ll figure this out together.
Get to know me.
Here’s the hard truth: I never learned to stand up for myself.
Here’s the harder truth: I didn’t know how to stand up for my son. When he was ailing and needed a fierce mama bear to protect her cub, all he had was me and I was too agreeable.
Read the short story here. For the longer story, you’ll have to wait for my memoir, Portrait of a People-Pleaser and the Son Who Paid the Price. Subscribe here to be in on all my news.
What does “people-pleasing” mean?
Here’s my definition: to habitually prioritize others' needs, wishes, or happiness over one’s own.
In other words, it's:
- A pattern of feeling like a pushover, a doormat, a wet dishrag.
- A history of being afraid to make waves, and not wanting to rock the boat.
- Constantly getting walked on.
- A recurring fear of conflict, resulting in swallowing your true feelings and opinions.
- Regularly not standing up for yourself.
- Often allowing your voice to be silenced.
Does this sound like you? It sounds like me, or at least the old me—the person I was for decades.
Click here to read more, including the ten signs you may be a people-pleaser.

Take a step forward.
You don’t have to be a people-pleaser forever!
Q: How do I become emboldened?
A: Here are three ways I can help, through webinars, focus groups, my mother-daughter dialogues series.
There are no fees for these programs! Learn more today.
“In a recent phone call, I called myself a 'recovering people pleaser'. I'm not sure if I would have such awareness if I was not connected to you. Thank you!”Gail, a subscriber