The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for joy and celebration, it can also be overwhelming—especially for women who struggle with people-pleasing. In this episode of Empowering Women in Conversations, Anita Sandoval is joined by Jessica Hope Murph, LMFT, to explore why the holidays are particularly challenging for people pleasers and how to reclaim peace, joy, and authenticity during this time.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why the Holidays Bring Stress for People Pleasers:
  Jessica explains how family programming, perfectionism, and cultural expectations contribute to holiday stress.
• Core Characteristics of People Pleasers:
  Understanding the patterns that lead women to prioritize others' needs and struggle with self-worth.
• Steps to Shift Away from People-Pleasing:
  Practical tips for starting small, such as treating yourself with care and setting boundaries.
• The Power of Assertive Communication:
  Examples of passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles, and phrases to use in challenging situations.
• The Importance of Peer Support:
  How surrounding yourself with the right people can help you maintain boundaries and build resilience.

BONUS: Listen in to 6 quick survival tips will help you reclaim your worth, set boundaries, and truly enjoy the season. Reclaim Your Worth and Enjoy the Holidays

Memorable Quotes:

• “Stop trying to prove that you're enough and just be enough.” – Jessica Hope Murph, LMFT
• “When you treat yourself like the queen you are, you’re not just practicing self-care—you’re changing your core value to ‘I am enough.’” – Jessica Hope Murph, LMFT

Actionable Tips:

1. Start small with self-care: Take 10 minutes for yourself each morning or treat yourself to something you enjoy.
2. Practice assertive communication: Replace passive or aggressive styles with confident, respectful phrases.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people: Find peer groups or friends who uplift and empower you.

You can reach Jessica Hope Murph:

• practice: Beyond Boundaries Counseling RGV
• Couples Boot Camp: 4 Week Online Group Counseling For Couples
• Facebook: facebook.com/BBCRGV
• Youtube: Beyond Boundaries Counseling RGV
• Anita Sandoval’s 5-Day Relief Challenge:Unwind and Relax in 5 Days
  If you enjoyed this episode feel free to listen in to our previous episode:

Breaking Free: Unmasking Narcissistic Abuse and Empowering the People Pleaser Within

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