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

And remember to subscribe so that you don't have to miss another episode.
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Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Narcissistic Abuse: Definition and insights into how narcissists use coercion, power, and control in relationships.
• The People Pleaser's Plight: Examining why people pleasers become prime targets for narcissistic individuals and how their natural tendencies can prolong toxic dynamics.
• The Mask of Narcissism: Discussing the initial charm and subsequent reveal of a narcissist's true nature, and the psychological impact on their partners.
• Signs and Patterns Overlooked: Identifying the early warning signs that people pleasers often miss, including the dangerous cycle of justification and self-sacrifice.
• Breaking the Cycle: Strategies for recognizing, addressing, and healing from narcissistic abuse, with an emphasis on self-awareness and boundary-setting.

Key Takeaways:

1. Narcissistic Abuse Beyond Physical Harm: Understanding that emotional and psychological manipulation is a form of abuse.
2. The Danger of Mirroring: Recognizing the early phases of a relationship with a narcissist can help prevent deeper entanglement.
3. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Providing listeners with the tools to identify and escape abusive situations.
4. Healing and Recovery: Highlighting the importance of support, therapy, and community in overcoming the effects of narcissistic abuse.

If you want to learn more you can connect with Sybil Cummin at:
Email: info@risingbeyondpc.com

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/
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Domestic Shelters.org

Follow us on our social media platforms for more resources, and join our community discussions to share your experiences and insights.
If you enjoyed this episode feel free to listen in to our previous episode:
Unmasking Manipulators and Becoming a Woman Empowered!
And remember to subscribe so that you don't have to miss another episode.
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www.anitasandoval.com
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Empowering Women In Conversations

Welcome to my OMST Journey,' a 12-day mini docu series where we delve into the fascinating world of Optometric Multi-Sensory Training (OMST). As a licensed professional counselor with EMDR certification and a background in neurobiology, I'm excited to share my personal experiences with this unique therapy and its potential impact on mental health. About the Series: Join me on this immersive exploration as we focus on various aspects of mental well-being, including: Focus Retention: Discover how OMST influences concentration and attention. Memory Retention and Recall: Explore the effects on memory functions and recall. Restlessness: Addressing feelings of restlessness and finding a sense of calm. Sleep, Dreams, and Nightmares: Uncover the connection between OMST and sleep patterns, dreams, and nightmares. Dissociation Level: Investigating how OMST may influence dissociation experiences. Muscle Tension and Release: Exploring the impact on physical tension and relaxation. Cravings and Urges with Sugar: Discussing the role of OMST in managing cravings and urges, particularly with sugar. Intrusive Distorted Thoughts: How OMST may contribute to managing intrusive and distorted thoughts. Engage with the Journey: This series is more than just a documentation of my experiences – it's an invitation for you to engage and share your thoughts. Feel free to leave comments, questions, and your own insights as we navigate through this 12-day journey together. Subscribe for Daily Updates: Make sure to subscribe to the channel for daily updates. Each video in the playlist will be a chapter of this exciting exploration into OMST and its potential benefits for mental well-being. Are you ready to embark on this journey? Let's dive in!

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