BOO481 - The Stories We Live

bestofourselves podcast · Jul 21, 2025 · 5m

I recently came across a photo of myself as a Brownie—standing straight in my uniform, with this tight little smile on my face. I wasn't carefree or joyful. I was trying hard to get it right.

Even back then, I had already learned how to shape myself to be acceptable—to be "good."

Good as in quiet, helpful, not too much. I became a chameleon, tuning into what others needed and editing myself to fit the part. And for a long time, that worked. Until it didn't.

In this episode, I reflect on how those early survival strategies—being the pleaser, the fixer, the peacekeeper—can leave us feeling…