What if your anxiety isn’t coming from who you are… but from who you’re trying to be? OOFFEEEE In this episode, I’m sharing something that completely shifted my anxiety: the more I let myself be weird, honest, expressive, and fully me… the less anxious I felt. Not because life got perfect—but because I stopped trying to be someone I'm not. If you’re someone who’s been stuck in people-pleasing, overthinking, or constantly filtering yourself to be more “liked,” this conversation is going to hit deep. Inside this episode, we dive into: Why suppressing your personality creates internal tension, anxiety, and emotional exhaustionHow being the “likable,” “normal,” or “good” version of you fuels high-functioning anxietyThe nervous system shift that happens when you start expressing your real thoughts, quirks, and desiresWhy your “weirdness” is actually your safest, most regulated state You’ll also learn: How to start showing up more authentically (without spiraling about what people think)Why self-expression builds confidence, safety, and self-trustThe connection between authenticity and anxiety relief This episode is for the woman who: Feels anxious, socially drained, or constantly “on”Overthinks how she’s perceived and edits herself in conversationsStruggles with insecurity, self-doubt, or fear of judgmentIs ready to feel free, expressed, and at home in who she is Because the goal isn’t to become less of yourself to feel safe… it’s to become more of yourself—and realize that’s where the safety was all along. [FREE 4 MINUTE CALM RESET AUDIO]Want a short, grounding practice for when you're feeling overwhelmed? Grab it here & use it anytime! [CALM RESET STARTER KIT🎧]Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a spiral? This will be your GO TO audio toolkit. Grab the CALM Audio Bundle here —short and effective guided breathing practices, and healing audios designed for anxious, overwhelmed women who are ready to regulate their nervous system and step into peace. [DM DEV]DM Dev what you're taking from this episode! She'd love to hear from you! [GET YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED ON THE POD]Want to get Devoney's coaching take on something you're moving through? This is EXACTLY why the podcast exists, to support YOU. Share your question HERE & she'll answer it on an upcoming episode! [WORK WITH DEVONEY]REGULATE & REALIGN SESSION: A 75-minute 1:1 session to help you exhale & know what to focus on right now. Get more info HERE. GENTLE MOMENTUM BUNDLE: A gentle, grounded 3 session coaching journey. Less spiraling and second guessing. More self trust & confidence. Get more info HERE. [ABOUT DEVONEY & FREE & WELL]The Free & Well Podcast is for the woman who: -is ready to stop second guessing herself -is ready to feel more confident in who she is & who God created her to be -is ready to start speaking up more & being herself unapologetically Current Ways to Work with Devoney On this podcast, you'll hear psychology backed mental wellness tools, nervous system regulating practices & faith based tools to support you in becoming your most confident self. My hope is that you walk away from every episode feeling hyped to take that one, next step in becoming your best self. My name is Devoney. I've served over 5,000 hours as a therapist, I'm a faith based yoga teacher & a dog mom. Growing up, I questioned myself and struggled with anxiety and I'm here to share all the things I've learned so you can step into who God created you to be, unapologetically! Each episode I'll share nuggets from my 10 +years in the mental health field and my own raw, imperfect & real lessons life as a Believer who experiences anxiety & ADHD and as a recovering people pleaser. [DISCLAIMER]Recommendations shared in this episode are based on my own personal opinion. No content provided by Free & Well and/or on this show is a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. It is all purely for educational purposes and is not a replacement for medical, legal, or mental health advice. Please call 911 if you are in an emergency, the Access & Crisis Line if you are in a crisis at 888-724-7240 or contact a licensed mental health provider for mental health support. See full disclaimer here.