Inner Work With MaryAnn Walker: Life Coach for People Pleasers

MaryAnn Walker: Life Coach for Empaths, Highly Sensitive People & People Pleasers
  • 4.9 (34)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Are you a people pleaser or a highly sensitive person who somehow became the unofficial emotional support human for everyone in your life… and now you’re exhausted? If so, you’re not alone—and this podcast is for you. I’m MaryAnn Walker, and I help people pleasers and highly sensitive people break free from people pleasing, stop abandoning themselves, and finally find peace (without turning into someone they’re not).  Each week, we explore how to set boundaries without guilt, stop over-accommodating, and rebuild self-trust—so your relationships can feel more balanced, safe, and mutually supportive. Through practical tools, gentle coaching, and real-life examples, you’ll learn how to care for others without losing yourself, trust your own voice, and create emotional safety in your life. It’s time to stop people pleasing, put down the weight of everyone else’s emotions, and start experiencing the peace and self-respect you deserve. Hit subscribe now and let’s help you feel more grounded, confident, and at home in your own life. If you’re ready for more customized support, I would love to work with you. You can have a life filled with peace, clarity, and connection—and I can show you how. 👉 Inquire about one-on-one coaching availability and next steps here:https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow me on social media!  https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life https://www.youtube.com/@maryannwalkerlife

  1. 4d ago

    232: How to Feel Better in Just 10 Minutes: Creating Your Own Wellness Room

    Send us Fan Mail What if there was a place you could go when you felt overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally drained—and in just 10 minutes, give your mind and body a chance to settle down? That’s exactly what a wellness room can do. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from my new role as a high school Wellness Room Coordinator and how you can create your own calming space at home. The wellness room at my school uses all five senses to help students calm their bodies, work through big emotions, and get back to class. And while you might not need a whole room dedicated to wellness, you can use the same idea to create a small space that helps you feel more grounded. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to choose the best space for your personal wellness roomWhy cleaning and decluttering your space can make such a big differenceHow to use smell to help you feel calm and presentHow lighting, artwork, plants, and other visual details can change how a space feelsSimple ways to use touch to help you reconnect with your bodyHow music, silence, meditation, and other sounds can support relaxationHow taste can help bring you back into the present momentWhy checking in with yourself before and after your 10 minutes can help you notice what actually works for youYou don't need to spend a lot of money or completely redecorate your home. Start with one or two small changes and see what makes a difference for you. Your wellness room can be your bedroom, bathroom, living room, office, or even a small corner of your home. The important thing is creating a space where you can step away from distractions and give yourself a few quiet minutes to reconnect with yourself. Connect with Me!  I would love to see your wellness room!  Tag me in your photos on social media and I will share them in my stories!  @maryannwalker.life Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll continue the conversation by exploring “want matches” and how to recognize the people who are actually a good match for you. Check out my freebies below for resources to help you get started. FREE 7 Day to Feeling Better Challenge: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6 FREE Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37 Free Relationship Guide: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/e940c3a258

    232: How to Feel Better in Just 10 Minutes: Creating Your Own Wellness Room

  2. Sep 24

    231: "If You Loved Me, You Would Let Me": When Love Says NO.

    Send us Fan Mail Has anyone ever told you "If you loved me, you would accept me exactly as I am." It can feel disorienting when someone challenges your ability to love. And it can make you question yourself.  Today we answer this simple question: Can you love someone deeply and still tell them no? Absolutely. Being loving doesn't mean tolerating disrespect, over-giving, or letting people walk all over you. In this episode, we're talking about the difference between doormat energy and welcome mat energy—and how to set healthy boundaries without becoming cold, harsh, or controlling. You'll learn how to: Set boundaries without guilt or shameLove and accept someone while still saying noStop confusing unconditional love with unlimited accessCommunicate your needs in relationshipsHandle imbalances in relationship  Set loving boundaries with a teenager, partner, or anyone else in your lifeRecognize when a relationship is no longer sustainable or compatibleYou can love someone exactly as they are and still decide what you will and won't accept in your life. If you're ready to stop being a doormat and start creating relationships where love and boundaries can coexist, this episode is for you. Additional Resource: Episode 213: Increasing Lovability https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/19819748 Episode 173: Feeling Invisible and Walked All Over? Doormat vs Welcome mat Energy https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/17600742 Episode 117: Empathy Without Enabling: Boundaries for Toxic Relationships (Understanding vs Tolerating) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/15152298 Check out my freebies below for resources to help you get started. FREE 7 Day to Feeling Better Challenge: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6 FREE Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37 Free Relationship Guide: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/e940c3a258 Connect with MaryAnn Walker! Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll continue the conversation by exploring “want matches” and how to recognize the people who are actually a good match for you.

    231: "If You Loved Me, You Would Let Me": When Love Says NO.

  3. Sep 17

    230: Increasing Your Lovability

    Send us Fan Mail What if your lovability has less to do with how much other people like you—and more to do with your ability to love? In this episode, we’re reframing what lovability means and exploring how people pleasing, unmet expectations, and our invisible “manuals” for other people can make it harder to experience genuine connection. You’ll learn how to: Recognize the expectations that may be creating resentment and distance rather than love and connection How to let go of trying to control othersThe importance of practicing curiosity instead of emotional reactivityHow to love people without tolerating mistreatment or abandoning your own boundariesHow to increase your “love ability” while staying true to yourselfIf you’re a recovering people pleaser who wants healthier relationships, less resentment, and more peace, this episode will give you a new way to think about love, expectations, and connection. Recommended Episodes:  3 Ways You're Abandoning Yourself: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/19097535 The Hidden Reason People Pleasers Struggle to State Boundaries: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/18694828 Throwing Out the Manual: How Expectations May be Sabotaging Your Relationships: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/15251734 Boundaries vs Manuals: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/11236956 Indecision, The Motivational Triad, and How to Get Unstuck (The Spice Girl Episode) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/18895520 Check out my freebies below for resources to help you get started. FREE 7 Day to Feeling Better Challenge: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6 FREE Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37 Free Relationship Guide: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/e940c3a258 Connect with MaryAnn Walker! Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll continue the conversation by exploring “want matches” and how to recognize the people who are actually a good match for you.

    230: Increasing Your Lovability

  4. Sep 10

    229: Emotional Adulthood: How to Stop Letting Others Control Your Emotions

    Send us Fan Mail Emotional Adulthood: Stop Giving Other People the Remote Control to Your Emotions Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “They made me feel this way”? In this episode, we’re talking about emotional adulthood, emotional responsibility, and taking ownership of your emotional experience—without pretending other people’s behavior doesn't  affect you. Through three relatable examples involving a partner, a friend, and an adult child, you’ll learn how your thoughts influence your emotional responses and how waiting for other people to change can put your own peace and happiness on hold. In this episode, you’ll learn: What emotional adulthood really meansWhy saying “you made me feel this way” can leave you feeling powerlessHow to take responsibility for your emotional responsesHow to respond differently when someone disappoints or frustrates youHow to have boundaries and concerns without giving away your emotional powerA question to take with you: The next time you think, “They made me feel this way,” pause and ask: “What am I making their behavior mean?” Want to dive deeper into your thoughts, emotions, boundaries, and relationships? Check out my freebies below for resources to help you get started. FREE 7 Day to Feeling Better Challenge: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6 FREE Increasing Connection Through Healthy Boundaries Guidebook: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/2124419f37 Free Relationship Guide: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/e940c3a258 Connect with MaryAnn Walker! Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll continue the conversation by exploring “want matches” and how to recognize the people who are actually a good match for you.

    229: Emotional Adulthood: How to Stop Letting Others Control Your Emotions

  5. Sep 3

    228: How to Find a Relationship Match

    Send us Fan Mail How to Find a Relationship  Match Have you ever found yourself wishing someone would want the same things you do? In this episode, we’re talking about “want matches” in relationships—what happens when two people want different things and why that doesn’t have to mean something is wrong with either person. Using the simple analogy of the card game Go Fish, MaryAnn explores how getting clear about your wants can help you find the right people to meet those needs instead of trying to convince someone to become the person you wish they were. In this episode, you’ll learn: What a “want match” is and why it mattersHow to identify what you actually want in your relationshipsWhy someone not wanting the same thing doesn’t mean you aren’t valuableHow trying to change someone can create resentment and conflictWhy healthy relationships don’t require one person to meet every needHow to find people who naturally share your interests, values, and desiresYour challenge this week: Get clear about one thing you want in a relationship. Then ask yourself: Who already wants this too? Instead of trying to change someone, look for your match. If you’re ready to build healthier relationships, set better boundaries, and stop taking other people’s choices personally, check out the resources below:  Download my free Relationship Circle Chart + 10 Questions to help you identify where the people in your life actually belong—and whether they’re in the circle that makes the most sense for your relationship.  https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/e940c3a258 FREE How to Get Your Needs Met Challenge: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6 Connect with MaryAnn Walker! Book Your FREE Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult Contact me: https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll continue the conversation by exploring “want matches” and how to recognize the people who are actually a good match for you.

    228: How to Find a Relationship Match

  6. Aug 27

    227: Relationship Circles: Who Actually Belongs in Your Inner Circle?

    Send us Fan Mail Who Belongs in Your Inner Circle? How to Know Where People Fit in Your Life Who actually belongs in your inner circle? For many people, especially recovering people pleasers, it’s easy to focus on whether someone likes you instead of asking a much more important question: Do I actually like them? Do the align with the life I want to create? When we’re more focused on being liked, we can end up giving people more access, trust, time, and emotional energy than they’ve actually earned. We may also hold onto relationships because we want them to become something they aren’t—or expect someone to meet a standard they’re unwilling or unable to meet. In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, we’re talking about relationship circles and how understanding where people belong in our lives can help reduce resentment, frustration, and disappointment in relationships. Want to Take This a Step Further? Download my free Relationship Circle Chart + 10 Questions to help you identify where the people in your life actually belong—and whether they’re in the circle that makes the most sense for your relationship. https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/e940c3a258 Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss next week’s episode, where we’ll continue the conversation by exploring “want matches” and how to recognize the people who are actually a good match for you. Because healthy relationships aren’t about getting everyone to like you. They’re about learning to recognize who is a good fit for you—and giving each relationship the right amount of access, intimacy, and expectation.

    227: Relationship Circles: Who Actually Belongs in Your Inner Circle?

  7. Aug 20

    226: What If You’re Wrong About Yourself? Challenging Limiting Beliefs

    Send us Fan Mail How to Challenge Limiting Beliefs and Change Your LifeWhat if some of the things you believe about yourself aren't actually facts? Maybe you've told yourself, "I'm not a runner," "I'm not good at public speaking," "I'm not musical," or "I'm too old to start something new." But what if you simply haven't collected enough evidence yet? In this episode, MaryAnn invites you to reopen the case study on the beliefs you've formed about yourself. Instead of assuming that a difficult first experience means you can't do something, you can get curious, try again, and look for new evidence. Your brain looks for evidence to support what you already believe. When you change the thought, you can begin creating new possibilities. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How limiting beliefs can keep you stuck.Why a difficult first experience doesn't mean you're incapable.How your brain looks for evidence to support your beliefs.Why practice and repetition can change what you believe you're capable of.How to replace "I can't" with a more supportive thought.Why it's never too late to challenge an old belief.How to reopen the case study and look for evidence of a different outcome.Your Challenge This Week Choose one belief that may be holding you back. Ask yourself: "What if this isn't actually true?" Then look for evidence that there could be a different ending to your story. You don't have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to keep testing the hypothesis. And remember: It's not too late to create change. Looking for more support? Join my FREE feel better challenge! See you inside! https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6

    226: What If You’re Wrong About Yourself? Challenging Limiting Beliefs

  8. Aug 13

    225: The Boundary Sandwich: How to Set Boundaries With Kindness and Confidence

    Send us Fan Mail How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Rude or Guilty If you're a highly sensitive person, empath, or recovering people-pleaser who struggles to say no, this episode is for you. Maybe you worry about hurting someone's feelings. Maybe you're afraid of coming across as rude, selfish, unhelpful, or mean. Or maybe you've gotten into the habit of saying yes when you really want to say no—and then feeling overwhelmed, resentful, or exhausted afterward. In this episode of Inner Work with MaryAnn Walker, we're talking about how to set healthy boundaries while still honoring your kind and compassionate heart. MaryAnn introduces a simple boundary-setting technique called the Boundary Sandwich, a practical formula that helps you communicate a clear no without unnecessary guilt, conflict, or over-explaining. You'll learn how to acknowledge someone's good intent, clearly state your boundary, and—when appropriate—end with another kind or supportive statement. Most importantly, you'll learn why over-explaining can unintentionally turn your boundary into a negotiation. What You'll Learn Why highly sensitive people and people-pleasers often struggle with saying no.How tying your worth to what you can do for others can make boundary setting difficult.What the Boundary Sandwich is and how to use it.The difference between a closed-faced boundary sandwich and an open-faced boundary sandwich.Why assuming good intent can help you communicate boundaries with compassion.Why your boundary should be kind, clear, and concise.How over-explaining can make your "no" unclear and unintentionally invite negotiation.Why clear is kind and unclear is unkind when it comes to communication.How to set boundaries with family members, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and your boss.How to communicate boundaries around your time, energy, availability, parenting choices, work hours, and emotional labor. The Boundary Sandwich The basic formula is simple: Say something kind → State your boundary → Say something kind. For example: "I appreciate you thinking of me, and I'm not available this weekend. I hope you find someone who can help."The goal isn't to make your boundary more palatable so someone will approve of it. The goal is to communicate your boundary clearly and compassionately without abandoning yourself. Remember: Kind. Clear. Concise. You don't have to convince someone that your boundary is reasonable before you're allowed to have it. Work With MaryAnn If you're ready to stop abandoning yourself in an effort to keep everyone else comfortable, The Self-Reclamation Projectmay be the next step for you. This 12-week private coaching experience gives you the opportunity to take the tools you've been learning on the podcast and apply them directly to your own life, relationships, thought patterns, boundaries, and personal circumstances. MaryAnn's own experience with one-on-one coaching helped her recognize blind spots she couldn't see on her own—and ultimately inspired her to become a coach. If you'd like to learn more about working together, email maryann@maryannwalker.life to start the conversation. Space is limited so act now!  Recommended Links:  The Self Reclamation Project: https://maryannwalker.life/coaching-packages Episode 124: Less is More: Simplifying Communication for Better Understanding https://www.buzzsprout.com/2028767/episodes/15488950 FREE 7 Day Challenge: https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/cdf81f07e6 If This Episode Helped You If this episode gave you a new perspective on setting boundaries, saying no, people-pleasing, or over-explaining, please consider leaving a podcast review. Your review helps more highly sensitive people, empaths, and recovering people-pleasers find the show. And if you know someone who struggles to say no without feeling guilty, share this episode with them.

    225: The Boundary Sandwich: How to Set Boundaries With Kindness and Confidence
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About

Are you a people pleaser or a highly sensitive person who somehow became the unofficial emotional support human for everyone in your life… and now you’re exhausted? If so, you’re not alone—and this podcast is for you. I’m MaryAnn Walker, and I help people pleasers and highly sensitive people break free from people pleasing, stop abandoning themselves, and finally find peace (without turning into someone they’re not).  Each week, we explore how to set boundaries without guilt, stop over-accommodating, and rebuild self-trust—so your relationships can feel more balanced, safe, and mutually supportive. Through practical tools, gentle coaching, and real-life examples, you’ll learn how to care for others without losing yourself, trust your own voice, and create emotional safety in your life. It’s time to stop people pleasing, put down the weight of everyone else’s emotions, and start experiencing the peace and self-respect you deserve. Hit subscribe now and let’s help you feel more grounded, confident, and at home in your own life. If you’re ready for more customized support, I would love to work with you. You can have a life filled with peace, clarity, and connection—and I can show you how. 👉 Inquire about one-on-one coaching availability and next steps here:https://maryannwalker.life/contact-me Follow me on social media!  https://www.tiktok.com/@maryannwalker.life https://www.instagram.com/maryannwalker.life/ https://www.facebook.com/maryannwalker.life https://www.youtube.com/@maryannwalkerlife

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