Send us a text! We’d love to know what you think! Have you ever said, "I just don't feel like myself"? Or maybe you've thought, “I’m great at my job but I’m a mess in my relationships.” If so, you’re not alone and you’re not failing. I’m Dr. Nari Jeter, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and I’m kicking off the first official episode of Work of Being You by sharing why I built this show around one idea that keeps changing lives: the most control we have in life is over ourselves, and that makes self-work the strongest investment you can make in your relationships. We talk about why “just be yourself” can feel like useless advice when you’ve spent years learning how to perform, adapt, and stay safe. From workplace professionalism to family expectations and social rules, we all wear masks to be accepted and successful. Those masks can help, but they can also leave you feeling like you don’t know who you are when things get personal. I break down how identity is shaped by parents, teachers, culture, gender roles, and survival, and why unlearning those old labels can be harder than it sounds because it’s tied to memory, the nervous system, and what your body does on autopilot. Then we get practical. The work of being you starts with noticing patterns, including how you feel around certain people and what situations keep repeating. It deepens when you learn to tolerate discomfort without instantly reacting, and when you practice real pauses that create space for better choices. We also dig into boundaries, the line where you end and someone else begins, and why boundary work is lifelong. Finally, we talk about truth telling, because secrets drain your emotional energy and honesty is the first step toward authenticity and vulnerability. If any of this hits home, listen, share with a friend who needs it, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After you listen, leave a review and tell me: where do you feel most like yourself, and where do you disappear? You can learn more about Dr. Nari's work at: Website: www.drnarijeter.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drnarijeter/ Substack: https://substack.com/@drnarijeter Podcast Disclaimer The Work of Being You is for educational and informational purposes only. The thoughts, ideas, and perspectives shared on this podcast are not intended to provide individual mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy, and listening to the podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship between you and Dr. Nari Jeter. Every person and relationship is different. Please consider your own circumstances when applying anything discussed on the podcast, and seek the guidance of a qualified mental health professional when you need individualized support. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or a crisis resource in your area. Thank you for being here, and for doing the work of being you.
