The Weight of People Pleasing with Shereen Thor

On This Episode...

In this episode of the No Half Cakes Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shereen Thor to discuss a topic many of us find ourselves grappling with: the weight of people pleasing. Shereen opens up about her personal journey from being a major people pleaser in her formative years to eventually liberating herself from the exhausting cycle of trying to be everything for everyone.

Shereen reflects on her childhood, sharing how her environment conditioned her to become the Peacemaker in her family. This role shaped her early interactions, making her the default assistant and therapist for everyone around herβ€”a pattern she carried into her adult life. Our conversation touched on how such tendencies often take root as our parents attempt to mold us based on their values, teaching us survival mechanisms that, while possibly beneficial at the time, can turn into heavy burdens.

One of the most insightful parts of our discussion was exploring Shereen’s career trajectory. She shares how she began in a field starkly different from where she is now, highlighting the struggle of adhering to a path that serves others’ expectations rather than one’s own desires. Shereen’s story is a remarkable example of transformation and the courage it takes to break free from external validation.

This episode serves as a deep dive into understanding the internal battles of people pleasing and the steps needed to overcome it. Shereen’s insights and experiences provide invaluable advice for anyone looking to embark on a more authentic, self-fulfilled journey. If you’ve ever found yourself weighed down by the demands of others, or felt the pressure of living up to someone else’s script, this conversation is an enlightening listen. Tune in and discover the power of prioritizing your own voice over the deafening expectations of others.

Published: February 3, 2025