Ep 244: Stop shrinking to avoid judgment

Fear the judgment of others? That's understandable - it's deeply uncomfortable to be openly or quietly judged. But we potentially do ourselves a disservice if our strategy for remedying that is to shrink or alter ourselves to avoid others' judgments and make them like us.This is what we're exploring today on SelfKind with Erica Webb (that's me!). In this episode you will hear:- Why it can help to acknowledge that people are judging rather than trying to convince yourself they're not- The impact that others' judgments (or the fear of that) can have on our behaviour and internal dialogue- Clues that might show you where you're shrinking or altering yourself out of fear of judgment- Why the short-term relief of discomfort that comes with shrinking and people-pleasing is potentially short-lived- Why acknowledge discomfort as human is important- The role of acknowledging your fear- Whether it's worth trying to 'convince' yourself that you don't care about others' judgments- Whether people pleasing can ever truly be eliminated- Tips for navigating time with family when you find yourself falling into practiced patterns of relating- The role of acknowledging your own judgments of others.Mentioned in this episode:Waitlist for February 2024 round of SOMA:HOMEhttps://www.ericawebb.com.au/soma-homeEpisode 162 of SelfKind with Erica Webb: On guilt, values and joy https://www.ericawebbyoga.com.au/podcast/episode/7cd27919/ep-162-on-guilt-values-and-joyEpisode 95 of SelfKind with Erica Webb: Living a Values-Based life with Laura Jean https://www.ericawebbyoga.com.au/podcast/episode/4e6b530b/ep-95-living-a-values-based-life-with-laura-jeanThe content I share on this platform is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a qualified counsellor, yoga teacher, and somatic coach, the information provided here does not constitute personal counselling, therapy, or a therapeutic relationship.If you're struggling with your mental health or need personalised support, I encourage you to reach out to a registered professional in your area.Always take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and prioritise your wellbeing.