#138 Why Did I Say Yes? People-Pleasing, Boundaries, and Why It’s So Hard to Say No with Samantha Stefaniak

2026-01-20

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Send us a textOkay—be honest. Have you ever said yes… and then immediately regretted it? Now you’re stuck, overwhelmed, and replaying the whole thing in your head: What are they going to think if I back out? What if I don’t show up and do it well?In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Stefaniak, a licensed Catholic therapist, coach, and convert (and the founder of Rooted Soul, Grounded Mind). We talk about what’s actually underneath people-pleasing—why “being nice” can quietly turn into losing yourself—and how to start practi...

Send us a text

Okay—be honest. Have you ever said yes… and then immediately regretted it?
Now you’re stuck, overwhelmed, and replaying the whole thing in your head: What are they going to think if I back out? What if I don’t show up and do it well?

In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Stefaniak, a licensed Catholic therapist, coach, and convert (and the founder of Rooted Soul, Grounded Mind). We talk about what’s actually underneath people-pleasing—why “being nice” can quietly turn into losing yourself—and how to start practicing the kind of pause that leads to real discernment.

We also unpack emotions (without making them the boss of you): what they’re trying to tell you, how to name what you’re actually feeling, and how to stop the rumination when you’re convinced everyone is judging you.

You’ll walk away with:

a simple way to pause before you auto-yes (and what to say instead)
why the fear under people-pleasing is often fear of rejection (and what to do with that)
how to use emotions as information—without letting them run your decisions
a practical tool to stop the “they think I’m annoying / irresponsible / not enough” replay

Samantha also shares details about the Holy “No” Summit (Jan 30–Feb 1, 2026), a free virtual event to help Catholic women stop people-pleasing and start saying yes to God and their real responsibilities.

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Rooted Soul, Grounded Mind - website is rootedsoulgroundedmind.com. Socials are @RootedSoulGroundedMind on Instagram and Facebook

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