Episode 692: Procrastination, Self-Sabotage, and Saying No with Elyssa Smith

2025-09-03

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Trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith joins me to unpack procrastination, self-sabotage, reparenting, and the art of saying no, topics that shape how we show up every single day. Together we explore how these patterns are rooted in our nervous system from a young age, why they’re often survival strategies in disguise, and how compassion is the foundation for lasting change. As this conversation highlights, “There is another way of being, and I am going to be curious about it.” Elyssa’s stories and strategies will give you per...

Trauma-informed life strategist Elyssa Smith joins me to unpack procrastination, self-sabotage, reparenting, and the art of saying no, topics that shape how we show up every single day. Together we explore how these patterns are rooted in our nervous system from a young age, why they’re often survival strategies in disguise, and how compassion is the foundation for lasting change. As this conversation highlights, “There is another way of being, and I am going to be curious about it.”

Elyssa’s stories and strategies will give you permission to start small, with what I call “turtle steps”, and remind you that self-compassion is always the key. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Procrastination: why it’s more than just a “bad habit” and how it often stems from trauma (4:26)
Reparenting: practical and surprisingly simple ways we can support our own emotional healing (15:46)
Self-sabotage: how it shows up, the role shame plays, and the importance of gratitude and self-compassion when facing it (29:59)
Saying no: why choosing yourself is part of the healing process and how to start saying no without drowning in guilt (43:47)

Resources from this episode:

Elyssa’s Facebook Group: Stress Less Lounge

Elyssa’s website

ElyssaCSmith on Instagram

Existential Kink, Carolyn Elliot PhD (book)

✨Interested in a future Rythmia Ayahuasca retreat with me? I now have details! Drop a DM on Instagram @heyandreaowen or email support[at]andreaowen.com with the subject line “AYA Interested” and I’ll share more information with you.

Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!

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