I believe that there is something significant in everyone’s story. It can be the key to understanding what makes them tick. So here’s some of my story.
I internalized my childhood disappointments to mean that I was not worthy of being cared for. That I was not valuable enough to obtain attention. So through trial and error I discovered that people would like me if I was nice. People would like me, if I went along with what they said. People would value me, if I laughed at their jokes. And I could avoid conflict if I just went with the flow! Sweet!! I can get attention and appreciation if I do and go and help everyone who asks me. That makes me MVP right?!?? Wrong, it just made me tired because I couldn’t say “no”. I was always compromising my beliefs. I had no time, low self-esteem, and worst of all, I was distant from God.
I was a People Pleaser!! I had an approval addiction!
But God has redefined my value on the tablet of my heart. Now, I’m a recovering people pleaser! I don’t have to fit into any box someone creates for me. I don’t have to agree to keep the peace. I am still be kind because that’s who I am, not because I desire someone else’s approval. I still show love because that is God’s desire within me. I’ve learned how to set boundaries and how to say “no” without guilt or regret. My relationship with God grows deeper everyday. But I still can’t seem to get rid of my Resting Nice Face (RNF). LOL!
I can help you help you overcome your approval addiction, because I have been there, too.