Are you exhausted from trying to "fix" everyone and everything in your life? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, yoga mentor, and author Elena Brower to discuss why letting go is the ultimate act of self-love.

We've been conditioned to think that love means fixing, controlling, or "managing" the people around us. But what if the most powerful thing you could do is simply hold space?

In this episode, Elena Brower—bestselling author of Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself—shares her profound journey from high-functioning perfectionism to a life of presence and service.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/846

"Is she entitled? Or have you just been serving yourself up on a platter?"

My therapist asked me that years ago, while I was mid-rant about a friend who kept asking me for favors. It stopped me cold, and it changed how I understood my own patterns.

If you're the one who says "I got it" before anyone finishes asking, who anticipates everyone's needs, who lies awake wondering if you came off as selfish, this episode is for you.

It's part one of a two-part series on boundaries and high functioning codependency, and I'm breaking down why boundaries are so hard for those of us who over-give, auto-accommodate, and self-sacrifice on autopilot.

You'll learn what boundaries are made of (your preferences, desires, limits, and deal breakers), how HFC traits create disordered boundaries, and why healthy boundaries are the bridge to the relationships you want.

Ready for the scripts? Part two, with word-for-word boundary scenarios, is at terricole.com/718.

This episode is part of our Best of The Terri Cole Show summer series: the most-requested episodes of the show, back to back, while new episodes are in the works for fall.

Get the free assessment guide for this episode: terricole.com/guide
Listen to part two: terricole.com/718
Find out where you stand with boundaries: boundaryquiz.com

Are you feeling like an outsider in your own home? Does the pressure to be the "perfect" stepmom have you constantly over-functioning, resentful, and burnt out?

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Scrimger, the founder of the "Kick-Ass Stepmom" community. We dive deep into the messy, complicated, and often painful reality of navigating blended family dynamics. We aren't just talking about tips—we're talking about the deep emotional work required to feel secure, respected, and valued as a bonus mom.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/844