People pleasers, empaths and sensitive souls...

Do you ever feel like you’re a sponge for other people’s moods, emotions, and vibes? Like you’re carrying not just your own feelings, but everyone else’s too?

If so, you might notice things like:

- Giving so much of your time, energy, and presence that you’re left feeling unsupported and completely out of balance.
- Always tuned into what others want, need, or feel—but forgetting to check in with what *you* want or need.
- Feeling emotionally wiped out after an interaction with your child, a friend, family member, or co-worker. Maybe you find yourself slipping into people-pleasing, zoning out, or numbing (hello, Netflix marathon).

If any of that sounds familiar, I just want to say: I. See. You.

Why This Happens

I’ve been there too. And honestly, this pattern of losing connection with yourself is so much more common than you might realize. A lot of us have been taught—directly or indirectly—to put others first, even when it leaves us feeling drained.

I’m reading this amazing book right now by Rachel Rodgers, and she writes: “...we routinely accept less money for our work, give away our skills for free, or don’t believe we are worth more. We put other people’s needs before our own. And we fear the discomfort of disappointing people, saying no, and putting up boundaries.”

Wow, right? It’s like she’s calling all of us out—in the best way.

The Holiday Season Makes It Even Harder

And now, here comes the holiday season. If you’re anything like me, the to-do list gets longer, and the time for self-care shrinks. As a mom of three kids married to a chef, I feel you. It’s a lot.

But let’s be real: it’s not just about having too much to do. A big part of what makes this time of year so overwhelming is the old patterns in our nervous systems—stuff we’ve picked up from past experiences and from absorbing other people’s emotions.

When these patterns kick in, they can send us into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode. And when that happens? Boom. We’re totally disconnected from ourselves.

What That Disconnection Feels Like

When you’re disconnected, you lose touch with your body, your needs, and your wants. Boundaries feel impossible. Slowing down feels like a luxury you can’t afford. And self-care? Forget it. It’s the first thing to go.

No wonder you end up feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and out of sync with who you really are.

The Good News

Here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be your reality. The answer lies in reconnecting with yourself—and that starts with boundaries, self-care, and learning how to manage your energy. It’s about finding your balance again so you can show up as the best version of you—not just for others, but for yourself too.

One Simple Action You Can Take Right Now

If this is hitting home for you, I’ve got something that might help. I put together a two minute private podcast (see below) on how to protect your energy using a body, mind, and spirit approach. It’s not about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about taking small, meaningful steps that add up to big changes.

You deserve to feel supported. You deserve to feel balanced and connected to yourself. And you’re absolutely worthy of taking up space and prioritizing your needs.

I’m here to remind you of that—and to walk with you as you start reclaiming your energy and your life. You’ve got this.

Get the FREE 2 minute audio on How to Protect Your Energy

Keri Marino is a Certified Yoga Therapist and Somatic Inner Work Guide on a mission to help you feel more whole, confident and love yourself more.
​Over the past 15 years, she's worked with thousands and thousands of people across the US and guided them through yogic life transformation. Keri is the person you hire when you're ready to go deep and want an off the beaten path approach. ​​

While working with Keri, you'll feel embraced in warmth, calmness and a powerful intuitive approach that will help you find clarity in your life, heal through your body and soak in the love of her unequivocal mama energy.

Based in Greenville, SC serving people in-person and online. ​​​​