
Shouldn’t I be past this? Healing evolves, not erases
From Life in the Grey by Mums At The Table
April 30, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 16
About this episode
The episode explores the complexities of assertiveness and self-advocacy in uncomfortable situations.
Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, I should have said something . . . or maybe, I’m glad I didn’t? In this episode, we sit in that uncomfortable in-between and ask ourselves: When is it wise to speak up and advocate for our rights, and when is it actually okay to step back and “escape”? We’re unpacking our own wrestles with assertiveness, people-pleasing, self-protection and pride. This is one of those nuanced, no-easy-answer conversations. Just two of us thinking out loud about power, safety, timing and what the wiser move might look like in the grey. Related links: The episode when Faith talks about highways and off-ramps. ✨ Ready to be a little kinder to yourself? Download our free 5-day self-compassion challenge —with daily prompts, gentle exercises and tools to help you stop the spiral of self-criticism and start speaking to yourself like a friend.
People in this episode
Host: Mums At The Table
Topics covered
- assertiveness
- people-pleasing
- self-protection
- communication
- healing
Keywords
- healing
- communication
- self-compassion
- assertiveness
- people-pleasing
More episodes of Life in the Grey
- Do I need closure? The art of healing forward · May 31, 2026 · 18 min
- Should I speak up? Choosing the wiser move · March 31, 2026 · 15 min
- Big feelings again? Let’s not rush to “regulate" · February 28, 2026 · 20 min
- Should we be nervous? The comments are in · January 31, 2026 · 17 min
- What’s shifted? Reflecting on past episodes · December 31, 2025 · 29 min
- Am I a bad person? Feeling annoyed at those you love · November 30, 2025 · 22 min
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