In this follow-up episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn return to the topic of authenticity—this time focusing on practical ways to navigate the space between external pressure and internal truth.

They explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) forces that shape our image decisions—everything from fashion trends and social comparison to fears about how we’re perceived. Whether you're a teenager figuring out your style or an adult navigating aging, image, or identity, this conversation offers tools to help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with what you actually want.

What You'll Learn:

🔹 How to tell if a decision is driven by fear or grounded in self-confidence

🔹 The role of language—“I have to” vs. “I want to”—in revealing our motivation

🔹 How social and cultural messages influence our sense of authenticity

🔹 Why image decisions can feel high-stakes

🔹 What true authenticity feels like—and how to move toward it

Notable Insights:

💬 If you notice that it’s fear-based, it might be a clue that it’s not aligned with authenticity.

💬 We’re all influenced—no one is completely untouched. The goal isn’t to escape influence, but to recognize it.

💬 Grace matters. For ourselves, our kids, our families—we’re all doing our best to figure this out.

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In this introspective episode of Selves Unedited, clinical psychologists Dr. Danielle Colborn and Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart embark on a profound exploration of personal authenticity and image. Drawing from their extensive experience in eating disorder therapy, the hosts challenge listeners to examine the deeper motivations behind their image-related decisions. They ask critical questions: When do personal choices become a form of self-erasure? How can we truly understand the "why" behind our desire to change?Perfect for anyone seeking deeper self-understanding, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based insights into the intricate relationship between self-image and personal authenticity.

Key Discussion Highlights:

• The psychological landscape of body and image choices

• Unpacking the complex motivations behind self-enhancement

• Distinguishing between genuine self-expression and external pressures

• The delicate balance of self-acceptance and personal transformation

Summary:

What does self-love really mean? In this episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn explore the deep and often misunderstood concept of self-love—beyond affirmations, self-care routines, and the pressure to always feel good about yourself. They discuss how self-love is rooted in self-acceptance, grace, and authenticity, and why it’s a lifelong process, not a destination.

If you’ve ever felt like you need to "fix" yourself to be worthy of love, or if you've struggled with self-criticism and perfectionism, this conversation is for you.

Notable Moments from the Episode:

💡 “Self-love isn’t about reaching a perfect state—it’s about embracing yourself as you are.”

💡 “We would never tell a friend, ‘I’ll love you more if you change.’ Why do we do that to ourselves?”

💡 “Rest isn’t something you earn after being productive. It’s something you deserve because you’re human.”

Key Topics Covered:

✅ The difference between self-love and self-care – and why both matter

✅ Why self-love isn’t about feeling great all the time – but about self-acceptance

✅ The myth that "you must love yourself before others can love you"

✅ How societal pressures & perfectionism get in the way of self-love

✅ The role of authenticity and setting boundaries in loving yourself

✅ Self-love in relationships: treating ourselves with the same kindness we show others

✅ The connection between self-love, rest, and emotional well-being

Resources & Links:

📖 Resources by Dr. Kristin Neff on self-compassion

🎧 Previous episode on self-care: What Does Taking Care of Yourself in 2025 Really Mean?

Connect with Us:

🔗 Follow us or suggest a topic:

LinkedIn: Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart & Dr. Danielle Colborn

Substack: Dr. Maria-Christina

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