<p>How do we let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing and learn to put our own needs first?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This week, Jill speaks with Dr Michelle McQuaid, an internationally recognised positive psychology expert, about how more women are breaking free from damaging people-pleasing patterns and living as their authentic selves.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Michelle is the author of six best-selling books, and an honorary fellow at Melbourne University’s Centre for Wellbeing Science.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Her life and work explore the intersection of mental health, identity, and the societal norms that quietly erode our sense of self, with a particular focus on how women are conditioned from an early age to be the ‘good girl’, and how we can shed these limiting beliefs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She also recently found the courage to end her 23-year marriage and gained freedom and fulfilment as she enters what she describes as her “Grey Queer” years, exploring her bisexuality and prioritising her relationship with herself.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Michelle also shares her fascinating personal story of growing up with a family background of drug addiction and homelessness, which has given her a unique perspective in building identity and resilience.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can find out more about Michelle’s work through her<a href="https://www.michellemcquaid.com/meet-michelle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> website</a>, read about <em>her Good Girl Game Changers</em> project on her<a href="https://michellemcquaid.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Substack</a>, and check out her book, <em>The Perfectly Imperfect Little Girl</em>,<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-perfectly-imperfect-little-girl-michelle-mcquaid/book/9781763805606.html?srsltid=AfmBOop4I1EiZ41rvJB5AFGj4Wsidiqi4oDKyQ4-CiOsv86ToO1vSrJ7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> here</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To stay in touch with Well Enough Alone, you can follow us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/wellenoughalonepod/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @wellenoughalonepod</a> or follow Jill<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jillstark__/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @jillstark__</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Well Enough Alone is a Spare Room production. Our producers are Kieran Simpson and Trent Bartlett.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Hosted on Acast.<a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> See acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>