People pleasing is simply trying to make others happy. It's not wrong, but if it comes at the expense of your own needs, then it leads to feelings of depletion, resentment, and unappreciation. All of these emotions contribute to added stress. If we continually provide care by meeting others needs without knowing how to meet our own, it will cause the opposite effect you are hoping to have on yourself and others. However, it is possible to help others with their needs, while still meeting yours.
Learning to detach just a little bit and create some space between us and others will bring us some breathing room and freedom. When we do this, we are not neglecting our professional or pesonal responsibilites. We want just enough space where we can choose hold on or let go. When we create this kind of lightheartedness, we gain freedom from the inside. When we stop trying to control and manage the outcomes of others, we give others the space to handle and feel their own emotions.
The greatest liberation comes when you realize that you don't need to please everyone to be an awesome hygienist, friend, partner, or member of your family.
Learn to create that space emotionally, where you don't feel so attached to an outcome. Allow others to step into their own space.
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