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.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit!

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

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—it helps others find the podcast!

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dr. Danielle Colborn and Maria-Christina Stewart dive into what self-care truly looks like in 2025. With the rise of wellness trends, hustle culture, and digital overwhelm, taking care of yourself has never been more important—or more complicated. They explore the myths around self-care, the pressures of modern life, and the real strategies that actually make a difference in physical and mental well-being.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why the traditional definition of self-care needs to evolve
• How societal pressures make it harder to prioritize well-being
• The fine line between self-improvement and self-criticism
• The role of technology in both helping and harming mental health
• Why self-care isn’t about perfection but about sustainability
• Practical ways to care for yourself in 2025 without guilt

Chapters:

00:00 Redefining Self-Care in 2025

02:53 The Importance of Mindfulness and Meaning

05:18 Navigating Discomfort in Self-Care

08:16 Setting Boundaries for Wellbeing

10:47 Finding Balance and Moderation

13:27 Realistic Goal Setting for Self-Care

16:19 Holistic Approaches to Physical Health

23:30 Redefining Exercise and Self-Care

25:49 The Dangers of Goal-Oriented Fitness

29:41 Embracing Imperfection in Life

35:08 Authenticity vs. Perfectionism

39:17 Parenting and Self-Care in Challenging Times

Welcome to the First Episode of Selves Unedited!

Co-hosted by Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn, Selves Unedited is your go-to podcast for exploring eating difficulties, body image, and self-love through heartfelt conversations and evidence-based insights. In our debut episode, we dive into the unique challenges of the holiday season and share practical strategies to help you navigate this time with intention, grace, and self-compassion.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to create a holiday season based on your values and what brings you meaning
• Practical tips for planning meals, managing stress, and finding balance during the holidays.
• Why living by your values and practicing self-compassion, especially during the stressful holiday season, are essential—and how to start.
• How parents can support their children in recovery while taking care of their own well-being.
• The role of discomfort in recovery and how to approach it in manageable steps.
• The importance of seeking professional support.
• How to support yourself and loved ones with grace, especially when managing recovery.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or just looking to foster a healthier relationship with food and yourself, this episode offers meaningful insights to guide you through the holiday season.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:08 Setting Intentions for the Holidays

07:41 The Importance of Flexibility

11:55 Managing Eating During the Holidays

15:27 Building a Healthy Relationship with Food

20:47 Refocusing on Values and Enjoyment

21:48 The Impact of Negative Self-Talk

22:47 Acceptance and Mindfulness in Social Settings

26:19 The Importance of Grace

27:31 Navigating Holiday Challenges for College Students

31:22 Conscious Choices and Intentions

32:48 Self-Compassion and Grace in Recovery

33:51 Supporting Parents of Children with Eating Disorders

38:18 Addressing Eating Challenges During the Holidays

Join Us on This Journey:

We’re so excited to launch Selves Unedited and share this space with you! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit.

Connect with Us:

• Dr. Danielle Colborn: Check out her website and find her on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
• Dr. Maria-Christina: Check out her website and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Let’s build a community of support and understanding together. Live fully, love yourself, and embrace what truly makes life meaningful.

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