By Lisa Whelchel How a Former Child Star Broke the Cycle of People Pleasing and Found Her Authentic Self ______________________________________________ I was born a people pleaser I came out of the womb pleasing. My mom tells a story about when I was 18 months old and had several styles in one of my eyes. She took me to the doctor and he had to use a needle to pop them, one by one. Not only did I cry, I smiled. It’s a very weird indication from early on that I intuitively knew I needed to be happy for everyone. All “negative” emotions needed to stay suppressed. I was always strongly encouraged to be and do my best. So it became my number one goal to be the perfect child. I adored my mother and wanted her approval and pleasure. Having that connection was the most important thing, it was terrifying to be at odds or lose that strong connection, so I worked very hard to stay on that narrow road of perfection. I experienced a connection with my mom as long as...