From People Pleaser to Powerhouse: Breaking Cycles

In this powerful episode of Love and Trauma: The Real Deal, I sat down with Amy—bestselling author, master-certified coach, and unapologetic advocate for women’s empowerment—to talk about what it really takes to heal from betrayal, religious conditioning, and people-pleasing patterns that keep you stuck.

Amy's story is one of grit, grief, and growth. From losing her sister to suicide at age 10, to marrying someone her whole body said “no” to, to becoming a broke single mom of three—she’s lived it. But she didn’t stop there. She took small steps to reclaim her power, and today, she’s a self-made millionaire helping women rewrite their stories and rise into their brilliance.

The Real Deal: My 3 Biggest Takeaways

1. Healing Starts with Tiny Acts of Self-Trust

Amy didn’t leave an 11-year toxic marriage overnight. She started with saying no to a family reunion. That small act of resistance—of choosing herself—was the first domino in reclaiming her power. Healing doesn’t have to be a dramatic leap; it begins with quiet courage.

“Each time I took a step, I reclaimed a little more of my power.”
— Amy Sanders

2. Trauma Teaches You to Self-Betray—Healing Teaches You to Listen Again

Amy was conditioned early to ignore her needs, silence her voice, and serve others first. Her story reminded me—and so many of us—that self-betrayal can feel like love when it’s all you’ve ever known. But healing begins when you start asking, “What do I want? Why do I want it?”

“I had been conditioned to reject myself before I rejected anyone else.”
— Amy Sanders

3. Don’t Take It Personally: Your Power Is in How You Show Up

Whether it was being a stepmom to kids told she wasn’t safe to love, or navigating tension in her faith community after her divorce, Amy learned to hold her integrity, even when others didn’t get it. Her biggest tool? Self-trust. When your heart is open and you’re proud of how you show up, you win—no matter how others respond.

“You can always have your own back. You can always stand in integrity. And you can always speak your voice.”
— Amy Sanders

Amy’s story is a must-listen for any woman who’s ever felt stuck, silenced, or scared to want more.

✨ If you’ve been living in survival mode…
✨ If you’ve been afraid to speak up…
✨ If you’re ready to stop betraying yourself to keep the peace…

This conversation will change you.

🎧 Catch the full episode of Love and Trauma: The Real Deal with Amy Sanders [here]
🔁 Share with a friend who needs to hear this.