I posted a Thread last week that got a lot of traction.
I think women are fed up.
More and more of us are stepping into our wild, and it's crucial to identify what we DON'T miss about it.
Because we’ve all worn the “good girl” mask at some point—polite, pleasing, and perfectly packaged.
But as we make our way into midlife, something shifts.
That inner wild woman whispers: Is this who you really are?
I received some amazing responses to my question on Threads, and this blog is my place to dive into some practical ideas about HOW to get to where these women are.
For even more stories and insights, listen to my latest podcast episode, “Goodbye Good Girl: Threads Stories of Midlife Women Who Traded People-Pleasing for Power.”
The Legacy of the Good Girl
The “good girl” archetype is a product of societal conditioning and the patriarchy in which we live.
From childhood, many of us were taught to prioritize others’ needs, avoid conflict, and suppress our voices.
While these behaviors may have kept the peace, they often came at the cost of authenticity, joy, and power.
Midlife is the perfect time to question: What have I been doing just to please others? What am I ready to leave behind?
Ways Women Are Breaking Free
I laughed out loud at some of the Threads responses.
I was inspired, thrilled, pumped up, and also saddened...
because it takes so much courage and strength to refuse to adhere to conditioning.
Here are some of the responses followed by an idea to help you break free:
1. Letting Go of People’s Expectations
“Being who I think others want me to be. Instead being my own authentic self. I walked away from my marriage & became my true self.” -@simplejoys41
How to Break Free: Practice asking yourself, What do I truly want? Pause before agreeing to something and listen to your body’s response—do you feel light or heavy?
2. Reclaiming Your Voice
“[I don't miss] Being slow to leave and holding my tongue.” -@rubysapphire25
How to Break Free: Start small—choose low-stakes situations where you can walk out if something doesn't sit well or speak up if you disagree. Over time, you’ll build the confidence to express yourself even when it feels uncomfortable.
3. Dismantling Gendered Rules
“Moving out of the way of men when I’m walking.” -@mellylutz77
How to Break Free: Pay attention to the subtle ways you shrink yourself—both physically and emotionally. Stand tall, take up space, and remind yourself that you belong.
4. Embracing Sensuality and Joy
“Delicious, naughty sex.” -@delschellhorn
How to Break Free: Give yourself permission to enjoy pleasure unapologetically—whether that’s in the bedroom, on the dance floor, or through creative pursuits.
5. Defying the Pressure to Prove Yourself
“following other people’s rules.” -@meliafinley
How to Break Free: Identify areas where you’re seeking validation. Instead of asking, Am I good enough? shift to, Does this feel right for me?
Practical Steps to Start Your Journey
Listen, the good girl is etched DEEEEEP into the feminine psyche.
It can take years to unravel, so give yourself grace.
I explore more practical ideas for doing this work on the pod:Goodbye Good Girl: Threads Stories of Midlife Women Who Traded People-Pleasing for Power.
And if you’re ready to fully embrace your transformation, check out my Wild Women by Design retreat—a life-changing experience designed to help you live authentically and powerfully. We start in Jaunary 2025, and if you're reading this in December 2024, check my socials for an
!
Comments