This week on AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp dives into the transformative topic of experiencing guilt-free joy—especially in the small, everyday moments. Sparked by a heartfelt listener message, Corissa explores why so many women struggle with feelings of guilt when prioritizing themselves and feeling joy, and how these patterns often begin in childhood through people-pleasing and codependency.
Key Topics:
- Guilt as a Survival Strategy:
Corissa explains how guilt is not a flaw but a protective part of us that developed in response to early environments where love, acceptance, or safety felt conditional.
- Childhood Roots:
Discover how growing up in dysfunctional or emotionally neglectful homes can lead to deep-rooted beliefs around "earning" love and always putting others first.
- Carrying Patterns Into Adulthood:
Explore how these patterns show up in relationships, especially with toxic or narcissistic partners, and how self-sacrifice can feel like love.
- Releasing Guilt & Honoring Needs:
Corissa provides actionable steps to get curious about your guilt, thank it for its role, and gently challenge the stories you’ve carried.
- Tools for Healing:
Learn about somatic tools (like breathwork, grounding, and even humming), reparenting your inner child, and celebrating joy in the little things.
- A New Narrative:
Joy is not selfish or something to be earned—it’s your birthright. The more you lean into guiltless joy, the more you rewrite your legacy (and model this for those around you).
Closing Wisdom:
“You were never too much. Your needs were never wrong. Your joy is not selfish, it’s sacred.”
Ways to Connect:
- DM Corissa your thoughts on Instagram: @CorissaStepp
- Check out her new book: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Thriving Beyond Narcissistic Abuse—available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and on Kindle.
- Join the Savvy & Stronger Community for more support.
Giveaway!
For June: Post a photo (can be faceless or just your hand) of you with Corissa’s book, tag her on social media, and you could win a $25 Amazon gift card.
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Corissa is a Holistic Trauma-Informed Coach & Narcissistic Abuse Specialist™ who empowers women after they’ve endured narcissist trauma to rediscover who they are, reclaim their power, and find the clarity and courage to move forward and live a life they love. Corissa is also a recovering people-pleaser and codependent who has endured way too many narcissistic relationships to count! She coaches not only from her knowledge and training but also from the wisdom she has gained from her own healing journey.
Book a FREE 30-min Clarity Call HERE.

Ways to connect with Corissa:
Podcast Website
Website: www.corissastepp.com
Book: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Thriving Beyond Narcissistic Abuse
Instagram: @corissastepp
Facebook: Corissa Stepp
Free Quiz: Is My Partner a Narcissist?
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