9: The Power of Saying No: Julie Booksh on Embracing Authenticity and Personal Freedom

In this episode, Andrea Walker-Leidy speaks with Julie Booksh, an experienced therapist who has transitioned into teaching and group work, focusing on the concept of personal authenticity and freedom. Julie discusses her personal journey from a confining marriage and traditional career to embracing her true self and ultimately finding her calling in helping others do the same.

Episode Highlights:

• Julie's Personal Journey: Julie shares her transformative experience from being trapped in an unwanted marriage and traditional career to discovering her passion for therapy and self-help. Her story is a testament to the power of self-inquiry and the courage required to make profound life changes.
• Embracing the Power of No: Julie emphasizes the importance of learning to say no as a form of self-care and empowerment. She discusses how societal expectations often pressure individuals, especially women, to constantly agree and comply, and how saying no can be a liberating act that reinforces one's autonomy.
• The Role of Emotions in Personal Growth: Julie and Andrea delve into the misunderstood role of emotions like anger and sadness in personal development. They discuss how these emotions, often seen as negative, can actually be powerful tools for understanding one's needs and boundaries.
• The Importance of Nothing: Julie advocates for the significance of doing nothing as a deliberate practice for mental and emotional health. She shares how periods of inactivity are not only restorative but are also essential for creativity and problem-solving.
• Integrating Personal Experience with Professional Practice: Julie explains how her personal experiences have deeply influenced her professional practice, leading her to focus more on teaching and group sessions that explore deeper aspects of human psychology and emotional health.

Join Andrea and Julie for a conversation that challenges conventional views on mental health, personal identity, and the societal pressures that shape our lives. This episode is a call to anyone feeling stuck or misunderstood to consider the profound impact that embracing authenticity and the power of saying no can have on their lives.