240 – Self-Betrayal: When Listening to Yourself Stops Feeling Safe

In this episode of Thrive Beyond Size, Michelle explores the concept of self-betrayal—not as a moral failing or lack of discipline, but as a learned survival strategy shaped by nervous system safety, conditioning, and culture. Inspired by a memoir-writing exercise rooted in myth and fairy tale, Michelle reflects on how self-betrayal shows up in our relationships with food, our bodies, our choices, and ourselves. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and personal stories, she reframes self-betrayal as information rather than failure—and offers a compassionate path toward repair, trust, and coming home to ourselves.

In this episode, Michelle takes a deep and compassionate look at self-betrayal—a word that often carries shame, but deserves far more nuance.

Rather than framing self-betrayal as weakness, lack of integrity, or poor follow-through, this conversation explores how self-betrayal often develops as a protective response—a way the nervous system learns to prioritize safety, connection, and acceptance over authenticity.

You’ll hear how self-betrayal shows up in everyday life, especially in our relationships with food, rest, boundaries, and decision-making, and how diet culture in particular trains us to distrust our bodies and override our internal signals. Michelle weaves together personal stories, intuitive eating insights, and accessible neuroscience to explain why “just listening to your body” can feel impossible—or even unsafe—when safety hasn’t yet been established.

This episode also explores the grief that can surface as we begin repairing self-betrayal, and why that grief is not a setback, but a sign of integration and growth. Instead of striving for perfection or resolution, Michelle emphasizes the power of repair—small, compassionate moments of listening, pausing, and responding with kindness.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you judge as self-sabotage, or wondered why trusting yourself feels so hard, this episode offers a reframing that is both relieving and deeply human.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Why self-betrayal is often about safety, not failure
  • How the nervous system learns to override internal signals
  • The role diet culture plays in training self-distrust
  • The difference between self-abandonment and self-betrayal
  • Why awareness doesn’t mean you’re ready to change—and why that’s okay
  • How grief fits into healing and integration
  • What repair actually looks like in rebuilding body trust

A reflection to take with you:
The next time you notice the urge to override yourself, ask: “What would help my body feel just a little safer right now?”

If this episode resonated with you, Michelle would love to hear your story. You can reach out at michelle@wayzahealth.com or connect on social media.

Thanks for listening—and as always, be gentle with yourself as you continue finding your way home. 💛

 

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