Living Someone Else’s Dream

Are you living your own dream—or following the expectations of parents, partners, or society? Dr. Margaret Paul explores how abandoning your truth for approval can create emptiness, anxiety, and a loss of aliveness. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize the subtle signs that you may be living someone else’s dream, even if your life appears successful on the outside. Discover why people pleasing, fear of disapproval, and “shoulds” can disconnect you from your authentic self. Dr. Margaret shares how Inner Bonding can help you tune into your feelings, reconnect with your soul’s purpose, and take small, loving actions toward a life of meaning, passion, and personal integrity. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

Do you constantly replay conversations, wondering if you said the wrong thing or if people like you? In this episode, Dr. Margaret Paul explores why obsessing over others' opinions is really about self-abandonment—and how to finally heal it. You'll learn why trying to control what others think of you is impossible, how this pattern begins in childhood, and why your anxiety is actually your inner child telling you that you're abandoning yourself for approval. You'll also discover the two steps of Inner Bonding that shift you from seeking control and approval to developing a loving adult self—so your sense of worth becomes internal instead of dependent on others. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

Holding grudges can feel protective, but resentment often keeps us emotionally tied to pain, blame, and the past. Dr. Margaret Paul explains how Inner Bonding can help you release resentment and return to peace, self-love, and personal power. In this episode, you’ll learn why grudges form, how the wounded self uses blame to avoid pain, and why resentment affects your heart, nervous system, joy, and ability to create connected relationships. You’ll also explore the difference between grief and resentment. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

In this episode, you will learn the true definition of personal responsibility beyond chores and rules, uncovering how your emotional regulation and intent shape your child’s behavior. You will discover why common patterns like blaming, people-pleasing, or avoiding conflict teach self-abandonment, and how shifting from control to an intent to learn creates genuine connection and safety. You will also explore practical ways to respond when triggered, how to repair ruptures with accountability when you lose your temper, and how to set healthy boundaries with kindness. Finally, Dr. Margaret leads an experiential reflection to help you step into your Loving Adult and cultivate deep self-trust within your family. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

Do you believe you can make someone else change? In this episode, Dr. Margaret Paul reveals why trying to control others backfires—and how shifting your intention from controlling to learning transforms your relationships from the inside out. You'll learn why people resist being controlled, the false belief driving your urge to change others, and how covert control—like caretaking and compliance—can quietly damage your closest relationships. Through real client stories, Brett and Teresa, you'll discover how to stop abandoning yourself, start loving your inner child, and find true relationship healing that begins with you. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

In this episode, you’ll learn how self-neglect goes beyond ignoring physical needs. Discover how dismissing your emotions, staying silent, overgiving, remaining in unsafe situations, numbing out, and prioritizing others’ feelings can leave your inner child feeling alone and unimportant. You’ll also learn how to develop your loving adult, listen to your feelings, honor your needs, set compassionate boundaries, and take loving action. Through self-compassion and Inner Bonding, you can stop recreating old pain and begin building self-trust, emotional safety, and genuine self-love. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

Relationships are systems: when you change your part of the pattern, the whole dynamic can shift. Dr. Margaret Paul shares how moving from control and blame to learning, self-responsibility, and love can create healthier, more connected relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn why recurring relationship conflicts are co-created systems—not simply one person’s fault. Discover common patterns such as pursuing and withdrawing, criticism and defensiveness, anger and resistance, and overgiving and demanding. You’ll also learn practical Inner Bonding tools for interrupting reactive cycles: shifting your intention from control to learning, taking responsibility for your feelings, responding with compassion, and knowing when lovingly disengaging or making a decision about the relationship is necessary. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

Many parents believe that protecting their children from every struggle is an act of love, but what if that protection is actually preventing them from becoming capable adults? In this episode, Dr. Margaret Paul clarifies why avoiding natural consequences and over-managing a child's life can lead to long-term patterns of entitlement, anxiety, and a lack of self-confidence. She explains the deep value of allowing children to experience failure while they are young, using the example of a ten-year-old struggling in school to illustrate the shift from a power struggle to personal responsibility. By understanding the difference between rescuing and supporting, you can learn to step back as a controller and step forward as a role model who demonstrates true self-respect and emotional health. Tune in to this episode of the Inner Bonding podcast to learn more about how your intentions can shape your outcomes. Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God? Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program. Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

Control creates stress, while being open to learning creates safety. Control blocks connection, while learning invites it. In today’s episode, Dr. Margaret Paul dives into the topic of intentions and how we can become more aware of the intentions we bring into our relationships. She highlights the two core intentions we can choose from—to control or to love—and how that choice shapes the quality of our connection with others. She walks through how intentions show up in the way we communicate, how they impact our relationships, and why it’s important to be clear about whether we are seeking help, understanding, or simply compassion. Dr. Paul also explores the power of active listening and how it helps create the safety and openness that allow genuine connection to flourish.   Join Dr. Margaret Paul on the Inner Bonding podcast and discover how shifting your intention can transform the way you communicate, connect, and love.   Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul   Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God?   Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program.   Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/

The intention we choose in any given moment shapes everything that follows. In this episode, Dr. Margaret Paul explores how becoming aware of our intentions can transform the way we relate to ourselves, others, and the choices we make every day. She unpacks the two core intentions in Inner Bonding: the intention to control and the intention to love. These intentions either strengthen the relationship between our loving adult, inner child, and spiritual guidance, or keep us operating from our wounded ego-self. Dr. Paul also reminds us that lasting healing cannot happen when the wounded self is in charge, because control and love lead us in very different directions. Tune in to this episode of the Inner Bonding podcast to learn more about how your intentions can shape your outcomes.   Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review!   About Dr. Margaret Paul   Dr. Margaret Paul, PhD, is a bestselling author, relationship expert, and the co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process. She is the author and co-author of twelve books, including “Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You?”, “Healing Your Aloneness,” “Inner Bonding,” and "Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by God?   Through her work, Dr. Paul teaches individuals how to take responsibility for their feelings, heal anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, and develop a deep, loving connection with themselves and their spiritual guidance. She facilitates Inner Bonding Workshops and Intensives, administers the Inner Bonding website, and works to make the Inner Bonding® process available worldwide through the SelfQuest® online self-healing program.   Visit her website for a FREE Inner Bonding course at https://innerbondinghub.com/7-lessons/ or email her at [email protected].   Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul: Website: https://innerbonding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerbonding1/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretpaul/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innerbonding Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/inner-bonding-margaret-paul/923777849815/