The Unbecoming Process: How Motherhood Forced Me to Relearn Love, Selflessness, and Strength

The Art of Observing Love Instead of Auditioning for It

In this episode of Unbecoming Me, host Toi shares her personal journey of recognizing and breaking free from the cycle of overgiving. She reflects on how constantly pouring love, energy, and financial support into others left her emotionally and physically depleted. Toi describes performing love without receiving it in return, tolerating disrespect, and losing herself in the process. Through honest self-reflection, she learned to set boundaries, trust what people show her, and stop auditioning for love. Her powerful takeaway: she stopped auditioning love and started observing it. Timestamps Introduction to "Unbecoming Me" (00:00:04) The host, Toi, introduces the podcast's theme of healing, growth, and releasing old identities to become your true self. The Woman Who Overcame (00:00:46) Introducing the episode's theme about overcoming the habit of overgiving in relationships by showing up, loving, and giving more. The Illusion of "Enough" (00:01:33) Reflecting on the past belief that pouring endlessly into others would be enough, only to realize it was a bottomless cup. Realizing the Truth (00:02:54) The moment of clarity when you understand the other person will never see you and isn't right for you. The Dangers of Overextending (00:04:05) Overgiving financially, emotionally, and physically is draining and depleting, leaving your own cup empty while filling someone else's. Performing Love vs. Receiving It (00:05:18) The wake-up call of disrespect and realizing you were performing acts of love without ever receiving any love in return. Testing the Dependency Theory (00:06:39) Withdrawing contributions revealed the relationship was based on dependency, not partnership, leading to the decision to let go. Releasing the "Fixer" Identity (00:07:52) Comparing personal depletion to a car on empty with no one to call for help, leading to a breaking point. Setting New Standards (00:08:53) Establishing new personal rules: no longer being a "Bob the Builder," an ATM, or a therapist for everyone else. Believing People the First Time (00:09:57) Adopting a new mindset of observing people's actions, believing who they show you they are, and setting firm boundaries. The Biggest Takeaway: Stop Auditioning Love (00:11:18) The key lesson is to stop auditioning for love and start observing it to prevent overgiving and make better choices. Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'I used to think that if I showed up more, loved more, and gave more, it would be enough.' 'Realizing that you're the one who overgave means no longer pouring from an empty cup.' 'I was performing love instead of receiving it.' 'I had to release that fixer identity because that wasn't hurting anybody but me.' 'I stopped auditioning for love and started observing it.' RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Toi Waddles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/ [https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi [https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Unbecoming Me with Toi on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/unbecoming-me-with-toi/id1850731835] Podcasts and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1TYDrOGQ4jCzDZnspDxaQP?si=19e43e100b7c4005] "The moment I stopped auditioning for love was the moment I started recognizing my worth." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com [https://resilientvoicemedia.com/] Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

The Unbecoming Process: How Motherhood Forced Me to Relearn Love, Selflessness, and Strength

In this heartfelt episode, host Toi reflects on the profound transformation motherhood brought into her life. She shares how becoming a mother in 2017 forced her to release bad habits like people-pleasing and codependency while embracing selflessness and unconditional love. Toi also opens up about grieving her grandmother's passing and finding comfort in believing she sent her son to her. Now, as her son turns nine, Toi remains dedicated to breaking cycles of financial struggle and building a stronger foundation for his future. Timestamps Unbecoming the Old Me After Motherhood (00:00:46) The host reflects on becoming a mom, giving everything to her son, and stopping bad habits like people-pleasing. Grief, Love, and a New Beginning (00:01:33) The host discusses losing her grandmother, the deep depression that followed, and how her son's birth felt like a gift. Letting Go of a Past Self (00:02:48) She talks about releasing the life she imagined for herself and embracing the new reality and bond with her son. Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'Over the past five years, I've been through the fire, releasing who I thought I had to be so that I could finally become who I'm meant to be.' 'I had to stop some of my very bad habits, which were people-pleasing and releasing the codependency, because I had a little one that depended on me.' 'I had to let go of the person I thought I was going to be.' 'I had to grieve the old me. I had to put my son first. I had to wise up. I had to face my fears.' 'Motherhood has shaped me into being more compassionate, more understanding, more loving, more protective, more aware.' RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Toi Waddles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/ [https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi [https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Unbecoming Me with Toi on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/unbecoming-me-with-toi/id1850731835] Podcasts and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1TYDrOGQ4jCzDZnspDxaQP?si=19e43e100b7c4005] "Motherhood didn't just change my life—it transformed the woman I thought I was meant to be." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com [https://resilientvoicemedia.com/] Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

The Most Powerful Step You Can Take: Saying "Enough" to Settling in Relationships and Friendships

In Episode 4 of Unbecoming Me, host Toi delivers a heartfelt monologue about unbecoming the version of herself that settled for less than she deserved. She reflects on years of overgiving, weak boundaries, and tolerating disrespect in both friendships and relationships. Sharing personal experiences of being mistreated despite her generosity, Toi emphasizes the importance of recognizing self-worth and refusing to accept low effort or toxic behavior. She encourages listeners to stop settling, trust when people show their true selves, and embrace the relationships and blessings they truly deserve. Timestamps Unbecoming the Version of Me That Settled (00:00:46) The host introduces the episode's topic: her personal journey of no longer settling and putting others' needs before her own. The Pain of People-Pleasing (00:01:24) The host reflects on overextending herself for others who didn't reciprocate, leading to being used and feeling unappreciated. Realizing Her Self-Worth (00:03:53) A look back at the past 15 years and the realization that she deserves better, including love, respect, and reciprocity. Settling in Friendships (00:05:05) The discussion shifts to settling in friendships, where someone might support you but won't let you into their world. The Danger of Throwing Things in People's Faces (00:06:13) The host explains why she won't share secrets with people who might use her vulnerabilities against her later on. Letting Go and Moving On (00:08:36) Accepting that it's okay to outgrow people and situations, and to stop settling for what no longer serves you. No Longer Settling for the Bare Minimum (00:09:43) A declaration of no longer accepting low effort, low energy, or anything less than what she deserves in life. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I allowed people to use me up to the point where I had literally nothing for myself left." "I spent years and years of overextending and people-pleasing, and I had put me last for so long." "I realized that I was settling. I realized that that wasn't what I was worth." "I am no longer a settler. I won't settle for the bare minimum." "Don't settle because you don't have to." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Toi Waddles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/ [https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi [https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Unbecoming Me with Toi on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/unbecoming-me-with-toi/id1850731835] Podcasts and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1TYDrOGQ4jCzDZnspDxaQP?si=19e43e100b7c4005] "The moment you decide you deserve better is the moment you stop settling for less." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com [https://resilientvoicemedia.com/] Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

The Most Powerful Season of Growth: Shedding What No Longer Serves You

In Episode 3 of Unbecoming Me, host Toi explores the concept of "Shedding Season" — a transformative period of personal growth where letting go becomes essential. She discusses how life's shifting phases often lead to changes in friendships, forcing deep self-reflection and spiritual awakening. Like a snake shedding its skin, this process involves releasing old identities, habits, and relationships that no longer serve you. While the journey can feel lonely and challenging, Toi encourages listeners to trust the process, embrace new aligned connections, and step confidently into abundance — ultimately becoming their most authentic selves. Timestamps Episode Introduction & Shedding Season Overview (00:00:46) Toi introduces episode three, explains "Shedding Season," and discusses life phases and shifting friendships. Lonely Season & Self-Reflection (00:01:18) Explores the loneliness after losing friendships, self-reflection, and awakening during personal transitions. Clarity and Doing the Work (00:02:24) Discusses gaining clarity, honesty with oneself, and the challenges and tests of the shedding season. Meeting New People & Thriving (00:03:42) Describes meeting new, aligned people, embracing thriving, and leaving behind struggle and old identities. Letting Go of Struggle & Facing Change (00:05:04) Talks about letting go of struggle, adapting to thriving, and reactions from others to personal growth. Misunderstandings & Doing the Work (00:06:36) Addresses misunderstandings from others, the importance of self-inventory, and recognizing personal progress. Circle of Influence & Inventory (00:07:41) Emphasizes the need for evaluating relationships and being honest about who can join the next life stage. Final Thoughts & Encouragement (00:08:52) Encourages listeners to shed what no longer fits, learn lessons, and offers help with self-inventory. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "Over the past five years, I've been through the fire, releasing who I thought I had to be so that I could finally become who I'm meant to be." "Now it's time to be honest with yourself, and it's time to do the actual work." "You're not keeping up with the Joneses. You're not pretending. You're not faking it till you make it. You've actually done the work." "It's time to let go of who you're not. And that's fine. And so it's time to shed what no longer fits you. It's time to learn the lessons. It's time to heal. It's time to feel. It's time to grow. And it's time to know." "Remember, the most powerful thing you can be is you." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Toi Waddles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/ [https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi [https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Unbecoming Me with Toi on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/unbecoming-me-with-toi/id1850731835] Podcasts and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1TYDrOGQ4jCzDZnspDxaQP?si=19e43e100b7c4005] "Shedding isn't loss—it's making space for the life that truly aligns with who you're becoming." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com [https://resilientvoicemedia.com/] Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

From Overgiving to Owning Your Worth: Lessons in Healthy Boundaries and Self-Respect

In this episode of Unbecoming Me with Toi, host Toi shares personal do's and don'ts she's learned through her journey of self-discovery. She reflects on lessons around relationships and boundaries, including never chasing people, not placing others above yourself, and recognizing the difference between wanting and needing someone. Toi emphasizes knowing your worth, embracing low-maintenance friendships, and cherishing quality time. She also highlights the importance of being a true partner rather than a fan in relationships. The episode encourages listeners to live authentically and shed old patterns to embrace who they're truly meant to be. Timestamps Episode Context & Do's and Don'ts Introduction (00:00:46) Toi explains the episode's connection to the previous one and introduces the topic of life's do's and don'ts. Setting Expectations & Boundaries (00:01:28) Discusses not demanding what you can't deliver, not insulting intelligence, and the importance of recognizing consequences. Low Maintenance Friendships & Quality Time (00:02:52) Explains being a low maintenance friend, valuing quality time, and understanding life's obligations. Experiences & Identity Beyond Roles (00:04:12) Talks about enjoying experiences with friends and exploring identity beyond societal roles like mother or career woman. Letting Go & Self-Discovery Journey (00:06:18) Reflects on personal growth, letting go of over-giving, and embracing self-worth and alignment. Six Major Lessons from Unbecoming (00:08:24) Shares key lessons: not chasing people, not putting others above self, and understanding healthy relationship dynamics. Being a Partner, Not a Fan (00:09:38) Emphasizes the importance of being a partner in relationships, not a fan, and maintaining mutual respect. Closing Thoughts & Encouragement (00:11:43) Toi offers encouragement, gratitude, and invites feedback from listeners. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "Over the past five years, I've been through the fire, releasing who I thought I had to be so that I could finally become who I'm meant to be." "Once ladies become mothers or career-driven women, that's who they say they are, but when you take off those hats, who are you?' "When I first started this journey of discovering who I was, I overgave, and now I don't do that." "Now that I truly know myself and I understand my worth, everything's in alignment, and I'm going to continue to walk in this alignment." "You don't want to give someone so much power that they feel you can't live without them, because you can." RESOURCES: Connect With Me: Toi Waddles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/toiwaddles?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/ [https://www.instagram.com/unbecomingmewithtoi/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi [https://www.tiktok.com/@unbecomingmewithtoi] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Unbecoming Me with Toi on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/unbecoming-me-with-toi/id1850731835] Podcasts and Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1TYDrOGQ4jCzDZnspDxaQP?si=19e43e100b7c4005] "It's okay to not be okay—sometimes the pause is exactly what prepares you for your next season." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com [https://resilientvoicemedia.com/] Contact us for expert podcast production and support.