What Do You Need?
In this session, we explored the difference between wants and needs, and why honoring our needs is essential for growth that feels supportive rather than exhausting. We talked about how unacknowledged needs often show up as burnout, resentment, avoidance, or self-criticism—and how many of us were taught to override, minimize, or judge our needs instead of listening to them.
We also discussed how self-criticism often masks unmet needs. Rather than seeing our struggles as failures, we practiced reframing them as signals pointing toward areas asking for care and support. The focus of the session was on listening without fixing, softening shame, and creating internal safety so forward movement feels more sustainable and aligned.
WATCH BELOW or LISTEN HERE
As you watch or listen, use the prompts below the video to follow along and stay in motion.
If you’d like to access the call chat, you can do so here.
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Right now, what do I genuinely need more of?
What feels most depleted, tender, or stretched in me?
Where am I asking myself to push through when I might actually need care?
If I removed shame from this answer, what would I name?
Reframing Self-Criticism:
Something I’ve been judging myself for lately…
What I might actually be needing instead…
Members were encouraged to keep reflections simple—naming one word, phrase, or sentence that felt most true—and to remember that needs are information, not a problem to fix.
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After writing, we reread our lists and circled one or two needs that felt especially alive, meaningful, or tender. These often pointed to areas asking for attention right now.
We also noticed how our bodies responded as we read and circled – often the body offers insight before the mind does.
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I listen to my needs with compassion and respond with care.