Feeling Excluded? How to Shine as Your Authentic Self!
Feeling Excluded? How to Shine as Your Authentic Self!  
Podcast: Imperfect Love
Published On: Fri Aug 14 2026
Description: Tired of shrinking to fit in? Feeling like a square peg in a round hole? These common issues can make us feel as if we'll never truly belong. We crave inclusion for many reasons. On an evolutionary level, instinct drives us to be part of a pack because we're more likely to survive. And belonging to a group of like-minded people can foster self-esteem while also reducing loneliness and anxiety. Yet, in real life, many people--from childhood forward--struggle with finding or fitting into a group that offers a reassuring sense of inclusion. And this can foster feelings of being unwanted, unworthy, and unloved. So today, we're joined by a highly skilled guest, Dr. JJ Kelly, who has a knack for helping others embrace their lovable inner misfit, grow strong, and shine.Topics discussed include emotional intelligence, emotions, feelings, DBT, dialectical behavioral therapy, self-love, self-like, inclusion, bullying, outsider, misfit, neurolinguistics, genuine self, authenticity, internal validation, external validation, parenting contracts, consequences, projection, values, pride, self-growth, personal evolution, parenting, children, emotional bullying, unresolved trauma, and transformation.Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.Emergency Assistance Details: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). As applicable, additional resources may be provided in the show notes.Non-Emergency Online Mental Health Information: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/and https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.Connect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanlyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_carlamanly_imperfect_loveTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Dr. Carla Manly:Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend  Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly Aging Joyfully: A Woman’s Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships Imperfect Love Relationship & Oracle Card Deck by Dr. Carla Manly:Etsy AmazonConnect with Dr. JJ Kelly:Website: https://www.drjjkelly.com/Books: https://www.drjjkelly.com/booksTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepunkrockdoc1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjjkelly/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLWVu-64eiNvhsV56y4jC4gLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/