You Are Not Who You Think You Are

What if the story you believe about yourself did not actually begin with you?

In Episode 121 of the Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC, and co-host Kennedi Hall explore how family experiences, inherited behaviors, and emotional wounds can shape our identity. They discuss how patterns involving criticism, conflict, approval, and self-worth can become so familiar that we mistake them for who we are.

This conversation offers a different perspective on recognizing the stories that no longer serve us, setting healthier boundaries, and separating genuine empathy from the need to rescue others.

In This Episode

• How the stories we tell ourselves shape our identity
• Recognizing where beliefs and behaviors originated
• How family and sibling dynamics influence self-perception
• Why familiar conflict can become a repeating pattern
• What happens when an old story stops working
• The difference between empathy and rescuing
• Choosing healthier boundaries and responses

Support The Show

Become a Patreon supporter for extended episodes and exclusive fourth-segment conversations:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/AdjustingYourLifePodcast

Learn More

Dr. Steve: https://chiroman.com

Adjusting Your Life Podcast: https://adjustingyourlifepodcast.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC, is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in the state of California. The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

Are You Living Someone Else’s Life

How much of your life has been shaped by expectations that were never truly yours?

In Episode 120 of the Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC, and co-host Kennedi Hall explore how family experiences, early programming, and the desire for approval can influence the choices we make.

They discuss how inherited expectations can affect parenting, relationships, achievement, and self-worth—and why learning to recognize the voices guiding your decisions can help you begin choosing a direction that feels more authentic.

In This Episode

• How early experiences shape expectations
• Why we seek approval from other people
• The difference between outside validation and self-validation
• How family patterns influence parenting and relationships
• Recognizing whose voice is guiding your decisions
• Why words, encouragement, and self-awareness matter

Support The Show

Become a Patreon supporter for extended episodes and exclusive fourth-segment conversations:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/AdjustingYourLifePodcast

Learn More

Dr. Steve: https://chiroman.com

Adjusting Your Life Podcast: https://adjustingyourlifepodcast.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC, is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in the state of California. The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

Are you repeating family patterns without realizing it?

In Episode 119 of the Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC, and co-host Kennedi Hall explore how communication styles, emotional reactions, expectations, and other behaviors can pass from one generation to the next.

They discuss how recognizing these inherited patterns can help us respond more thoughtfully, communicate more clearly, and begin making healthier choices. Just because a behavior runs in your family does not mean it has to define your future.

In This Episode

• How behaviors are passed through families
• Why families repeat emotional and communication patterns
• The difference between reacting and responding
• How criticism, abandonment, and inadequacy can shape behavior
• Recognizing the patterns you may have inherited
• Why healing yourself is different from trying to save someone else

Learn More

Dr. Steve: https://chiroman.com

Adjusting Your Life Podcast: https://adjustingyourlifepodcast.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC, is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in the state of California. The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.