What if the reason people keep pulling away isn’t because they’re intimidated, jealous, or incapable of handling the “real” you?

What if—stay with me—you’re sometimes just… not that likeable? 😂

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Dr. Carmela Maxell takes on the uncomfortable difference between authenticity and a complete lack of self-awareness. Because being unapologetically yourself doesn’t mean you never have to consider what it feels like for other people to experience you.

We’re talking about confidence versus self-importance, vulnerability versus emotional dumping, honesty versus cruelty, and why your intentions don’t erase someone else’s experience of your behavior. We also get into the patterns we’d rather not examine—especially when the people and circumstances change, but somehow the same conflict keeps following us from room to room.

And no, this isn’t about shrinking yourself, becoming more “palatable,” or trying to make everyone like you. It’s about something much harder: self-awareness.

The question at the center of this episode is simple:

What does it feel like to be on the other side of me?

Do people feel heard? Is there room for them? Can they disagree with you? Can they shine without you competing? Can they tell you that you hurt them without having to defend their experience in court?

This one is funny, uncomfortable, occasionally a little ruthless—and probably going to make you think of at least one person you absolutely should not send it to. 😂

🎙️ Rooted & Rising with Dr. Carmela Maxell
You’re Just Not Likeable: The Difference Between Being Authentic and Being Insufferable

New episodes every Tuesday.

Nothing extraordinary happened today.

There was no major milestone. No big announcement. No life-changing moment.

There was lavender growing in the front yard. A busy bee. Tiny hands helping cut flowers. Laughter. A vase by the window.

And somehow, that was enough.

In this Sunday Seed of Thought, Dr. Carmela Maxell reflects on how easily we can rush through the ordinary parts of our lives while waiting for something bigger to happen. We celebrate milestones, achievements, and major transitions—but most of a lifetime is made up of the quiet moments in between.

What if the life we're waiting to enjoy is already happening?

This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice what's around you, and stop treating the present like a waiting room for a better future.

Because one day, some of the ordinary things surrounding you right now may be the very things you'd give anything to experience again.

🌱 This week's seed:
The ordinary moments of today may become the treasures of tomorrow.

Listen, follow, and share Rooted & Rising with Dr. Carmela Maxell, and tune in every Tuesday for new full episodes.

And remember: stay rooted in who you are and keep rising into who you're becoming.

What if the life you keep trying to earn is already yours?

In this Sunday Seeds of Thought, Dr. Carmela Maxell explores the exhausting habit of constantly proving our worth—through productivity, perfectionism, achievement, relationships, and the need to feel deserving of the spaces we’ve already earned.

There’s a difference between growing because you’re curious about who you can become and performing because you’re afraid who you are still isn’t enough.

This week’s seed: You don’t have to keep proving you belong in a life you’ve already built.

🌱 Follow Rooted & Rising for new full episodes every Tuesday, Sunday Seeds of Thought every Sunday, and the occasional Midnight Reflection.

Listen, share, and send this episode to someone who needs permission to stop auditioning—and finally start living.