When You Don't Know What You Want: Understanding Self-Abandonment & Identity

Have you ever caught yourself saying "I don't know what I want"—whether it's about dinner, your career, or the direction of your life? In this episode, Cecelia unpacks why this common phrase isn't actually about confusion, it's about protection. Starting with the seemingly small moment of choosing what to eat for dinner, Cecelia reveals how those tiny moments of self-abandonment add up to a larger pattern of silencing our own desires. She shares her own story of leaving a successful career in oil and gas, and why she genuinely believed she didn't know what she wanted (spoiler: she knew, she just didn't feel safe admitting it). This episode explores why your nervous system may have learned that it's safer to disconnect from your desires than to honor them—and how you can begin creating the conditions for your true wants to emerge. If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself or struggled to name what you really want, this episode will help you understand why and remind you that nothing is wrong with you. Resources: Instagram: @ceceliabmandryk The 5-minute shift The Life Lab The Life Series 1:1 Coaching Mentioned in this episode: The 5-Minute Shift Mini Course Learn more about The 5-Minute Shift mini course, a brain-based approach to feeling better now. It’s on sale for $29! The 5-Minute Shift Mini Course