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What Happens When You Stop Pretending and Start Listening to Your Body

July 24, 20252 min read

What Happens When You Stop Pretending and Start Listening to Your Body

Most people don’t realize how much pretending they’re doing—until they stop.

Pretending to be okay.
Pretending to have it all together.
Pretending that what they’re doing feels right—when deep down, it doesn’t.

We’re trained to override our inner truth early. To choose performance over honesty. To keep up appearances instead of asking, What’s really true for me?

And that pretending? It’s exhausting.
Not just emotionally, but energetically.


The Subtle Weight of Inauthenticity

When you spend years adapting to what’s expected—fitting in, being “easy,” playing the part—it starts to erode your sense of self.

You wake up tired.
You feel tension in your chest that won’t go away.
You notice irritability, apathy, or indecision creeping into your day.

These aren’t random symptoms.
They’re feedback.

Your body isn’t broken—it’s trying to communicate.


Your Body Doesn’t Lie

When you finally pause and listen, you’ll hear things you’ve been trained to ignore:

  • The ache underneath your daily tension

  • The truth behind your chronic indecision

  • The pull toward something deeper—even if you don’t have words for it yet

This is the beginning of coming home to yourself.


Start Listening: 3 Questions to Ask Today

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight.
But you can begin with a moment of honesty. Here’s how:

  1. What am I pretending to be okay with—but I’m not?
    This could be a job, a role, a pattern, or a relationship dynamic. Notice where you feel the energy drain.

  2. What’s one signal my body is giving me repeatedly?
    That stomach ache before a meeting? The fatigue after certain conversations? These are not random.

  3. What truth have I been afraid to admit—because it might change everything?
    Let the answer rise without judgment. You don’t have to act on it yet—just witness it.


The Power of Ending the Performance

When you stop pretending, you stop leaking energy.
You stop managing an identity that was never yours.
And in its place, you begin to rebuild from truth.

Clarity sharpens.
Decisions become easier.
Energy returns.

You don’t need more willpower.
You need more honesty—with yourself.


This Is the Work We Do In The Gold Inside You

We help you decode the quiet signals your body’s been sending.
We guide you back to your natural alignment—without the layers of performance or pretense.

Because when you finally stop lying to yourself…
You start remembering who you really are.

https://janellrae.com/thegoldinsideyou

Janell Warkentin is the founder of janellrae.com, a pioneer in energy healing and holistic practices, focusing on embracing unique spiritual gifts and intuition development. She is an energetic healer, with over two decades of experience helping individuals discover their true selves, their unique life purpose, and unlock their potential. Janell is the only practitioner to have skillfully combined educational therapy and energy healing to transform struggles and confusion into strengths and clarity. She is known as an authority in energy healing, self-discovery, and holistic healing. Janell resides with her family and their beloved animals in Central Oregon.

Janell Rae

Janell Warkentin is the founder of janellrae.com, a pioneer in energy healing and holistic practices, focusing on embracing unique spiritual gifts and intuition development. She is an energetic healer, with over two decades of experience helping individuals discover their true selves, their unique life purpose, and unlock their potential. Janell is the only practitioner to have skillfully combined educational therapy and energy healing to transform struggles and confusion into strengths and clarity. She is known as an authority in energy healing, self-discovery, and holistic healing. Janell resides with her family and their beloved animals in Central Oregon.

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