Ep 24: Family Dynamics, Caregiving, and Personal Boundaries: an interview with Kim

Diary of a Recovering People Pleaser

"I feel like people pleasing with me is more being taken advantage of because I would give anyone the shirt off my back. I would, not anymore." - Kim

In this episode, Jenny chats with Kim White-Lopez about her people pleaser recovery journey. Kim, an improv comedian, actress, and paranormal investigator, delves into her personal experiences with people pleasing, beginning from a young age while caring for her terminally ill mother. They discuss how family dynamics impact people pleasers and how she navigated setting boundaries and starting to heal despite the demand of being a caregiver for sick family members.

They explore the nuances of setting boundaries, the impact of people pleasing on relationships, and the challenges that come with setting boundaries with loved ones. Alongside, Kim shares intriguing anecdotes from her paranormal investigations and how it intertwines with her journey of overcoming people pleasing.

The episode wraps up with an inspiring note on taking care of oneself through a meaningful song lyric recommendation from 'Garden Party' by Ricky Nelson.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:24 Paranormal Investigations and Experiences

04:03 People Pleasing and Personal Stories

04:37 Family Dynamics and Caregiving Challenges

06:34 Boundaries and Self-Care

12:31 Friendships and People Pleasing

14:43 Defining People Pleasing

15:38 Being Taken Advantage Of

16:40 The Cost of People Pleasing

17:29 Personal Transformation and Self-Care

18:31 Weight Loss Journey and Self-Discovery

20:32 Bias and Treatment Based on Appearance

22:37 Setting Boundaries in Personal and Professional Life

26:16 The Importance of Authenticity

29:55 Final Thoughts and Advice

Show Mentions:

"Garden Party" by Ricky Nelson (Stone Canyon Band)

Want to be a guest on the show? Email Jenny! [e-mail]

About The Guest:

Kimberly White-Lopez (“Kimber Lee”)

@MunchKim0929 on Instagram

Kimberly's Facebook page

Kim was originally born in Fort Rucker, Alabama on a military base, but she was raised in Buffalo, NY for almost her entire life. She used to joke with her Dad and give him a hard time about her mom giving birth in a “tent,” until he drove her all the way to Alabama in 2008 to show her the small hospital where she was born.

Kim currently holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing and a minor in Psychology, and she has worked in the medical field for 18+ years: 14 of those with a focus in mental health providing psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. Kim also has experience working as a Teacher’s Assistant, providing education and care to children with ASD and other developmental disorders requiring specialized needs. She says these individuals really hold a special place in her heart.

When not working, Kim enjoys acting in front of the camera, as well as on the stage. She has been a TV/film actor since 2006 and has rejoined the scene again more recently in 2019. Kim has appeared in over a total of 33 films, television shows (i.e. American Idol, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Restaurant Impossible, Nick Groff’s Death Walker series, etc.), and music videos. She can be seen featured on major platforms including but not limited to: AMC, IFC, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, etc. Kim is also an improvisational comedian and the Co-Founder, Producer, Operations Manager, Artistic/Creative Director of Cheese & Slackers, her independent long form improv team. Cheese & Slackers performs once a month at Rohall’s Corner in Buffalo, NY, so be sure to catch one of their shows soon!

When not on stage herself, Kim enjoys watching local theatre and musical productions and has had season tickets to Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, NY with her wife for 15 years now. She is also a movie nerd and is obsessed with anything related to the Wizard of Oz. On a scarier note, Kim is an avid paranormal investigator (alongside her wife), and has been since 2018. She has visited 17 different haunted locations (multiple times) in Western New York and the surrounding areas, even some as far as West Virginia. She also owns enough paranormal equipment to open a small storefront.

Kim enjoys traveling, cruising, horseback riding, meditation, swimming, roller coasters, music, and spending quality time with her friends, wife, and dog. Kim is a spiritual individual and considers herself a psychic, as she has had multiple experiences connecting with spirit. If ever possible, Kim says she would be a mermaid if she could because of the peace she feels when surrounded by water. Maybe that’s also because she’s a Pisces, through and through.

About The Host:

• Work with Jenny - Book 1:1 Reiki or psychic channeled reading sessions. Offered virtually or in person in Buffalo, NY. Jenny also offers Reiki certification classes!

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