The reason reassurance never feels like enough

There’s a moment that doesn’t get talked about enough. The moment right after someone reassures you.

Maybe it’s a friend saying “You're fine, don’t worry.”
Maybe it's checking that message one more time just to make sure.
Or replaying a conversation in your head until you feel okay about it.

For a second, the anxiety loosens its grip.
But then... it comes right back.

Why is that?

That’s the question I explored in this week’s episode. Not just to explain reassurance-seeking, but to get to the heart of something deeper:

Reassurance doesn’t heal self-doubt. It pauses it.

And over time, your brain starts craving that pause like it's oxygen. But it also forgets how to breathe on its own.

That’s what I didn’t say in the episode, but it’s been on my heart.
Because trust isn’t just about choosing courage in the face of fear.

It’s about teaching your brain how to breathe again, even when it wants to hold its breath until someone says, “you’re okay.”

It’s about sitting in the silence between the question and the answer.
It’s about noticing the urge to ask again and gently choosing not to.
Not because you’re punishing yourself. But because you’re building something bigger.

You’re building emotional independence.
Not the kind that says “I don’t need anyone.”
The kind that says “I trust myself to come back to calm, even when I’m afraid.”

That’s the muscle this episode is trying to strengthen.

If you haven’t listened yet, I hope you do.
And if you have? Come back to it the next time fear makes you feel like you can’t exhale without someone else’s reassurance.

You can.

Even if the doubt is still there.
Even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

You can.

With you in this,
Jessica
Mindset Coach for Anxious Teens & Young Adults

P.S. This podcast is still in its early days, which honestly makes it even more special—because it means I can offer more personal feedback, and really get to know what you need.

So if you have thoughts, questions, or something you’re working through… I’d love to hear from you

Just hit reply—I read every message or drop your thoughts here! 💛