Wanting vs. Needing vs. Choosing: A Map for Emotional Clarity With Nicole Shapiro

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Topics discussed:

1. The Wanting Game and how it cultivates presence


2. Differentiating short-term pleasure from long-term fulfillment


3. “Find what feels good” — challenged and reframed


4. Wanting in abundance vs. scarcity mindsets


5. The emotional cost of chronic people-pleasing


6. Fence-sitting and the paralysis of big life decisions


7. Observing desires without shame or judgment


8. Willingness vs. wanting in communication and consent


9. Derrick’s vision: The Middle Way Wellness Center


10. Honoring complexity and learning to want clearly

Helping the Heard is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming communication patterns and fostering deeper connections in personal and professional relationships. Founded by empowerment coach Ian Mychal, the organization operates on the belief that many negative communication habits—such as defensiveness, reactivity, and avoidance—stem from individuals not feeling truly heard. By emphasizing curiosity, personal responsibility, and authentic expression, Helping the Heard teaches others how to create environments where individuals feel safe to speak their truth and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Curious to know more about your communication style? Take this quiz: https://www.helpingtheheard.com/take-the-our-communication-style-quiz

Website link
https://www.helpingtheheard.com