March 7, 2025 • 17 mins
The freedom that comes from realizing "You're not meant for everyone" can be utterly life-changing. Returning for Season 4 of Standing in Your Truth, newly-married host Yanni Thomas explores this powerful life motto that liberated her from the prison of people-pleasing.
Yanni vulnerably shares how she would shrink her naturally bubbly, kind, and admittedly loud personality around certain people, attempting to contort herself into whatever shape would gain their approval. This pattern led to feelings of depression and disconnection from her authentic self until a simple truth set her free: just as not everyone enjoys every food (Yanni's limited appreciation for sushi serves as her example), not everyone will appreciate your unique gifts and personality—and that's perfectly okay.
Drawing from Matthew 5:14-16, Yanni reminds listeners they are called to be "the light of the world" and "salt of the earth"—not hidden or bland to accommodate others' preferences. She challenges listeners to evaluate their social circles: "Are you surrounded by people you're having to shrink for?" Before relationships damage your mental, physical, or spiritual health, recognize when environments aren't supporting your authentic self and have the courage to step away.
The episode closes with powerful encouragement for anyone feeling alone or unseen. "You are loved, you are needed, you are wanted, and you are made to do amazing things. Don't let anyone tell you different." God created only one version of you, with unique contributions only you can offer the world. Stop hiding, embrace your authenticity, and let your light shine—those who don't appreciate it simply aren't your people.
Standing In Your Truth Podcast with Yanni Thomas
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everyone, welcome to Standing In your
Truth podcast with your host,yanni.
On this podcast you'll hearYanni, family and friends having
open-ended discussions onanything from faith, finances,
relationships and how to staymotivated during life's trying
times.
Make sure to follow on allsocial media platforms.
(00:23):
The social media link is in thebio.
Sit back and get ready to enjoy.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Hello everyone, welcome to season four of
Standing in your Truth podcast.
I am your host.
Now goes by Yanni Thomas.
How are you guys doing?
Happy 2025.
I know it's a little late, mindyour business, but happy new
year, hope all is well.
We are heading into springbreak, at least in Texas anyway.
(00:56):
So for those who may belistening, driving, I just say
be careful and have a fun trip,make memories, memories.
But how are you guys doing?
I'm doing.
Great thanks for asking.
Um, let's see a little lifeupdate.
Your girl got married inNovember.
Um, I was able to start a newjob in November as well.
(01:21):
That allows me to be able togive back to the community but
at the same time, have thewonderful state of Texas
benefits.
Um, what else I have going on?
I'm still in school.
I'm studying for my business.
I don't think it's calledbusiness management, but it's
pretty much business management,business management at Odessa
(01:43):
College.
I have one more year startingin fall.
For them to pay for schoolagain for fall and spring.
That's exciting.
What else do I have going on?
I think that's about it.
(02:10):
Honestly, my life I amrelationship with God, marriage,
school, family and then givingback to the community, which is
so new territory for me because,as crazy as it sounds, I feel
like at one point I was puttinggiving back to the community
before my relationship with God.
So yeah, just.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
I know not good.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
I know that's how I got burnt out, um, and why my
life currently is a littleslower.
I still give back and, you know, poke my head in from time to
time, but, um, I'm definitelymore focused on um, being at
home more and loving on myselfand loving on my husband.
So it's been nice.
(02:45):
But, um, for season four, I'mexcited and we will be talking
about life models.
Um, for those who like lifemodels, what does that exactly
remind me?
I?
I personally think they're justlike little catchphrases that
(03:06):
we don't realize, but that areeither we live by or that have
shaped us.
So my goal is to sit down withfriends, family, even some
strangers, and talk about lifemodels, and you know what
they're, what theirs are are, um, and when they kind of get
introduced to their life,whether it be something they've
been you know saying or hearingsince a kid, or something, um
(03:30):
that they recently picked up on.
So I'm kind of excited aboutthat.
I feel like it's going to be anextra um learning curve for us
and also, um, some of them Iwould definitely I shouldn't say
some of them, most of themanyway I will be asking, like
you know, how does your lifemodel um affect your walk with
(03:52):
christ?
What does that look like?
So I think that's an importantquestion, um, but yeah, so let's
get right on to into it.
My life motto is my drum roll.
By the way, um, you're notmeant for everyone, I know.
I know you're like dang, that'sgood, yep, it is um.
(04:19):
This is one that I think I hadto learn the hard way, um, I
would say maybe about a year anda half ago, or last year maybe,
and I've kind of been living itout and reminding myself of
this quite often the last sixmonths.
I feel like and honestly, Ithink Aaron is the one that told
(04:41):
me this, but I feel like once Iheard it it brought a sense of
freedom, because a lot of timesI like had to learn therapy,
that I'm a people pleaser and Itry to obviously please people
and I would.
Doesn't sound good, but it'sthe truth.
I was trying to like, trying tochange some things like about
(05:01):
myself.
Like you know, I traditionallyam a very bubbly, kind, um, loud
, sorry, it's the truth personand I would get around certain
people and try to um, to shrinkand to change and to not be
myself and in some um, I thinkit created some depression for
(05:28):
myself because I'm not being me,I'm hiding myself and I had to
realize, thanks to him, that noteveryone's going to like you.
You're not meant for everyone.
There are certain people thatwill enjoy you more than others.
It's going to sound crazy,sound crazy, but you know
there's different foods allacross the world, but does that
(05:50):
mean that everyone likeseverything?
No, that doesn't mean that um,like the food.
Let me see what's somethingthat I really just don't like.
This is sad.
The fact that I was thinkingabout something I don't like is
a problem, which is why I go tothe gym anyway.
I digress.
Well, I'll give you I think Ihave a decent example.
(06:12):
So I'm not a huge fan of sushi.
I think sushi is great fromtime to time.
I can eat it maybe twice a yearmaybe and like the idea of
having a whole roll most timesis a stretch for me.
Like I can take two bites um ofeither mine or you know, two
(06:34):
bites of errands, and be done,and then on top of that, most
times I'm getting very basicsushi rolls.
So, like the ones with creamcheese, avocado, like basic,
that doesn't mean that sushi isnot good.
See, my girl loves sushi.
Aaron loves sushi.
Like loves, like you can giveit to him as a snack before his
meal and he'd be quite happy.
(06:55):
So, like I said, this meansit's not good, this means I
don't like it.
Now, the difference obviouslycomes in the fact of like I sit
here and say that I don't likesushi, but I'm not like dragging
it or talking you know reallybad about it, or wishing it bad
or trying to convince Aaron notto eat it.
(07:19):
I think that's when things getto be a little iffy, is when
people feel the need to talkabout the other person
negatively when they feel theneed to try to stop them from
things that God has for them.
(07:39):
Fun fact if God has it for you,can't nobody stop it.
So Sarah may try oh, my friend,sarah't listen to this, that's
a bad name choice, joe.
Oh, I know somebody named Joetoo.
Anyway, somebody may try tostop you, but they can't stop
(08:00):
you at all.
That is not.
That reminds me.
Actually, there's a verse thatI have been quite thoroughly
enjoying this season of my life,but it's Matthew 14 through 16.
I'm going to kind of paraphraseit, but it pretty much is just
(08:21):
saying like you're the light ofthis world, a town built on a
hill cannot Wait what A townbuilt on a hill cannot be hidden
okay let me try to paraphrase Ishould have paraphrased because
me trying to read, I confusedmyself but pretty much what the
verse is saying is you're inlight of this world.
(08:41):
That cannot be hidden.
The people like uh, they try tohide you and that's not what
you're meant.
You're not meant to be hidden,you're meant to be out being
seen.
That goes for myself too.
I had to realize that that itwas like hey, sis, these people
may not like you or may not carefor you.
Um, why are you sitting heretrying to, um, appease them and
(09:08):
belittle yourself and hide inthe corner, when that is not
what God has called you to do orbe?
I am called to be the, the saltand the light of this world,
and guess what?
So are you so salt and light?
So obviously we talked aboutlight already.
The salt I personally see it aslike you bring the, the flavor
(09:36):
to um, the people you're around,and no one wants bland food.
The people who want bland food,they haven't experienced the
salt, which is why you need tohelp them out.
Go get them some.
We use Sloppy Amama seasoningin our house or Tony Satcher's.
Okay, bring them some flavor,show them something different.
(09:58):
If they don't appreciate it,that's fine.
Let them keep eating bland, butat least show them, plant the
seed and allow them to figurethe rest out on their own if
they actually are ready toreceive the flavor or not.
And I think also it's importantto discuss the importance of
(10:20):
just standing firm.
Someone isn't like you.
They're trying to come persuadeyou.
You brought your light, youbrought your salt, your flavor,
and here they are trying totrying to come and get you to
change.
Stand firm on your morals, yourbeliefs, on whatever the
situation is.
Realize that you're around aperson that is trying to change
(10:46):
you and know when to let it goand let God, or when to fight.
I think a lot of times we doourselves such a disservice by
being friends or even hanging ata job or organization longer
(11:07):
and we know we know that it'snot working out or it's bringing
you down.
I realized that before itbecomes where it affects with
your mental health, physicalhealth or spiritual health.
That is important Cause peopledon't like you trying to tear
(11:29):
you down.
And here you go, let them tearyou down.
Then you end up miserable,broke, bland, in the dark,
trying to figure out how you gotthere.
Luckily the Lord's still withyou and you know, definitely, um
, help you get out of thesituation, but catch it before
it gets that that deep.
That's all I really have.
(11:52):
Guys, remember that we're notmeant for everyone, and that's
okay.
Find who, find who you're meantfor, find a group of people
that love you, that encourageyou, that uplift you and I will
also say that, challenge you.
You don't want a bunch of yes,men around you.
(12:14):
You want someone that can tellyou you know, hey, you're wrong,
obviously with love, but cancorrect you.
I think with that comes growthand that's how you become the
best human being that you canpossibly be.
So I have a call to action foryou guys.
(12:37):
Excuse me, I want you to stopand think are you surrounded by
people, um, that you're havingto shrink up for change for, um,
that you saw?
You sometimes can, um, or yousometimes think and realize that
(13:01):
you know what?
These are not my people, theydon't actually like me.
And if you do, I challenge youto take a step in removing
yourself out of that situation.
And if you do this call ofaction and take that step, inbox
(13:22):
me, let me know.
I would love to hear yourfeedback on this episode and
actually, honestly, I would say,all of the episodes this season
.
I want to know how theseimpacted your life.
If you're going to add this toyour life models, or if you have
(13:43):
one that you want to share, letme know.
Another thing that we're goingto change up for this season is,
um, instead of ending with theprayer that I have done on
previous seasons, um, we'regoing to do words of
encouragement instead.
So, for those that are listening, I want you to know that you're
(14:08):
never alone.
Holy Spirit, god, is alwaysright there with you.
You are never alone.
You have well, some of usanyway, have friends and family
around.
If you're going through astruggle, find a safe person to
(14:33):
lean on.
Obviously, it's up to you tohow much you want to let them in
, but I would just say find asafe person.
You should never alone and prayabout it.
If you really feel like you'realone and you can't trust anyone
that's around you, I say prayto God that he can send someone
your way that's safe and thatcan help you during your moment
(15:01):
that you're in in life right now.
I don't know.
I just I always have.
It's a special place because Iwas like, especially with my
last marriage, that there was apoint where I felt alone.
And being alone and beingdepressed is hard and I think it
makes depression 12 times worseand at that point I didn't have
(15:26):
a relationship with God to knowthat, technically, I'm never
alone, ever.
So I want you guys to knowyou're never alone.
You are loved, you are seen,you are heard, you are needed,
you are wanted and you are madeto do amazing things.
Don't let no one tell youanything different.
(15:52):
Remember that God only made oneyou, so that is your
superpowers.
There's things that only youcan offer this world.
No one else can.
I mean.
How cool is that?
The only one me.
Probably for a good reasonthough, because I mean I'm a
(16:12):
little throwed off or, as aaronsays, a little weird, but
whatever.
But um, it's only one of you.
So go be you and stop trying tohide and change and be
something else, and the peoplethat don't like you being you,
that's their problem, not yours.
Bye.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Y'all have a great day.
Thank you for listening toanother episode of Standing in
your Truth with Yanni.
And if no one told you today,you are loved, you are beautiful
, you are needed and you matter,be sure to follow on Facebook
at Standing in your TruthPodcast with Yanni.
Also on Instagram Talks withYanni.
Hello everyone, welcome to Standing In your
Truth podcast with your host,yanni.
On this podcast you'll hearYanni, family and friends having
open-ended discussions onanything from faith, finances,
relationships and how to staymotivated during life's trying
times.
Make sure to follow on allsocial media platforms.
(00:23):
The social media link is in thebio.
Sit back and get ready to enjoy.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Hello everyone, welcome to season four of
Standing in your Truth podcast.
I am your host.
Now goes by Yanni Thomas.
How are you guys doing?
Happy 2025.
I know it's a little late, mindyour business, but happy new
year, hope all is well.
We are heading into springbreak, at least in Texas anyway.
(00:56):
So for those who may belistening, driving, I just say
be careful and have a fun trip,make memories, memories.
But how are you guys doing?
I'm doing.
Great thanks for asking.
Um, let's see a little lifeupdate.
Your girl got married inNovember.
Um, I was able to start a newjob in November as well.
(01:21):
That allows me to be able togive back to the community but
at the same time, have thewonderful state of Texas
benefits.
Um, what else I have going on?
I'm still in school.
I'm studying for my business.
I don't think it's calledbusiness management, but it's
pretty much business management,business management at Odessa
(01:43):
College.
I have one more year startingin fall.
For them to pay for schoolagain for fall and spring.
That's exciting.
What else do I have going on?
I think that's about it.
(02:10):
Honestly, my life I amrelationship with God, marriage,
school, family and then givingback to the community, which is
so new territory for me because,as crazy as it sounds, I feel
like at one point I was puttinggiving back to the community
before my relationship with God.
So yeah, just.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
I know not good.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
I know that's how I got burnt out, um, and why my
life currently is a littleslower.
I still give back and, you know, poke my head in from time to
time, but, um, I'm definitelymore focused on um, being at
home more and loving on myselfand loving on my husband.
So it's been nice.
(02:45):
But, um, for season four, I'mexcited and we will be talking
about life models.
Um, for those who like lifemodels, what does that exactly
remind me?
I?
I personally think they're justlike little catchphrases that
(03:06):
we don't realize, but that areeither we live by or that have
shaped us.
So my goal is to sit down withfriends, family, even some
strangers, and talk about lifemodels, and you know what
they're, what theirs are are, um, and when they kind of get
introduced to their life,whether it be something they've
been you know saying or hearingsince a kid, or something, um
(03:30):
that they recently picked up on.
So I'm kind of excited aboutthat.
I feel like it's going to be anextra um learning curve for us
and also, um, some of them Iwould definitely I shouldn't say
some of them, most of themanyway I will be asking, like
you know, how does your lifemodel um affect your walk with
(03:52):
christ?
What does that look like?
So I think that's an importantquestion, um, but yeah, so let's
get right on to into it.
My life motto is my drum roll.
By the way, um, you're notmeant for everyone, I know.
I know you're like dang, that'sgood, yep, it is um.
(04:19):
This is one that I think I hadto learn the hard way, um, I
would say maybe about a year anda half ago, or last year maybe,
and I've kind of been living itout and reminding myself of
this quite often the last sixmonths.
I feel like and honestly, Ithink Aaron is the one that told
(04:41):
me this, but I feel like once Iheard it it brought a sense of
freedom, because a lot of timesI like had to learn therapy,
that I'm a people pleaser and Itry to obviously please people
and I would.
Doesn't sound good, but it'sthe truth.
I was trying to like, trying tochange some things like about
(05:01):
myself.
Like you know, I traditionallyam a very bubbly, kind, um, loud
, sorry, it's the truth personand I would get around certain
people and try to um, to shrinkand to change and to not be
myself and in some um, I thinkit created some depression for
(05:28):
myself because I'm not being me,I'm hiding myself and I had to
realize, thanks to him, that noteveryone's going to like you.
You're not meant for everyone.
There are certain people thatwill enjoy you more than others.
It's going to sound crazy,sound crazy, but you know
there's different foods allacross the world, but does that
(05:50):
mean that everyone likeseverything?
No, that doesn't mean that um,like the food.
Let me see what's somethingthat I really just don't like.
This is sad.
The fact that I was thinkingabout something I don't like is
a problem, which is why I go tothe gym anyway.
I digress.
Well, I'll give you I think Ihave a decent example.
(06:12):
So I'm not a huge fan of sushi.
I think sushi is great fromtime to time.
I can eat it maybe twice a yearmaybe and like the idea of
having a whole roll most timesis a stretch for me.
Like I can take two bites um ofeither mine or you know, two
(06:34):
bites of errands, and be done,and then on top of that, most
times I'm getting very basicsushi rolls.
So, like the ones with creamcheese, avocado, like basic,
that doesn't mean that sushi isnot good.
See, my girl loves sushi.
Aaron loves sushi.
Like loves, like you can giveit to him as a snack before his
meal and he'd be quite happy.
(06:55):
So, like I said, this meansit's not good, this means I
don't like it.
Now, the difference obviouslycomes in the fact of like I sit
here and say that I don't likesushi, but I'm not like dragging
it or talking you know reallybad about it, or wishing it bad
or trying to convince Aaron notto eat it.
(07:19):
I think that's when things getto be a little iffy, is when
people feel the need to talkabout the other person
negatively when they feel theneed to try to stop them from
things that God has for them.
(07:39):
Fun fact if God has it for you,can't nobody stop it.
So Sarah may try oh, my friend,sarah't listen to this, that's
a bad name choice, joe.
Oh, I know somebody named Joetoo.
Anyway, somebody may try tostop you, but they can't stop
(08:00):
you at all.
That is not.
That reminds me.
Actually, there's a verse thatI have been quite thoroughly
enjoying this season of my life,but it's Matthew 14 through 16.
I'm going to kind of paraphraseit, but it pretty much is just
(08:21):
saying like you're the light ofthis world, a town built on a
hill cannot Wait what A townbuilt on a hill cannot be hidden
okay let me try to paraphrase Ishould have paraphrased because
me trying to read, I confusedmyself but pretty much what the
verse is saying is you're inlight of this world.
(08:41):
That cannot be hidden.
The people like uh, they try tohide you and that's not what
you're meant.
You're not meant to be hidden,you're meant to be out being
seen.
That goes for myself too.
I had to realize that that itwas like hey, sis, these people
may not like you or may not carefor you.
Um, why are you sitting heretrying to, um, appease them and
(09:08):
belittle yourself and hide inthe corner, when that is not
what God has called you to do orbe?
I am called to be the, the saltand the light of this world,
and guess what?
So are you so salt and light?
So obviously we talked aboutlight already.
The salt I personally see it aslike you bring the, the flavor
(09:36):
to um, the people you're around,and no one wants bland food.
The people who want bland food,they haven't experienced the
salt, which is why you need tohelp them out.
Go get them some.
We use Sloppy Amama seasoningin our house or Tony Satcher's.
Okay, bring them some flavor,show them something different.
(09:58):
If they don't appreciate it,that's fine.
Let them keep eating bland, butat least show them, plant the
seed and allow them to figurethe rest out on their own if
they actually are ready toreceive the flavor or not.
And I think also it's importantto discuss the importance of
(10:20):
just standing firm.
Someone isn't like you.
They're trying to come persuadeyou.
You brought your light, youbrought your salt, your flavor,
and here they are trying totrying to come and get you to
change.
Stand firm on your morals, yourbeliefs, on whatever the
situation is.
Realize that you're around aperson that is trying to change
(10:46):
you and know when to let it goand let God, or when to fight.
I think a lot of times we doourselves such a disservice by
being friends or even hanging ata job or organization longer
(11:07):
and we know we know that it'snot working out or it's bringing
you down.
I realized that before itbecomes where it affects with
your mental health, physicalhealth or spiritual health.
That is important Cause peopledon't like you trying to tear
(11:29):
you down.
And here you go, let them tearyou down.
Then you end up miserable,broke, bland, in the dark,
trying to figure out how you gotthere.
Luckily the Lord's still withyou and you know, definitely, um
, help you get out of thesituation, but catch it before
it gets that that deep.
That's all I really have.
(11:52):
Guys, remember that we're notmeant for everyone, and that's
okay.
Find who, find who you're meantfor, find a group of people
that love you, that encourageyou, that uplift you and I will
also say that, challenge you.
You don't want a bunch of yes,men around you.
(12:14):
You want someone that can tellyou you know, hey, you're wrong,
obviously with love, but cancorrect you.
I think with that comes growthand that's how you become the
best human being that you canpossibly be.
So I have a call to action foryou guys.
(12:37):
Excuse me, I want you to stopand think are you surrounded by
people, um, that you're havingto shrink up for change for, um,
that you saw?
You sometimes can, um, or yousometimes think and realize that
(13:01):
you know what?
These are not my people, theydon't actually like me.
And if you do, I challenge youto take a step in removing
yourself out of that situation.
And if you do this call ofaction and take that step, inbox
(13:22):
me, let me know.
I would love to hear yourfeedback on this episode and
actually, honestly, I would say,all of the episodes this season
.
I want to know how theseimpacted your life.
If you're going to add this toyour life models, or if you have
(13:43):
one that you want to share, letme know.
Another thing that we're goingto change up for this season is,
um, instead of ending with theprayer that I have done on
previous seasons, um, we'regoing to do words of
encouragement instead.
So, for those that are listening, I want you to know that you're
(14:08):
never alone.
Holy Spirit, god, is alwaysright there with you.
You are never alone.
You have well, some of usanyway, have friends and family
around.
If you're going through astruggle, find a safe person to
(14:33):
lean on.
Obviously, it's up to you tohow much you want to let them in
, but I would just say find asafe person.
You should never alone and prayabout it.
If you really feel like you'realone and you can't trust anyone
that's around you, I say prayto God that he can send someone
your way that's safe and thatcan help you during your moment
(15:01):
that you're in in life right now.
I don't know.
I just I always have.
It's a special place because Iwas like, especially with my
last marriage, that there was apoint where I felt alone.
And being alone and beingdepressed is hard and I think it
makes depression 12 times worseand at that point I didn't have
(15:26):
a relationship with God to knowthat, technically, I'm never
alone, ever.
So I want you guys to knowyou're never alone.
You are loved, you are seen,you are heard, you are needed,
you are wanted and you are madeto do amazing things.
Don't let no one tell youanything different.
(15:52):
Remember that God only made oneyou, so that is your
superpowers.
There's things that only youcan offer this world.
No one else can.
I mean.
How cool is that?
The only one me.
Probably for a good reasonthough, because I mean I'm a
(16:12):
little throwed off or, as aaronsays, a little weird, but
whatever.
But um, it's only one of you.
So go be you and stop trying tohide and change and be
something else, and the peoplethat don't like you being you,
that's their problem, not yours.
Bye.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Y'all have a great day.
Thank you for listening toanother episode of Standing in
your Truth with Yanni.
And if no one told you today,you are loved, you are beautiful
, you are needed and you matter,be sure to follow on Facebook
at Standing in your TruthPodcast with Yanni.
Also on Instagram Talks withYanni.
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Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
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Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.