How a Gentle Stallion Taught Me to Stop Being a People Pleaser

Have you ever been called "too sensitive" or felt like you needed to shrink yourself in order to fit in?

You're not alone — that's often the beginning of people-pleasing behavior, and it's a journey I know well.

As a child, I learned early on that blending into the background was safer than standing out.
If I stayed quiet, kept my head down, and made myself invisible, I could avoid sharp words and disapproving glances.

I became a professional at shrinking myself — at trying not to take up too much space in the world.

And perhaps that's why I relate so deeply to horses who have the same quiet nature.

When I first met Nasser, a dapple-grey Lusitano stallion, something stirred inside me.
Most people picture stallions as fiery, bold, even aggressive.
But Nasser was none of those things.
He moved through the world softly, carefully — almost like he was trying not to cause ripples.

In him, I saw the little girl I used to be.
And something in my heart cracked open.

How Horses Help Us Heal from People Pleasing:

Horses are masters at reading energy.
They don't care about titles, appearances, or accomplishments — they respond to the truth of who we are.

Being around a horse like Nasser reminded me that healing from people-pleasing isn't about becoming loud or rebellious.

It's about learning to exist — confidently, gently — without apologizing for it.

It’s about reclaiming your space, even if you do it quietly.

Through Nasser, I realized that taking up space doesn't have to mean being brash.
It can mean standing quietly in your light, without fear.

That's why there was only one name I could give this piece: Lightkeeper.

A light in the dark, for every soul who has ever felt too much, too soft, too careful.

You are allowed to be exactly who you are.
And there is space for you here.

If "Lightkeeper" speaks to your journey too, you can find the print [here].

See more photos of Nasser below the comments.