Chapter 1: A New Beginning

It was a summer Friday evening after work when I decided to visit IKEA. I needed to pick up some decor and small furniture pieces for my new studio. After enduring two years in a noisy building with inconsiderate neighbors and minimal management intervention, I was eager to embrace my new neighborhood. My quaint studio welcomed me with sunlight streaming through the windows every morning, making it feel like a fresh start.

As I navigated the store, pushing a cart that felt disproportionately heavy for my small frame, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was not just moving to a new place; I was mentally and emotionally stepping into a new chapter of my life. I had spent too long accommodating others at my own expense, and I was tired of the identity that had become known as The Pleaser.

The Pleaser's upbringing was fraught with confusion, laying a shaky foundation that made her susceptible to manipulation by various people in her life—strangers, partners, coworkers, and even friends. Her parents, well-intentioned yet misguided, disciplined her with physical punishment, believing in the old Caribbean saying, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." This led her to equate love with pain. For years, The Pleaser avoided conflict, fearing repercussions for speaking her mind or asserting herself, even when she knew others were in the wrong.

Receiving the keys to my new apartment filled me with hope, but also fear. I wanted to shed the old version of myself and leave The Pleaser behind, yet I felt stuck in a limbo of uncertainty. How could I reintroduce myself as someone who refused to tolerate disrespect?

As I approached the checkout line with my heavy cart, I was lost in thought, contemplating my fresh start. I began unloading an assortment of colorful candles, wine glasses, pillowcases, and kitchen tools onto the conveyor belt when a melodic voice interrupted my reverie.

"That's a lovely bedding set!" the older woman behind me said.

I turned to see her, slightly taken aback by her appearance—several missing teeth—but her warm smile radiated kindness.

"Thank you," I replied, offering a small smile before turning back to my thoughts.

"You've got quite the haul there," she chuckled. "All I have is this mirror."

At that moment, I felt a hint of irritation. I typically prefer solitude and shy away from conversations with strangers, but I decided to engage as my items were being scanned.

I noticed the large round mirror cradled in her arms, framed in white and adorned with leather sleeves from her jacket.

"Yeah, I just moved in," I said, "but that mirror looks great. I forgot to grab one myself. Maybe next time!"

"I rushed here to buy it!" she exclaimed. "I've felt stuck for weeks, playing a role that doesn't reflect who I truly am. This mirror is my way of seeing myself anew."

A chill ran down my spine as her words resonated deeply with my own feelings. I wondered if this stranger had some sort of insight.

"Your total is $781.97," the cashier announced, pulling me back to reality. As I fumbled with my card, the woman continued speaking.

"I can sense you have a good spirit. You care deeply for your friends and family, often putting their needs above your own. But remember, that can also be a vulnerability."

I froze, taken aback by her perception. Tears began to well in my eyes—not just from her words, but from being genuinely seen for the first time in ages.

"I’m not going to cry in the middle of a store," I told myself, acknowledging her insight.

"You're really intuitive! What's your name?" I asked, curious about her.

She laughed, "I hold a master’s in psychology and run a mental health clinic for those in recovery. I’m Elizabeth. And you?"

"Sanni."

"Pleasure to meet you, Sanni." Our handshake felt significant, her warm brown eyes locking onto mine.

Still processing the encounter, I began bagging my items while watching Elizabeth as she completed her purchase.

Once I finished, she approached me with her new mirror in hand.

"Sanni, I challenge you this weekend to present your true self to everyone in your life. Define your boundaries and stick to them as you embrace this new version of you."

"Thank you. I truly needed to hear that," I replied, feeling lighter for the first time in weeks.

"Anytime!" Elizabeth smiled brightly.

"Can I give you a hug?" I asked, surprising myself with the request. I’m not one for physical touch, especially with strangers, but I felt compelled.

"Of course!" she said, enveloping me in a loving embrace that I wished would last forever.

As I prepared to leave, I watched her walk out into the night with her mirror—an object symbolizing new perspectives. I gazed into the darkness, ready to return to my new studio and reflect on the wisdom shared by this unexpected angel who entered my life just when I needed it most.

Chapter 2: Embracing Authenticity