I’m Maria (and Ria too!), a curious human and recovering people-pleaser.

My story of connection with the people in my life includes a lot of imbalance: I’ve been the person doing most of the listening, always calling/messaging to keep the relationship alive, silencing my needs and opinions so people would not abandon me or argue with me (which can still feel unsafe today).

The core belief behind it? “I do not belong”. I have always felt out of place: too quiet, to deep, to sensitive… Many difficult and traumatic experiences reaffirmed these beliefs, and for years I struggled finding my worth. I stayed small and invisible because it felt safer.

But an innate sense of curiosity and a few good connections kept me afloat, leading me to try things outside of my comfort zone – and slowly but surely other ways of being started to emerge. Through my studies in community work I learned the value of being different, and how diverse societies are richer in many ways. Training as a mindfulness teacher I discovered that it was actually a gift to be quiet and slow. And my experience as a consent practitioner is teaching me how to be there for others while also showing up for myself – now is not a choice between their needs or mine, now I understand healthy relationships have space for everyone.

I know this is a lifelong learning process, and I’m so here for it!

If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed in social situations or like an outsider; if you have experienced trauma, loneliness or rejection – I want you to know that I see you.

You belong. Every little child know they are valuable and made for connection, let me help you remember that.