We manage the urge to people please, tend to the land, and celebrate PRIDE.
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Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a retreat that was held right at home in Los Angeles. It was something I’d really been looking forward to. I went in hoping to slow down and reconnect with myself. And I did, eventually. But it took some time.
At the start, I noticed how quickly I tuned in to everyone around me. I found myself tracking the group’s energy, wondering if people felt included, even trying to anticipate what the facilitator might need. All of it came from a caring place, but I realized I was slipping into an old pattern. I was so focused on making sure others were okay that I wasn’t really tending to myself.
Once I caught it, I started to shift. I reminded myself that everyone else was responsible for their own experience, and that I was allowed to have mine. And in doing that—creating a little space, choosing to stay with myself—I felt something open up. I could be present in a different way. More honest, more grounded, and actually, more connected.
It was such a clear example of how people-pleasing can sneak in, even in spaces meant for healing. It often looks like care or empathy, but sometimes it pulls us away from what we actually need. This month’s blog post is about that pattern—how it starts, what it costs, and how we can gently start to shift it.
If any of this resonates, I hope you find something helpful in the piece. And if you want to talk more about it—or anything else—we’re here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone at (323) 388-5578 or email at info@takeroottherapy.com.
Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
Why Is It So Hard To Set Boundaries?: Understanding People-Pleasing and Learning to Honor Your Own Needs
I recently made the difficult decision to assert a boundary with my family while they were here visiting us in Los Angeles, knowing it might not go over well. I communicated it with as much care as I could and felt pretty good about it—until I got a phone call from my mother a couple of days later…
How to Help
Land Tending At The Children’s Arboretum
Join us in returning to the Children’s Arboretum in Elysian Park for land tending. We’ll be preparing the site for this year’s brush clearance by flagging native species, trimming and mulching around the base of the native trees and shrubs.
We’ll be coming through on Sunday, June 1st at 10am, joined by @comradeannie17 Annie
1025 Elysian Park Drive. Coffee, water and snacks will be provided. Please email or DM us to sign up for a task. Info@coyotlmacehualli.org
TASKS:
Flagging/mapping
Weeding
Mulching
WHEN:
Sunday, June 1st
10 AM
WHERE:
1025 Elysian Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Ralphs/Food 4 Less/Foods Co + US Hunger Community Day Volunteering Event!
Ralphs/Food 4 Less/Foods Co Community Day is a powerful demonstration of communities uniting in service to fight food insecurity. In collaboration with Kroger and U.S. Hunger, Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co. associates and community members are teaming up in Long Beach to pack and distribute 1 million nutritious meals for local families in need. Join us for this high-energy, high-impact day of service!
The Queen Mary is proud to offer free admission to all registered volunteers on Friday, June 27, 2025, before or after your scheduled shift (a $45 value per person). Volunteers will also have access to exclusive discounts on tours throughout the day.
WHEN:
Friday, June 27th
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
WHERE:
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
Volunteers for Community Distribution Days
Volunteer Opportunity: Give Back to the Community!
Join the ANE Foundation for our Community Distribution Fridays, where we will be providing essential items like clothes, shoes, food, toiletries, and more to those in need.
Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 16 years or older.
- Please wear orange or white shirts and closed-toe shoes.
Let’s come together to make a positive impact!
WHEN:
Friday, May 30th
9 AM – 12 PM
WHERE:
ANE Foundation
1115 E 11th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Community Events
OUT Block Party
Join us in the heart of the Arts District as Angel City Brewery, Truly LA, Muse Markets, GLAAD, and DTLA Proud come together for OUT BLOCK PARTY!
Here’s what we’ve got in store for you at this year’s block party:
Maker’s Market (2-8pm): Beginning at 2pm, enjoy our STREET FAIR on Traction Ave & Rose St. brimming with shops, food, treats, coffee, flash tattoos, aura readings, live music & dj’s, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs!
Food Specials: Our culinary team will be whipping up some delicious food specials for the celebration. Stay tuned to find out more!
Drag Shows: We’ll have the fiercest Drag Queens at both Angel City and Truly LA. Schedule of performers to be released closer to the event.
DJs: In between drag shows, vibe to beats from our fabulous DJs at both Angel City and Truly LA.
No ticket required, 21+ inside Truly LA and Angel City unless with a parent or legal guardian, Makers Market is all ages.
WHEN:
Sunday, June 8th
11 AM – 10 PM
WHERE:
Angel City Brewery & Public House
216 Alameda St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Dyke Day LA
Your fave inclusive L.A. PRIDE event returns JUNE 7th!
We’re so excited to celebrate 17 YEARS OF DYKES AND QUEERS with you!
DYKE DAY LA // LA PRIDE WKND.
12-6P | ALL AGES | FREE!
WHEN:
Saturday, June 7th
12 – 6 PM
WHERE:
Sycamore Grove Park
4702 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Join us for an evening of games and creative activites hosted at Heavy Manners Library as a part of our Spring fundraisers! Come get to know your neighbors, enjoy some snacks, music, and books!
WHEN:
Friday, June 6th
6 – 9 PM
WHERE:
Heavy Manners Library
1200 North Alvarado Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Featured Publications
11 signs you’re in a ‘situationship’ – and why it’s not the same as FWB
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
What Are the Sunset or Sundown Scaries? It May Be More Common Than You Think
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
