I’ve never been intentional about digging into my top core values and using them to guide my decisions and actions. But that’s why values exist, and it has been one of the best questions I’ve asked myself while healing from narcissistic abuse.

Boundaries with toxic people: Ready, Set, Maintain

Maintaining the boundary is the tricky but most important part, especially with a toxic narcissist because they thrive on power and control.

Relationship Red Flags, Be Warned

When we think about psychologically abusive behaviors we most often talk about gaslighting, projection, manipulation, blame shifting and devaluing. Let’s take a look at red flag behaviors we are wise to pay attention to, especially early into a relationship.

Navigating the day-to-day with a toxic partner, friend or family member is so difficult and exhausting, so how do you handle an entire holiday season with this person(s)?

Self-preservation is key! Here are some tips to stay out of toxic cycles!

Nowadays, the term “spin cycle” can mean much more than a washing machine setting or cycling class. Learn the 3 distinct phases that happen during the spin cycle of narcissistic abuse.

I didn’t see it coming. After I made the decision to leave my narcissistic partner, I walked, what I thought was, a straight line to divorce.

Have you abandoned yourself?

But true belonging doesn’t require you to fit in to belong. True belonging requires you to belong to yourself first.

We’ve all heard or made the statement “I don’t want to take sides”. Normally, that is a healthy and understandable position to take. Disagreements occur between 2 people and both parties have their own truths, hurts, feelings and narratives.

When it’s happening at our dinner tables, work meetings, or even holiday gatherings with family and friends it’s imperative we protect ourselves. Self-preservation is our biggest tool. When we’re able to recognize what narcissistic behavior looks like, we can make better judgment calls to navigate the situation.

You’re in the process of healing from your narcissistic abuse. This isn’t an easy place to be, but knowing the differences between working with a life coach and a counselor can help determine which is best for your situation. Both coaches and counselors are useful to recover. They can coexist and even enhance support for those needing their help. However, there are clear delineations that are notable.

Abuse is defined as the misuse or treatment of someone or something in a bad way or for a bad purpose.

While physical abuse has always had validation and credibility because of its violent nature and visual wounds, invisible abuse is just as valid. Emotional and psychological abuse leads to serious consequences such as fear, depression, physical ailments, anxiety, and even PTSD.

By acting in an uninterested and unresponsive manner (enter the gray rock), the objective is for the toxic person to lose interest in you. You stop feeding their needs for attention or drama.