Family
-
Running To, Not From: My Plan to Fund Freedom, Travel, and a New Life

The author outlines a transformative journey towards personal freedom, delineating short, medium, and long-term goals for reclaiming their life. They’ve shifted from a restrictive existence to creating a vibrant home, generating passive income through renting a spare room, and evolving into a potential mental health facilitator. A significant pilgrimage to key historical sites is planned,…
-
Healing from Toxic Relationships: Building a Chosen Tribe

The author chronicles the journey of building a supportive community of strong women and non-toxic men, contrasting chosen relationships with family ties that can be harmful. Through stories of various friendships, each unique and nurturing, she highlights the power of unconditional acceptance, vulnerability, and encouragement in overcoming past trauma. This new tribe fosters her growth,…
-
Choosing Integrity Over Blood: A Grandmother’s Stance on Alcoholism and Boundaries

The author expresses her heartbreak over her son’s ex-partner moving away with her grandchildren but chooses to support the decision for their wellbeing. Rejecting societal expectations, she prioritises love and accountability over biological loyalty, emphasising the importance of the children’s safety and emotional health, while committing to remain connected.
-

The Boundary Laboratory: Testing My New Teeth TLDR: I’m no longer a “yes” machine. I’ve learned that “No” is a complete sentence, and ‘No Contact’ is a valid life-saving measure. The 30-Year Ghost: A Study in Red Flags Back in the early days of January 2024, when I was still 100% self-blame and devastation, an…
-

The author returns to blogging after a brief hiatus to bridge the gap between the past and the present. Breaking her usual 12-month posting delay, she shares why it is finally time to complete the picture, moving from the wreckage of the past into a life of genuine thriving.
-
Recovering from a Long-Term Relationship: The 5 Stages of Grief
abuse, Addiction, anger, Anxiety, calm, Childhood Trauma, Exercise and Fitness, Family, grief, Healthy Boundaries, Joy, Letting Go, loneliness, Marriage & Divorce, Mental Health, mindfulness, Personal Presentation, Physical Health And Appearance, Psychedelics, regret, Relationship Styles And Behaviour, relationships, Release, Self Healingdetachment, grief, healing, heartbreak, life, loneliness, loss, love, marriage, Mental Health, separation, stress, truth
The author reflects on the tumultuous journey of healing after a long-term relationship, likening it to the stages of grief. They detail experiences of denial, depression, bargaining, anger, and acceptance, emphasizing the non-linear nature of healing. Ultimately, the author finds freedom and strength in overcoming emotional turmoil, appreciating their resilience.
-
Why ‘Blood is Thicker Than Water’ is a Myth: Finding Your Chosen Family After Abuse
Addiction, Artistic Creations, calm, Childhood Trauma, Cooking, Dating, Family, Friends, garden, Healthy Boundaries, Interests, Letting Go, loneliness, Mental Health, mindfulness, Music, nature, regret, Relationship Styles And Behaviour, relationships, Release, Self Healing, Therapy, travel, Writing
The author reflects on the concept of unconditional acceptance, contrasting it with the popular notion that familial bonds should be prioritized. They emphasize the importance of finding and nurturing connections based on mutual choice rather than birth. Acknowledging their journey towards self-acceptance, the author discusses healing from negative self-talk and aims to build a supportive…
-

In a recent phone conversation, the author shared personal decisions with their mother, including a new surname and the choice to stop sending gifts to certain family members. The mother’s disapproving responses prompted reflection on their growth, as they realized they no longer seek approval from her. In contrast, a supportive friend, Altan, validated their…
-
I’m So Glad He Left: Reaching the Pinnacle of Detachment After Narcissistic Abuse
abuse, Addiction, Anxiety, calm, Childhood Trauma, Family, grief, Healthy Boundaries, Joy, Letting Go, Marriage & Divorce, Mental Health, mindfulness, Personal Presentation, Physical Health And Appearance, Psychedelics, Relationship Styles And Behaviour, relationships, Release, Self Healing, Therapy
The author reflects on the liberation felt after a difficult relationship, expressing gratitude for their ex-partner’s absence. They discuss personal healing, recognizing growth characterized by newfound clarity and independence. Despite lingering anger, there is a sense of cautious optimism about the future. The internal struggle between past pain and emerging self is acknowledged, showing progress…
-

The author expresses deep gratitude for Frazzled Café, a supportive community that aids emotional healing. Despite feeling a unique sadness post-psilocybin macrodose, the author finds solace through mindfulness practices and the understanding of group members. The Café provides a judgment-free space for sharing and connection, fostering personal growth and resilience. Attending meetings is emphasized as…