Friends
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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,…
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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,…
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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…
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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.
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The author reflects on a fulfilling, obligation-free day, allowing their mind to wander creatively. They ponder the term “whelmed,” noting we often speak of feeling overwhelmed or underwhelmed but not simply whelmed. The discussion with friends leads to suggestions like “content” and “normal,” but the author argues for reinstating “whelmed” as a descriptor of emotional…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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The author shares their experience of offering sanctuary to someone fleeing conflict and how the individual, Simon, has integrated and thrived in their home. Simon’s positive and caring nature is highlighted through anecdotes of humorous mishaps and his resilience in adapting to a new life. Despite facing challenges, Simon embraces new experiences, expresses himself unabashedly,…
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The author reflects on upcoming celebrations like birthdays, Christmas, and New Year’s, expressing mixed emotions due to past experiences with her ex-husband. She contemplates spending the days alone, working, volunteering, or seeking support. Despite uncertainty, she looks forward to overcoming the challenges and embracing a new chapter post-separation.
Jessica's Journey 