The Overwhelmed Brain

Emotional Intelligence for Better Relationships

When you don’t know who you are

Have you ever really learned who you are at a deeper level? Sometimes we walk around doing the things we’re supposed to do, but rarely stop to figure out who is doing those things.

In this episode, I read an email from a woman who never got a chance to learn who she is because of narcissistic parents telling her who she is all her life. Now that she’s a wife and mom, she feels lost.

If you’re lost, it’s time to find yourself. 

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Should commitments always be a forever thing?

Getting that job, buying that house, moving in with that person, promising to repay a debt… all commitments that that most of us go into with good intentions, but is it required to keep them no matter what?

Some commitments that started off as a good idea may need to be re-evaluated if what you thought was going to be great isn’t.  [Read more…]

The risk and reward of standing up for what you know is right

Taking a stand or protesting an injustice in your life isn’t always about being aggressive. Often, it can be a peaceful objection that helps you move toward honoring yourself.

Sometimes you have to take a bigger stand, even at the risk of loss. In this episode, I read an email from someone who didn’t appreciate my comments from the previous “Take a stand” episode I created. I talk about that and suggest a different approach to conflict resolution. [Read more…]

Dealing with mean family

There is a way to deal with mean family members. It may involve treating them like other people instead of family, which can help you disconnect from wanting to impress them or be loved by them.

This episode helps to prepare you to deal with the not-so-friendly relatives you may have no choice but do deal with.

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Is it ever okay to release toxic family?

I received an email from someone who was very angry with me. She said “You should be ashamed of yourself for teaching that it is okay to break ties with family!“

She was referencing an episode I did on toxic family members and how I said if they are too toxic to be around that it’s okay to part ways with them.  [Read more…]