The Overwhelmed Brain

Emotional Intelligence for Critical Thinkers

Rekindling with toxic family – The long-term results of honoring yourself – Even the victim plays a role – Contact or no contact your ex

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Rekindling with toxic family – The long-term results of honoring yourself – Even the victim plays a role – Contact or no contact your ex
Rekindling with toxic family – The long-term results of honoring yourself – Even the victim plays a role – Contact or no contact your ex
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Rekindling with toxic family – The long-term results of honoring yourself – Even the victim plays a role – Contact or no contact your ex
June 18, 2017
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How do you go about rekindling with toxic and/or dysfunctional family members? Is it worth “going home” and starting up those old, dysfunctional, family get-togethers again?

Is it possible to avoid the toxicity of a dysfunctional family past? There is a way to return to a toxic family environment but it’s going to take some courage to be the person you want to be with the people that have always known you the way you were. I talk about that and more in segment one.

In segment two, I read a message from someone who shares what it’s like honoring yourself. Joshua says that he’s been taking steps to stand up for himself and express his truths to people that he never has before. He is showing up as that authentic person he’s always wanted to be and things are happening for him in a way that never has.

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Don’t Want You in My Mind – Spouse’s Parents Don’t Like Me – Most Important Relationship Lessons – Standing in Other’s Shoes

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Don’t Want You in My Mind – Spouse’s Parents Don’t Like Me – Most Important Relationship Lessons – Standing in Other’s Shoes
Don’t Want You in My Mind – Spouse’s Parents Don’t Like Me – Most Important Relationship Lessons – Standing in Other’s Shoes
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Don’t Want You in My Mind – Spouse’s Parents Don’t Like Me – Most Important Relationship Lessons – Standing in Other’s Shoes
April 23, 2017
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What is it with pervasive thoughts about people you don’t particularly care about? You already don’t want to see them in person, so how do you keep them from appearing in your mind?

In segment one of today’s show, I read a letter from a woman who can’t get her husband’s ex-wife out of her mind. How do you get rid of consistent, unwelcome thoughts like this?

How can you finally rid yourself of that one persistent thought in your mind’s eye? I have a few suggestions.  

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Failing the Challenge – Silent Abuse in Relationships – Depressed and Unmotivated – Appreciating What Works

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Failing the Challenge – Silent Abuse in Relationships – Depressed and Unmotivated – Appreciating What Works
Failing the Challenge – Silent Abuse in Relationships – Depressed and Unmotivated – Appreciating What Works
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Failing the Challenge – Silent Abuse in Relationships – Depressed and Unmotivated – Appreciating What Works
March 26, 2017
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What do you do when you have to face a challenge that you believe you’re prepared for, but fail instead?

The feelings of failure can be debilitating, especially when you’ve spent a lot of time and energy working on self-improvement. It can feel like you’ve taken 10 steps backward. Learning comes with the challenge of applying what you’ve learned, so expect challenges to be just more than you think you’re prepared for.

When you have the tools, the challenge will come.

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Beyond Help: What Happens If Your Therapist Rejects You?

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In the March 5th, 2017 episode of The Overwhelmed Brain, I tackled the ultimate challenge: The General Feeling of Unwell Being. Like a cloud of misery that follows you throughout life.

What inspired that episode was a letter I received from a woman who wrote to me that said she went to her workplace counselor who told her: “You have too many problems, we can’t help you.”

WOW!

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Overcoming General Unease – When Nothing Works Out in Life – Questioning Trust in Relationships

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Overcoming General Unease – When Nothing Works Out in Life – Questioning Trust in Relationships
Overcoming General Unease – When Nothing Works Out in Life – Questioning Trust in Relationships
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Overcoming General Unease – When Nothing Works Out in Life – Questioning Trust in Relationships
March 5, 2017
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In part one of this special three-part article, I dive into the underlying currents of fear, anxiety, and discomfort that can shadow our everyday lives, influencing decisions and interactions, particularly with toxic individuals.

These choices, often made to avoid conflict, can lead to a cycle of unhappiness and fulfillment. I explore the concept of “taking the bullet”—making tough, pivotal decisions that can either perpetuate misery or halt it altogether.

In part two, I address the despair that comes from a life where everything seems to lead to more pain and toxicity, questioning what to do when all seems lost and when your past is marred by abuse and neglect. There is a way of rewriting your future, regardless of past hardships.

In part three, I talk about the importance of building trust in relationships. This journey involves making definitive choices and moving toward closure about things you feel like you can’t let go. Closure allows for a shift from a life of turmoil to one of peace and fulfillment.

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