#82 What to Do When Relationships Disappoint You
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our relationships with other people fall short of what we long for. When this happens, it’s natural to feel sadness, anger, or even a sense of betrayal. But beneath these feelings lies an important question: How do we navigate the pain of unmet expectations without closing ourselves off from connection? What meaning do we make of these moments, that can serve to fortify our strength and protect us as we move forward?
#80 Reclaiming Your Voice: Navigating One-Sided Conversations
If you’ve ever been in a conversation where you shared something meaningful, only for the other person to quickly turn the focus back to themselves, you know what I am talking about. Maybe you started telling a story or expressing a thought, and before you could finish, they interrupted with their own experiences or opinions. This common dynamic many of us know all too well, and it can leave us feeling resentful, disheartened and confused. Although it’s easy to withdraw, get defensive, or let frustration take over, today we’re going to explore how to navigate these moments by reclaiming your voice, honoring your needs, and even inviting deeper connections. Here are some practical strategies to help you handle these one-sided conversations with skill and grace.
#79 Messy Moments, Meaningful Growth: Embracing Imperfection in Relationships
I often think about how much we’re taught to strive for perfection – to say the right thing, feel the right way, and always maintain a sense of control. But relationships, with their inherent complexity, just don’t lend themselves to neatness or perfection.
#78 Boundaries vs. Abandonment: How to Prioritize Yourself Without Guilt
If you ever feel guilty for saying “no” or setting boundaries with others, then let’s get clear on the difference between boundaries vs. abandonment.
#76 How to Work with Defensive People: Turning Resistance into Connection
After our heartfelt conversations on our recent Conversations from the Heart episode, I found myself reflecting more deeply on the topic of defensiveness. It’s such a common experience in relationships, but fielding defensiveness often leaves us feeling stuck or disconnected. As I talked with Sarah, we explored the challenges of navigating defensiveness in ways that deepen connection instead of driving us apart. But as I sat with everything we covered, I realized I wanted to take it a step further—distill it into something clearer, something actionable. So, this blog post is my way of diving deeper into how we can work with defensiveness—not as something to resist or judge, but as a pathway to greater empathy and understanding.
#74 Protecting Kids from Bullying: Tools for Immediate Safety and Lasting Change
When it comes to protecting kids from bullying and fostering inclusive environments, we often encounter objections that dismiss or minimize the urgency of these issues. Phrases like “Kids will be kids” or “You’re being too sensitive” can shut down conversations and prevent meaningful change. These objections aren’t just casual remarks—they reflect deeper societal patterns, discomfort, and sometimes, a lack of awareness. This week’s podcast episode, Episode 74: Protecting Kids from Bullying, dives into the complexities of ensuring immediate safety while addressing the root causes of harm.
How to Respond to Silence and Shut Downs
Knowing how to respond to silence with empathy is an advanced relationship skill, and I have some powerful strategies to up your game.
Staying Grounded in the Face of Big Emotions
What if you had skills for staying grounded and present when fielding someone else’s anger, hurt or indignation? What if you could approach emotionally charged conversations without feeling overly injured or controlled by another’s feelings? As we increase our emotional resilience and engage in our own growth and healing work, we are more and more able to stay present and engaged, even in the face of difficult emotions in ourselves and others.
Co-Parenting with a Narcissistic Ex: Practical Strategies for Toxic Relationships
Co-parenting is never simple, but when your ex-partner exhibits narcissistic tendencies, the challenges can feel insurmountable. You may find yourself oscillating between hope for collaboration and frustration at the reality of unpredictability and conflict. How do you discern what’s possible, protect your child’s well-being, and maintain your sanity? This post dives into the nuances of co-parenting with a narcissistic ex, examining the differences from healthy co-parenting and offering practical tips and scripts for navigating this complex dynamic.
From Problem-Solving to Emotional Presence: Transforming Relationships through Connection
How do you know when it’s better to diving into problem-solving with someone, or if it’s better to offer more emotional presence? This week’s podcast focuses on this question, and we delve into the subtle internal changes necessary to switch from offering solutions to offering an opportunity to connect more deeply.