Finding Strength in the Storms of Life I didn’t wake up one day suddenly strong. Learning to be resilient has taken time, patience, and a lot of trial and error. It’s something I’ve built piece by piece by showing up for myself, even when life felt hard. Here are a few ways I’ve learned to... Continue Reading →
Week 36: Mentoring Others in Recovery
Finding Strength in Sharing the Journey When I first stepped into my own recovery journey, I never imagined that one day I would be able to walk alongside others as they navigated theirs. At the beginning, I was just trying to survive my own patterns of codependency, people-pleasing, and the weight of old wounds. Over... Continue Reading →
Week 27: Navigating Relapses or Old Patterns
Navigating Relapses in Codependency Recovery When Old Habits Creep Back In I wish I could tell you that once you start healing from codependency and people-pleasing, those old habits pack their bags, wave goodbye, and head off into the sunset forever. But let’s be real — they’re more like that neighbor who occasionally shows up... Continue Reading →
Week 23: How I Respond to Guilt Trips
How I Respond to Guilt Trips (Without Losing Myself) There was a time when a sigh, a disappointed glance, or a few carefully chosen words could send me into a spiral of guilt. I’d drop everything to smooth things over, even if I wasn’t the one who caused the problem. That’s the grip guilt had... Continue Reading →
Week 22: The Difference Between Walls and Boundaries
The Difference Between Walls and Boundaries: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Openness and Protection When I first began to set boundaries, it was confusing and difficult. I used to think I was setting healthy boundaries, but in reality I was building emotional walls, tall and thick ones. I told myself it was self-protection, a way... Continue Reading →
Week 12: Releasing the Need for Approval
Releasing the Need for Approval: Reflect on moments where you’ve let go of external validation. My Ongoing Battle with People-Pleasing Rehab There was a time when a side-eye from a stranger could send me into an existential crisis. Did I say something wrong? Did I wear the wrong shoes? Am I radiating "bad person" energy?... Continue Reading →
Week 11: How I Stay Grounded in Stressful Situations
Keeping My Sanity: How I Stay Grounded in Stressful Situations Let’s be real—stressful situations are inevitable. Whether it’s an overflowing inbox (this absolutely stresses me out!), a family gathering that feels like a reality TV drama, or the unexpected horror of realizing you’re out of coffee, life has a way of testing our patience. But... Continue Reading →
Week 10: Embracing Complex Emotions
Embracing Complex Emotions: My Not-So-Graceful Journey Through Anger, Fear, and Sadness Emotions are wild. One minute, you’re fine, sipping your morning coffee, and the next, you’re spiraling because someone took the last parking spot at the grocery store. (Yes, I saw you, Karen.) But instead of stuffing these emotions down like an overstuffed suitcase, I’ve... Continue Reading →
I’m Available… Just Not 24/7: A Lesson in Boundaries
I’ll get back to you… when I’m available! Lately, I’ve been pretty stuck on the topic of boundaries. Once again, I find myself facing the challenge of setting them—only this time, I need to work through doing it in a loving and respectful way. I have a situation that needs to be dealt with—and soon.... Continue Reading →
Week 9: Practicing Radical Acceptance
Practicing Radical Acceptance: It Is What It Is (Even If I Don’t Like It) I used to believe that if I just tried hard enough, planned well enough, and cared deeply enough, life would bend to my will. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. Instead, life did what it wanted, and I exhausted myself fighting against reality.... Continue Reading →
How’s That Working for You? – A Recovery Reality Check
When you step into the rooms of recovery—any kind of recovery—you’ll quickly notice that they’re filled with sayings, little nuggets of wisdom often referred to as “tools.” These tools serve as gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) nudges to keep us on track or help us find our way back when we’ve wandered off course. One of... Continue Reading →
Week 6: How I Maintain Healthy Boundaries
February 2025: How I Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Share advanced strategies for setting and keeping boundaries. How I Keep My Sanity and Maintain My PEACE Boundaries are like fences—not walls. They protect my peace without shutting people out. But let’s be real, as a recovering people pleaser, keeping boundaries has been one of my biggest struggles.... Continue Reading →
