Awaken Wild One - Unleash your best life!

Manipulation Layers - what tactics have you recognized from the narc?

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2241109/open_sms] Ever realized someone was still pulling your strings years after you thought you'd cut them loose? That's exactly where I found myself recently—seven and a half years after leaving my narcissistic marriage, discovering brand new layers of manipulation I hadn't even recognized. The shocking truth? I'd been conditioned to believe I was making good parenting choices by "keeping the peace," when in reality, I was allowing my ex to continue controlling my life through our child. It took a former partner (a therapist with decades of experience) to point out this painful truth—my ex was still manipulating my schedule, my relationships, and my peace through carefully crafted situations involving our son. In this raw, unfiltered episode, I break down a recent interaction where my ex tried to manipulate me into taking over childcare for our sick son so he could go golfing. I walk through the multiple layers of this manipulation—from "praise baiting" by reminding me of past good deeds, to creating anxiety in our child that I'd have to soothe, to presenting himself as considerate for "checking with me first" when really he was just looking for an out from his parental responsibilities. What makes this kind of manipulation so damaging is how it affects children. My son has developed anxiety around doing anything that might upset his father, including me dating or having my own social life. He's internalized his father's reactions as somehow being his responsibility. The heartbreaking reality of narcissistic co-parenting is that our children become unwitting pawns in a game they never asked to play. If you're struggling with a narcissistic co-parent, this episode offers validation, strategies for setting boundaries, and most importantly, hope. Because as I've discovered, healing isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving in your own renaissance of self-discovery. The journey may not be linear, but every time you recognize manipulation and choose differently, you're taking a powerful step forward. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241109/support] Thank you for listening! Connect with us through FanMail! Interact in our community! awakenwildone.com [http://awakenwildone.com/] Unleash your best life!

Alchemizing Pain into Wisdom: A Survivor's Return

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2241109/open_sms] After a painful nine-month relapse with my narcissistic ex-husband, I've emerged with clearer boundaries and important lessons to share about recognizing manipulation tactics and prioritizing reality over potential in relationships. • Having experienced the rollercoaster of trauma bonds, love bombing, and manipulation again, I now understand how easily narcissists exploit our vulnerabilities • People can change, but look for tangible evidence through personal development work, not just words • My middle son recently experienced a similar toxic relationship pattern but learned from my experience and walked away faster • Narcissists will cross boundaries in calculated ways—like when my ex showed up unannounced to meet my children before I was ready • The healing journey isn't linear, but each cycle teaches us more and strengthens our ability to recognize patterns earlier • Witnessing someone's actions reveals much more than believing in their potential or listening to their promises • Breaking generational cycles requires honesty about troubling patterns and protecting your peace Please subscribe, as we're going to meet here every week and continue to grow and develop into our best selves. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241109/support] Thank you for listening! Connect with us through FanMail! Interact in our community! awakenwildone.com [http://awakenwildone.com/] Unleash your best life!

Emotional Resilience Amid Narcissistic Relapse Part 2

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2241109/open_sms] As my son takes his first steps into the Army, I find myself on an unexpected emotional journey, grappling with anxiety and illness. My idealized vision of thriving in newfound freedom was quickly overshadowed by the guilt of missing work at a new job and the pressing need for self-compassion. Join me as I reflect on these pivotal life transitions, sharing intimate insights on the importance of allowing ourselves to rest without shame. You'll hear about my own emotional rollercoaster and how these experiences have shaped my path towards healing and personal growth. In this episode, I navigate the complex landscape of love and healing, recounting a personal story of feeling trapped in a challenging relationship. Torn between the desire for growth and recognizing a lack of genuine affection, this narrative underscores the moral dilemmas many face in vulnerable moments. As I candidly recount these experiences, I invite you to embrace your own healing journey and join me weekly as we explore transformation and resilience. Plus, get a sneak peek at an upcoming episode discussing the lessons learned from reconnecting with a narcissistic ex and celebrating my own physical transformation through weight loss and surgery. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241109/support] Thank you for listening! Connect with us through FanMail! Interact in our community! awakenwildone.com [http://awakenwildone.com/] Unleash your best life!

Emotional Resilience Amid Narcissistic Relapse Part 1

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2241109/open_sms] How do you navigate the emotional upheaval of significant life changes while caring for your own health and well-being? This week on Awaken Wild One, I, Trish Stanford, share the heart-wrenching experience of my son leaving for the Army and the surprising ways my body reacted to such stress, from cold sores to overwhelming nausea. Amidst this turmoil, I found solace in self-compassion and allowed myself the grace to recover at my own pace. I also open up about my recent journey through a paniculectomy, reflecting on how this surgery has reshaped more than just my self-image, following my significant weight loss and the physical transformations of motherhood. As I recount these pivotal moments, I delve into the tricky terrain of relationships during recovery, especially when my partner chose this vulnerable time to express intense feelings. While I acknowledge his growth, uncertainty looms over his understanding of love. This episode doesn't provide all the answers but instead invites you to ponder the authenticity of love and the complexity of healing from narcissistic abuse. Join me on this reflective journey, as we explore the intricacies of emotional resilience and the hope for a brighter future, promising more discussions and insights in future episodes. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241109/support] Thank you for listening! Connect with us through FanMail! Interact in our community! awakenwildone.com [http://awakenwildone.com/] Unleash your best life!

From Wounds to Wonders The Path of Reparenting

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2241109/open_sms] When faced with the aftermath of narcissistic abuse, the journey to healing can seem daunting and unending. Yet, I found liberation and profound transformation through practices like reparenting and Quanta Freedom Healing. Join me, Trish Stanford, as I share my personal odyssey over the past year—a journey of confronting deep-seated wounds and nurturing my inner child back to wholeness. This episode is your gateway to understanding how these powerful techniques can be catalysts for emotional growth and unlocking your potential. Get ready to reclaim your power with a guided meditation designed to reconnect you with your past self, offering compassion and unconditional love to the parts of you that need it most. We'll explore how reparenting isn't just a healing tool but a pathway to manifesting your desires and living your best life. Together, let's embrace this shared path of self-discovery and weekly insights as we strive to unleash the transformative power within ourselves. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2241109/support] Thank you for listening! Connect with us through FanMail! Interact in our community! awakenwildone.com [http://awakenwildone.com/] Unleash your best life!