The Overwhelmed Brain

Some people have a progress bar that stops when things are no longer uncomfortable. That can work for some people. But for others who want more out of life, it could present an incompatibility that's hard to get past.

Someone who constantly blames and criticizes you may have something to hide. Someone who hurts you is hiding nothing at all... it's all very apparent. Don't ever think their behaviors are your fault.

You did bad... a long time ago, but you still have to pay for what you did every time someone brings it up. They just can't let it go and you're reaching the end of your rope. When will they move on?

Some of us can go through life without the answers to the most pertinent questions. Others, like me, feel like there's something missing if we don't get those answers. I do my best to answer a few of those burning questions in this episode.

What is the recipe of reciprocation in a friendship when it comes to keeping in touch. Is it always 1 to 1 (you call, they call, repeat)? Or, is it always just you calling them? Hmm... seems one-sided, doesn't it? But, is it? Good topic to talk about.

There's no end to what manipulation looks like. Some people have a gift for making you do what they want you to do. Victims of manipulation typically have something in common. Knowing what that is will keep you out of harm's way.

Are you really misunderstanding everything they say, or are they just trying to get away with being mean under the radar? I address that and also talk about when someone doesn't like a gift you've given them. If that sounds good, tune in!

It can be a struggle to be there for loved ones struggling. And the more empathetic you feel, the more you may feel yourself getting deeper into the same struggle with them. It can sometimes be a challenge to be there for someone without losing yourself in the process.

Some people accuse just to keep you busy defending yourself. Some do it because, perhaps, they like to see you suffer? That can't be true... can it? If you're constantly accused for things you didn't do, you might be a mirror more than a target.

If you were taught to believe you were anything less than lovable and worthy, it's time we had an important conversation.

Meaning, purpose, the pursuit of happiness... Just existing shouldn't be the only way to live. You are important - you just may not realize how much.

Don't get trapped in a cycle of blaming yourself for past decisions. What you did then isn't what you'll do next time. And what you did then doesn't say who you are today.

If you find yourself questioning whether it's okay to step back from a someone who is always playing the victim (and perhaps blaming you for almost everything wrong in their life), you need a way out and a way back to your sanity and well-being.

Are the beliefs and values that guide your life and relationships truly serving you? There are many myths that, if we don't question them, might be holding us back from happiness and fulfillment.

Is work, people, or other things getting you down? Is there a way out of that holding pattern? Holding out hope for change might not be the best way forward.

Years of mediocrity or even unhappiness can change... can't it? I think if you're wondering if that could ever be true, this episode is probably for you.

If you're caught in a heated moment with another person, do you know how to keep your cool and maintain control? In this episode, I read a message from someone who lost his patience with a passenger on his bus. He wants to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Sometimes all that's needed to enforce your boundaries in a situation or relationship is a simple phrase that changes everything. Otherwise, you could be stuck with what you got indefinitely.

A partner's ex is a partner's problem... or is it? What if they're trying to wiggle their way back to your partner? I address that concern from someone who says they feel unsafe with their partner's ex being in the picture.

Ever feel like you're the one always under fire, the scapegoat for every misstep? When you are under constant accusation for things you didn't do (but are being convinced you did), it's time to learn the truth about what's really happening here.

Feel like you might mess up your kids because you haven't improved or healed your own stuff yet? Is it possible to raise kids to be less dysfunctional than ourselves? I certainly hope so! Sounds like a good topic to cover.

If you've ever felt like you're holding back in love because of past fears, it's probably affecting your current relationship. If you're worried you might be hurt, you may just prevent love from reaching its fullest potential.

If someone's passive-aggressive remarks are making you question your own self-worth, how can you take back control? There are ways to handle toxic interactions and keep your power.

I think the phrase, "Lovers for a moment, friends for a lifetime" is very true in many cases. Sometimes a friendship can develop into something more. Other times a development could end what was already great as-is. Does love conquer all?

What is your level of toleration, and how long will you endure behavior that crosses your boundaries before you've had enough? It might be time to dole out accountability and make hard decisions.