Hope when there was none

There are many including myself that have experienced the fear of an abusive relationship. This isn't a pretty family portrait to look at. What can you do? Suggestions to keep 'YOU" safe during the holidays. Family vacations, holidays, and gatherings with friends and family are supposed to be joyous and happy but if you are a victim of abuse it can be a nightmare. You may have heightened stressors...

Terri Kozlowski is a certified life coach, blogger, the author of "Raven Transcending Fear", and founder of Soul Solutions. She specializes in empowering women by teaching them to set personal boundaries, reframe the stories they tell themselves, overcome their fears, and push past their limiting beliefs. Part memoir, part self-help guide, Terri’s book is a raw and personal story of diving deep in...

Do you know someone that is positive all the time even when it's not rainbows and unicorns? This is the type of person that you just know that this person isn't going to hear you and only throw glitter on a crappy situation. Let's dig into what this is and how to deal with it. My goal is to share awareness, offer empowerment, and educate others about emotional traumas and domestic abuse. Here I wi...

Christine Hammond, MS, LMHC, and Author of "The Exhausted Woman's Handbook" as we discuss the very important subject of, "How not to raise a narcissistic child", tips and suggestions to help you and your family. Ms. Hammond specializes in psychotherapy with families in transition, trauma, personality disorders, and addictions. She provides family and individual therapy using evidence-based psychot...

Let's talk about Affirmations. They are not just for those that have been abused. These can help anyone! First, you may be saying, "Mel, I've done them a few times and they don't work!" or "That is way too woo-woo for me." Affirmations just like any other tool work if you allow them to work with you. Just because you don't always hit the nail on the head with a hammer the first time does that mean...

This past episode is a HUGE milestone where I celebrated 10 years of being free from abuse! I dig into my story, why do victims stay, the different types of abuse, and much more.  Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped in an abusive relationship and need to know how to help. My goal is to share awaren...

I'll be honest with you. I didn't want to do self-care. It seemed selfish. I didn't have time. It seemed dumb! Then when I did start doing it there were days when I wasn't feeling it or it triggered something so I would step away. I later learned that everything I felt wasn't uncommon! Many struggle with doing self-care. I wasn't alone! What have I learned in the process? 1) This is your job to st...

We will be discussing the important topic of "Bullying". Join me and my guests, Laura Lyles Reagan , MS, Sociologist, Award-Winning Author, Parent Coach, and Mentor. Later, my guest, Vicktoria Miller, Author and Survivor of Bullying , Author, Musician, Artist will share her experiences being bullied as a child, her CD, and her mission to help others bring bullying to light. Laura Reagan, MS is a s...

Are you in "Victim" mode? Are you labeled as a Drama Momma or Drama King by friends and family? Do you feel that nothing in your life ever goes your way? Does life happen to you and not for you? Tune in to learn more My goal is to share awareness, offer empowerment, and educate others about emotional traumas and domestic abuse. Here I will share my story and also stories of courage and healing fro...

*Trigger Warning!* I do use graphic language and share experiences. Don't listen with Littles around. I left my abuser 12 years ago on Feb 25th. I left with no job, no money, but kept my dignity. I share my Survivalversary so others can know they are not alone and educate them about what abuse looks like. For the first time in over a decade, I read a letter I had written to the court. This was dif...

A toxic person can be anyone! Such as someone in your family, friends, co-workers, or even members of your church! You can call this person a narcissist, gaslighter, Rage warrior, energy vampire, covert abuser, etc... * Learn to use boundaries * Listen to your guts! * If your workplace is toxic consider finding a new job. * End the relationship with this person. How can you deal with the sludge fr...

Are you challenged with PTSD? Here are signs, symptoms, and techniques for coping. Healing from this can take time. It can be discouraging and may feel like somedays you are taking 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. This is normal please be gentle with yourself.  Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped...

Let's break down Jealousy. This doesn't necessarily have to be between an intimate partner. It could be your best friend, a co-worker, or even a family member.  When you are in an abusive situation you may feel possessive about your partner or someone is keeping an eye on you!  Your partner may stalk you, keep you isolated from your family and friends. An abuser may accuse you of cheatin...

Founder of The Luminous Warriors, Candice Mallicoat dig into Meditation tips and how to get started for your own meditation practice which can be a wonderful healing tool to use on your self-care journey! Candice helps leaders, healers, and entrepreneurs overcome impostor syndrome and to become confident by developing psychic and intuitive skills. Teaching you how to connect to your higher self, s...

We have all had someone call us or tell us something that stopped us in our tracks. Words can cut through your spirit and the hurt can last a long time. Verbal abuse can be shouting, name-calling, put-downs, insults, and demeaning. Listen in for more.  Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped in an abus...

Self-sabotage can happen to anyone and it is the mistreatment of yourself. I had a hard time accepting compliments. Found it hard to take time for me to enjoy anything I liked to do. I didn't ask anyone for help or would blow off help. I felt like it was me against the world. What can you do? Today I share "11 tips to help you start tearing down the walls of self-sabotage". Someone out there needs...

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is defined as repeated and sudden episodes of manipulation, impulsive aggression, verbal outbursts, violent behavior. Those that experience this may take things grossly out of proportion. Do you have a child or know someone that is experiencing this? There are a few tips you can add to your healing toolbox. You can find links that I mention here: Borderline Personal...

I'm warning you ahead of time during this past video I had awful allergies and had a runny nose so there is a lot of sniffling. I'm sorry!  Are you being abused or are you the abuser? Perhaps you grew up in a toxic environment and chaos is all you know. This has been shown to be a generational pattern. This isn't only about an intimate partner this can be between a family member, friend, co-w...

Are you plagued by doubt, shame, and guilt? These are things that are not necessarily from an abusive situation. Perhaps, you had an incident in grade school where you felt embarrassed while giving a presentation where you stumbled over your words and the kids laughed. That situation can send you into a cycle of doubt.  What can you do to break the strongholds that are holding you in bondage?...

How did I keep my faith during the rollercoaster ride I went on during my divorce? I'll be honest, Sis it wasn't easy! I fell down on my knees more than once. Leaning on prayers, digging into my Bible, getting quiet, learning about what I wanted and what were my needs became important for me to heal. I don't know where you are on your walk but finding faith or something positive to help you is so...

This podcast like previous shows contains older recorded videos and interviews that you can find on my page at https://www.facebook.com/hopewhentherewasnone. Flying monkeys?! What are these? I'm not talking about what you may have seen in the famous movie. I'm talking to anyone or everyone that are well-meaning or that turns a blind eye to the abuse. They may start the rumor mill, deny things happ...

I am here with Pastor, David Hoffman of FBC of Lowell and Bible Baptist Church of Rensselaer, Indiana. We will be discussing the important topic of "What does the Bible say about Abuse?" He sheds light on many beliefs victims find themselves in when dealing with an abuser or someone spreading false doctrine to benefit their needs. Find him here- www.purewordsoftruth.com - You can find information...

So what is Emotional abuse? The abuser's psychological games or using mental violence can include anything that can exhaust your mental health and well-being. It can look like this: Examples: Calling you names, insults, put-downs Making you feel crazy Blaming the victim for everything Feelings of jealousy, unfounded accusations of cheating Using intimidation Making you feel ashamed, or using humil...

After leaving my ex my thought was that the abuse would be over. Sounds plausible right?! Post-separation abuse can happen after you leave that relationship. It can be spill into your court case, may become violent or violence may increase. There could be retaliation and the victim may not be believed. Using Financial abuse is one of several ways an abuser can get back at the victim by: * Keeping...

I have to admit it but at one time I had a "HUGE" amount of "Mommy guilt" for staying in the relationship with my ex. I didn't see the consequences off the bat but after leaving I put things together. The kids had issues at school with bullying or being a bully. There were other behavior issues in public settings and more. Now, as adults, they each have some type of issue, from mental health issue...