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Breaking Free: Recognizing Narcissistic Relationships and Reclaiming Your Power

Navigating relationships can be a complex journey, and unfortunately, some individuals find themselves entangled in toxic dynamics with narcissistic partners. A narcissistic relationship is characterized by manipulative behaviors, self-centeredness, and an imbalance of power. If you suspect you’re in such a relationship or want to learn how to avoid falling into one, this blog post will shed light on the red flags and offer valuable tips for breaking free and reclaiming your emotional well-being.

  1. Understanding Narcissistic Traits and Red Flags: Educate yourself about narcissistic personality disorder and the common traits associated with it. Recognize red flags such as excessive self-importance, lack of empathy, constant need for admiration, manipulation, and gaslighting. Awareness of these warning signs is crucial in identifying potential narcissistic partners early on.
  2. Trust Your Intuition: One of the most powerful tools you possess is your intuition. Pay attention to any feelings of discomfort, unease, or imbalance in the relationship. Trust your gut instincts and don’t dismiss your own feelings and concerns. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s essential to investigate further and seek support.
  3. Establish Boundaries: Narcissists often push boundaries and disrespect personal limits. Set clear and firm boundaries in your relationships. Communicate your needs, values, and expectations openly, and be prepared to enforce consequences when they are violated. Healthy boundaries protect your well-being and prevent the narcissist from exploiting your vulnerabilities.
  4. Seek Support from Trusted Individuals: Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or professionals who can provide objective insights and emotional support. Narcissistic relationships can be isolating, as the narcissist may try to isolate you from your support network. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being is crucial for regaining your strength and confidence.
  5. Prioritize Self-Care and Self-Love: Narcissistic relationships can erode your self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Focus on self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice self-compassion, and engage in positive affirmations. Cultivating self-love and building your self-esteem will empower you to break free from the toxic cycle.
  6. Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking therapy or counseling to heal from the emotional wounds inflicted by the narcissistic relationship. A trained therapist can guide you through the recovery process, help you understand the dynamics at play, and provide strategies for rebuilding your life and forming healthier relationships in the future.
  7. Plan Your Exit Strategy: If you’re currently in a narcissistic relationship and considering leaving, develop a solid exit plan to ensure your safety and minimize potential backlash. This may involve seeking legal advice, securing your financial independence, and having a support network in place. Remember, leaving a narcissistic partner can be challenging, but your well-being and happiness are worth fighting for.

Escaping a narcissistic relationship is a courageous journey towards reclaiming your power and rebuilding your life. By recognizing the red flags, setting boundaries, seeking support, prioritizing self-care, and planning your exit strategy, you can break free from the toxic cycle and move toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Remember, you deserve love, respect, and happiness. Embrace your worth and embark on a path of healing and self-discovery.

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Autism Activist and ImpactU Today Contributor, Michelle Love, has passed away.

This hurts.

Please pray for the family and friends of Michelle Love.

She comes from a loving and close family. She has always been nice and hilarious at the right moment. One of the quotes I use often is “Don’t be deep, be real!” It came from her. I LOVE THAT QUOTE.

She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and made at Tau Chapter (Wayne State University) in 1996.

Please pray that God’s healing strength is given during this time to her family (especially her daughter) and friends. Death is uncertain, but God IS! He never changes.

One thing we know for sure is she’s in Heaven….a place we hope to be when we leave this crazy place… to rest in His arms.

And that right there says a lot!

One thing folks didn’t know, she was a great writer. If you want to read some of her writing contributions to ImpactU Today, check it out here: https://impactutoday.com/author/mdot96/ .

Thank you in advance.

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A Word About Grace

Here’s another good blog post!

Chaos & Naked Grace

So, I said in my first post I don’t like to talk about politics and religion and that I’d tell you why. So here we are talking about it. But..it’s going to be a one and done as far as I’m concerned.

I looked at my first post and thought, man, that’s just too long. Keep it shorter Michelle. But seriously, I don’t think it’s possible. I’m already distracted by everything I want to cram in here. So I’ll start by saying I find politics boring. I know they’re important. To some people. Just not to me. It doesn’t mean I turn a blind eye to what is going on in the world or in my own country. It doesn’t mean I don’t care or I’m not concerned. But in general, politics put me to sleep and people arguing about them even more so. I’m blown away by people who…

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The Unexpected Beginning — Chaos & Naked Grace

So…here it is. My first official blog post. And it’s already nothing like what I thought it would be! I thought I would be explaining the title to you, telling you about me if you don’t already know me, finding some clever and quirky things to say to keep you interested…..but NO! I think one […]

via The Unexpected Beginning — Chaos & Naked Grace

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Are You Living Below Your Potential?

We are more than we have become!

Live Better with Dr. Willie Jolley

My wife loves theater – particularly the play, The Lion King. She can see that play over and over and over again, each time getting the same thrill. And she also enjoys watching the movie with our grandkids.  And to be honest, I enjoy the experience each time as well…because every time I see the play or watch the movie, I get a new perspective about life.

Be More
On my most recent viewing, I was re-inspired by one specific statement. Mufasa, the father, appears as an apparition to his son, Simba, who by this time is a grown, but playful, adult. Mufasa appears and says, “Simba, you are more than you have become!”  

As I listened to that line, I realized that statement could apply to all of us!  We tend to get comfortable with life and don’t always get serious about the possibilities for our lives…

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Leaders Are Shining Lights

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Leaders Are Shining Lights by Angeline Lawrence

I remember a time in my life that I eschewed the spotlight. I could sit quietly in meetings and listen to the rhetoric spoken by coworkers.  I would write notes or protest by whispering to my neighbor. However, as I grew in my relationship with Jesus Christ, I realized that I could no longer sit quietly allowing issues to remain unresolved.

As a staff member in a municipal department, I was one of the few people that would ask the difficult questions. I could not just accept the norm, but I had to challenge the leadership when I knew we were going down the wrong path.  After many heated staff meetings, my coworkers would come to me and say, “I am glad you spoke up about that issue. I had the same concern.”

I learned how to harness the power of the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the lives of people around me. Yes, as Christians we should always pray, but there is a time when we must speak out. The key is being led by the Holy Spirit to speak with authority to shift the atmosphere of injustice.  Walking in the Spirit is our first priority as Christians. As we walk and are led by Christ others will see our integrity, fairness and passion for justice and will follow. Matthew 5:21 states, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”