The Evolution of Guilt After Cutting Contact

Guilt is a complex emotion. But it is one that survivors of abuse are intimately…

You Grow, Girl! (or Guy)

Once my ex-husband realized that I was not backing down, about a month before…

Save Your Energy for the Good Stuff

When I began my recovery from abuse, I didn’t have a plan, per se. I had a goal. That goal was…

Surviving vs Thriving

Though removing my family’s negativity from my life made a huge difference it…

5 Ways Expectations Hurt our Holidays

My ex had so many stressful demands and expectations surrounding the holidays and my life…

Jealousy Hates Company

Toxic people and abusers are experts on jealousy. They cannot bear the thought…

Dealing With The Christmas Merry Go Round

I clearly remember that feeling of anticipation and dread whenever I’d have to attend a…

3 Powerful Steps to Reprogram Holiday Stress

We all know the power of habit, particularly the strength of the “tapes” that run…

3 Ways to Create New, Happier Traditions

For many years, my then-husband had many expectations of me when it came to holidays. In…

Aubrey’s Tips On Visitation and Holidays

We all know that sickening feeling. Whether at the airport or a local exchange location…