Radiant Second Act

  Photo by  Volha Flaxeco  on  Unsplash Spring is just around the corner! The flowers are trying to bloom, the birds are chirping, and it’s the perfect time to purge your life of all things toxic — yes, including that narcissist who’s been taking up way too much space in your mental and emotional closet. Just like we declutter our homes, we can also  detox our lives from manipulative, energy-draining narcissists . Grab your metaphorical trash bags and let’s get to work! Step 1: Recognizing the Clutter — AKA, Identifying the Narcissist Before you can toss out the junk, you need to recognize what’s no longer serving you. Narcissists come in many shapes and sizes, but here are a few telltale signs that someone belongs in the discard pile: They gaslight like it’s their full-time job  — You constantly question your reality after talking to them. They hoard attention  — Your needs? Non-existent. The world revolves around them. They bring drama and negativity...

There comes a moment in life when you realize… enough is enough. Enough settling. Enough walking on eggshells. Enough living small to keep others comfortable. Enough of the toxic cycles that drain your energy, dim your light, and make you question your worth. If you’re reading this, maybe you’re feeling that pull—the quiet (or maybe screaming) voice inside that’s saying: It’s time to break free. Free from toxic relationships. Free from self-doubt. Free from the patterns and fears that have kept you stuck. But breaking free isn’t just about leaving—it’s about rising. Rebuilding. Rediscovering who you are when you’re no longer trapped by what’s been holding you back. So let’s talk about what it really takes to break free—and stay free. 1. Recognize the Cage (Even If It’s Comfortable) 🕊️ Breaking free starts with awareness. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself things “aren’t that bad.” Maybe you’ve minimized the pain, made excuses, or told yourself you’re overreacting. But deep down, you kn...

  Let’s be real— exercise can feel like a chore , especially when life is busy, hormones are raging, and motivation is nowhere to be found. But here’s the secret: movement isn’t just about weight loss or six-pack abs. It’s about energy, joy, and feeling GOOD in your body—right now. So, if you’ve been stuck in a workout rut (or avoiding movement altogether), this is your sign: It’s time to rethink fitness and make it FUN again. Ready? Let’s go! 1. Ditch the “All or Nothing” Mindset 🚫 Forget the idea that if you’re not sweating buckets, it doesn’t count. Some days, a 10-minute stretch or walk around the block is just as powerful as an intense gym session. 💡 Try this: Instead of focusing on calories burned , shift your mindset to how you feel after moving. Do you feel more energized? Less stressed? That’s the real win! 2. Find Movement That Feels GOOD 💃 If you hate running—don’t run. If lifting weights bores you to tears—skip it! Movement should fit YOUR personality and lifesty...

  Ahhh, spring—the season of fresh blooms, open windows, and a chance to hit the reset button on life. After months of winter hibernation (and maybe one too many cozy comfort foods), it’s time to shed the weight of winter—physically, mentally, and emotionally. This isn’t just about green juices and salads (though those can be great!). A true Spring Detox is about clearing out what no longer serves you —from the toxins in your pantry to the negative energy in your life. So let’s dive into a full-body, mind, and soul refresh! 1. Detox Your Body: Nourish, Hydrate & Energize 🌿 Upgrade Your Plate – Swap out heavy, processed winter comfort foods for seasonal, fresh produce like leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits. These naturally detoxifying foods help your body reset and boost energy. 💧 Hydration Overhaul – Winter dehydration is real! Refresh your system with lemon water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich drinks (like coconut water) to flush out toxins and boost digestio...

  This may be an unpopular opinion (and it IS just MY opinion…I don’t claim to be a narcissist whisperer or all-knowing expert), but…. Let’s get real for a second — how many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, deep down, they’re just insecure” when talking about a narcissist? It’s a nice idea, right? Makes them seem a little less scary, a little more human. But let me tell you something from personal experience — some narcissists are not fragile little creatures crying for love. Some are stone-cold manipulators who know exactly what they’re doing and love every minute of it. Understanding this is key to breaking free and reclaiming your power. The Comforting Myth of Narcissistic Insecurity I used to believe it too. I told myself that if I could just love them enough, if I could reassure them, then maybe, just maybe, they’d finally drop the act and be a decent person. Spoiler alert: that never happened . The idea that narcissists act out because they secretly hate themselves is...

  Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to refresh your finances and embrace a savings mindset. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or you’re a seasoned money-savvy pro, these practical tips will help you spring into savings with confidence! Step 1: Declutter Your Finances Just like spring cleaning your home, it's time to declutter your financial life. Review your bank statements and identify unnecessary subscriptions or expenses. Set up autopay for bills to avoid late fees. Consolidate accounts if you have multiple checking or savings accounts that are hard to track. Step 2: Set Fresh Financial Goals Spring is a great time to reassess your short-term and long-term goals. Ask yourself: Do I want to build an emergency fund? Am I saving for a vacation, home upgrade, or early retirement? How can I improve my credit score this year? Step 3: Budgeting for Every Season Budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive—it’s about directing your money where YOU...

  Photo by  Simon Hurry  on  Unsplash I’m not sure if everyone has seen the 1999 film featuring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment,  The Sixth Sense . But I have to say, for me, the part where Haley’s character declares, “I see dead people,” still gives me shivers and goosebumps. In the spirit of that movie, I have to say that I’ve been ruminating over something for a while now. I feel like either: A) I, too, am afflicted by a similar condition — only instead of dead people, I see narcissists everywhere (and it may all be a trauma response), or B) The world is truly full of more narcissists than I ever realized existed — perhaps it’s something in the water or the additives in our food creating this condition. I’m joking (slightly) about that, but really — does anyone else see a pattern after enduring life with a narcissist? Do we become more sensitive to the nuances involved? Like our “spidey senses” are now elite-level bullshit detectors, tingling and setting o...

 Life has a funny way of shifting gears when we hit midlife. The kids may be grown (or at least less dependent), careers may feel stagnant or in transition, and that youthful glow we once took for granted is now accompanied by wisdom lines and gray strands. But here’s the secret— midlife is not the beginning of the end; it’s the start of a brand-new love affair with yourself. If you’ve been feeling lost, disconnected, or just plain meh about life, it’s time to rekindle the most important relationship you’ll ever have—the one with yourself. Here’s how: 1. Rewrite Your Inner Dialogue Would you ever speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself? If your inner monologue is filled with self-doubt and criticism, it’s time to change the script. Affirmations, self-compassion, and gratitude for your journey can help reframe the way you see yourself. Start each day with a simple, loving reminder: "I am worthy. I am enough. I am radiant." 2. Prioritize Self-Care (Without Guil...

  Have you ever tried to have a genuine conversation with a narcissist? I don’t mean like a boring, bland, generic conversation about the weather — although even those can be landmines depending on the day or time or the tilt of the Earth on its axis. I mean a serious conversation about… I don’t know… something like how to parent your children or how you feel invalidated and hurt when he calls you names or stonewalls you, or why he hasn’t paid the rent in two months. Or maybe the narcissist brings something up because he (or she) has created a (completely ridiculous) narrative in their mind about some imagined transgression you have committed. These conversations can make your head spin. The topic will be bounced around like a ping pong ball. You will find yourself wondering if you are even speaking the same language. Perhaps this is their native language (which seems to be actually from another planet — in which reality is NOT the same). Welcome to the delightful world of  wo...