Grace + Boundaries: Navigating Intergenerational Trauma with Erin Hearts

One day in 2015 I Googled the words "Emotional Abuse" and I couldn't believe my eyes! My life was there in black and white. Everything I read lead me back to one word: narcissism. But it wasn't the overt narcissist that I was dealing with. It took me a while longer to learn there is more than one type.
We've all heard the word "narcissism" overused, but have you heard of the covert narcissist? These individuals are extra tricky to discover, and usually we only discover them when we are in a very close relationship with one. Even after using the label to help me protect myself from these types of people in my life, I still question myself at times because they can present as such do-gooders in certain areas of their lives.
Listen to hear the one golden nugget from my therapist about the true effect of being in a relationship with a covert narcissist.
If you think you might be in a relationship with a narcissist, start learning and seek help. Here are some resources that helped me:
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/covert-narcissist-signs/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/emotional-abuse
Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37660370-the-covert-passive-aggressive-narcissist
Book: 30 Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics by AB Admin
Book: Dodging Energy Vampires By: Christiane Northrup, M. D.

Healing is possible!
I'd love to hear from you! https://www.instagram.com/iheartserin/
Please rate and review the podcast to let me know you're listening! Thank you!

As a single parent, have you ever felt like you're seen as a reject, or as if you're wearing a scarlet letter? Shoshana Alexandra is here today to help reframe that outdated stigma that I have felt as a single parent, and maybe you have, too.
Shoshana Alexandra wrote a book called "In Praise of Single Parents: Mothers and Fathers Embracing the Challenge." It's become a place of refuge for me as I learn how to feel connected in a society that still professes the need for the nuclear family model (which is actually very unnatural according to anthropological research!) What we do need is to "expand the family!" Shoshana created a rich community surrounding her son, who had 13 Godparents that helped raise him! They are still in his life to support and guide him when he needs it.
Shoshana and I discuss the dysfunction in our relationships that led to us becoming single parents, the idea of "double parenting," how to vet and find a supportive community, and how to embrace the joy that is already present in your parenting- albeit alone or with many supportive friends and chosen family. Shoshana truly reframes what it means to be a single parents. Aren't we so lucky to have these wonderful beings in our lives? I know I am.
http://shoshanaalexander.com
Shoshana's "Answer the Call" workshop: https://www.shoshanaalexander.com/answer-the-call/
Shoshana Alexander, MA, is an author, teacher, developmental editor, playwright, actor, and mother, and has in all these ways tried to make a positive difference for the Earth. She lives on the unceded territory of the Takelma, Latgawa, and Shasta people. She is the author of several books, including In Praise of Single Parents and Women’s Ventures/Women’s Visions, and is co-author of Awakening Joy with James Baraz. Shoshana has guided numerous books into print in the areas of Buddhism, psychology, and spirituality, includingThe Findhorn Garden, Radical Acceptance (Tara Brach), Faith and LovingKindness (Sharon Salzberg), and Bouncing Back (Linda Graham). She has a master’s degree in psychology and theatre, and has taught high school and university courses in the humanities. She has led support groups for those grieving loss and facilitated longterm writing groups for those developing the craft of writing books. Her creative endeavors in live performance include spoken-word poetry with music, and writing and acting in a full-length play, “Taking Our Life,” exploring suicide, ecocide and humanity’s imperative to choose life. She stood with Earth Protectors at Standing Rock, and her many decades of participation in self-development and spiritual disciplines have included extensive mindfulness meditation practices, and she has been authorized as a dharma teacher. Her work arises from a passion to understand life, honor the Earth, and engage the magic and power of wisdom, words and music to heal and transform. shoshanaalexander.com

Healing is possible!
I'd love to hear from you! https://www.instagram.com/iheartserin/
Please rate and review the podcast to let me know you're listening! Thank you!

I signed a pledge to myself in December, 2023, and it's helped me clarify what I might look for when I start to date again.
I share about a program I've been part of this year by Gloria Zhang, and I, of course, share my #1 dating tip! Hint: it has to do with personal boundaries!
Thanks for listening!

Healing is possible!
I'd love to hear from you! https://www.instagram.com/iheartserin/
Please rate and review the podcast to let me know you're listening! Thank you!

Do you monitor your expectations before buying and giving gifts?
I do, and I think it's definitely part of my personal self-care.
I discuss gift giving and the strings that can be attached when it comes to the family gift exchange and even gifts for coworkers.
Thank you for listening!

Healing is possible!
I'd love to hear from you! https://www.instagram.com/iheartserin/
Please rate and review the podcast to let me know you're listening! Thank you!

Have you ever experienced a panic attack? They can be so scary. I share some details about why panic attacks form in our bodies and what they are trying to tell us.
I mention The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693771-the-body-keeps-the-score

Healing is possible!
I'd love to hear from you! https://www.instagram.com/iheartserin/
Please rate and review the podcast to let me know you're listening! Thank you!