Ditch The Debate

Motherhood Overwhelm

Motherhood, a journey filled with joy, love, and a fair share of challenges, sometimes brings along an unwelcome companion—overwhelm. In the latest episode of 'Ditch The Debate,' I'm inviting you to join me on a personal exploration through the complex layers of Motherhood Overwhelm.
Defining Motherhood Overwhelm:
My experience with motherhood has taught me that it's far from a linear path—it's more like a rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns. Motherhood Overwhelm, in my eyes, is the result of various factors colliding—societal pressures, internal battles, and the everyday chaos that defines being a mom.
Societal Expectations:
Let's dive into societal expectations—a layer that feels like an ever-present undertow. Picture being handed a script titled 'The Perfect Mom,' with society eagerly awaiting your flawless performance. I've been there, weighed down by comparison and the illusion of perfection painted by social media. It's time to break free from this comparison trap and embrace the messy reality of motherhood.
Overcoming Guilt:
The heavyweight—Mom Guilt. It's real, and it's something I've grappled with too. Guilt for spending too much time on work, guilt for taking a few extra minutes in the bath, guilt for daring to ask for some time to catch up on admin or take a longer walk. Why? Because we've been conditioned that everything falls on us. In this episode, I share my experiences and explore how we can loosen guilt's grip and prioritize self-care without feeling like we're neglecting our duties.
Looking Forward and Coping Strategies:
As we peer into the future of motherhood, I encourage you to embrace the changing landscape. Let's cultivate gratitude, set realistic expectations, and acknowledge the resilience within us. The coping toolkit becomes our guide—self-care, connection, flexibility, mindfulness, hobbies, and the art of saying 'no.' Together, let's unravel the layers and navigate the overwhelming seas of motherhood.
In conclusion, perfection is an illusion, and you're not alone in this beautiful chaos. Join me on 'Ditch The Debate' as we prioritize well-being and celebrate the unique journey that defines your motherhood.
➡️ Episode page: https://tanielstrydom.com/motherhood-overwhelm
➡️ Website: https://tanielstrydom.com 
➡️ Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom

Losing Your Identity in Motherhood? I’ve Got You.

🌟 Welcome to Ditch The Debate! In today's episode, 'Losing Your Identity in Motherhood? I've Got You,' I invite you to join a candid conversation about the profound transformation that happens when heels turn into sweats and schedules revolve around little ones.
👠 From unexpected pregnancies and career shifts to sleepless nights and postpartum struggles, this episode lays bare the unfiltered truth of motherhood's impact on identity. We dive deep into the concept of Matresence, exploring the emotional journey that often feels like an internal tug-of-war. 💖
Motherhood is a journey we navigate together, and your story matters!
🌈 Rediscover Yourself: As we explore the challenges and losses, remember, you're not alone. Rediscover the multifaceted individual within you. Set goals, dream big, and let's redefine what it means to be a mother while staying true to ourselves.
➡️ Episode page: https://tanielstrydom.com/losing-your-identity-in-motherhood
➡️ Website: https://tanielstrydom.com 
➡️ Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom

Breaking Free From People Pleasing

Welcome back to Ditch The Debate! In today's episode, I, Taniel, guide you through the intricate landscape of people-pleasing. Join me on this deep dive as we explore the impact, understand the root causes, and uncover practical steps to break free from the chains of people-pleasing.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to People Pleasing: People-pleasing is more than just being polite; it's a coping mechanism that often leads us to sacrifice our authenticity for immediate comfort. In this episode, we unpack the concept and discuss why it's crucial to recognize it as a short-term comfort option.
Root Causes: Breaking free from people-pleasing requires understanding its roots, often deeply embedded in our childhood blueprints. Explore with me how early experiences, family dynamics, and societal expectations contribute to this learned behavior.
The Power of Boundaries: As a mom entrepreneur juggling various responsibilities, setting boundaries becomes essential. Discover how boundaries are not walls but bridges that connect your authentic self with the outside world, protecting your time and reinforcing your commitment to authenticity.
Overcoming the Fear of Disapproval: Dive into practical steps to overcome the paralyzing fear of disapproval. From defining your values to shifting your focus, cultivating a support system, and celebrating imperfection, these steps empower you to authentically express yourself.
Practical Steps to Break Free: Explore concrete steps to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing. From self-reflection to setting clear priorities, practicing saying 'no,' establishing firm boundaries, embracing imperfection, and celebrating small wins – this roadmap is your guide to reclaiming authenticity.
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts in the comments below. How has people-pleasing impacted your life, and what steps are you taking to break free?
Subscribe to Ditch The Debate Podcast for more insightful discussions on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and navigating the complexities of life. Hit the notification bell, so you never miss an episode. Your authentic journey starts here!
➡️ Episode page: https://tanielstrydom.com/breaking-free-from-people-pleasing
➡️ Website: https://tanielstrydom.com 
➡️ Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom

Rebuilding Trust after a Narcissistic Relationship

Welcome to another episode of Ditch The Debate & Make It Happen Podcast. I'm your host, Taniel, and today we're diving deep into a topic that holds immense personal significance for me – the journey of rebuilding trust after a narcissistic relationship.
The Impact of a Narcissistic Relationship on Trust Before we delve into the steps of rebuilding trust, it's essential to reflect on the profound impact of a narcissistic relationship on one's ability to trust. I've been through it, and I understand how it feels to have your trust shattered into pieces. The constant manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse can leave you deeply wounded and skeptical of anyone's intentions. But perhaps the most challenging aspect is the trust you break with yourself. What narcissists do is to completely disconnect your internal self, making it so that you never trust yourself with anything moving forward. It's the darkest and messiest place I've ever been in my life. Don't underestimate what these narcissistic types can do; it's layers and layers of damage.
Step 1: Self-Compassion and Forgiveness Rebuilding trust begins with self-compassion and forgiveness. It's crucial to understand that you were a victim of manipulation and abuse. One significant hurdle is to recognize that it's not your fault. Be gentle with yourself and forgive yourself for any self-blame or self-judgment.
Step 2: Seek Professional Support Professional support is invaluable. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of healing and rebuilding trust.
Step 3: Reconnect with Your Intuition Reconnecting with your intuition is essential. Take the time to listen to your instincts and trust your gut feelings.
Step 4: Establish Healthy Boundaries Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial. Communicate your boundaries clearly and enforce them.
Step 5: Practice Vulnerability Rebuilding trust in others requires practicing vulnerability. Start with small acts of vulnerability, gradually opening up to trusted friends and loved ones.
Step 6: Surround Yourself with a Supportive Network Having a supportive network is invaluable in the process of rebuilding trust.
Step 7: Self-Care and Healing Self-care and healing are ongoing processes. Dedicate time to activities and practices that nurture your well-being.
Step 8: Patience and Acceptance Rebuilding trust is a journey that requires patience and acceptance. Understand that setbacks are part of the process.
In conclusion, rebuilding trust after a narcissistic relationship is a challenging, yet empowering journey. It's possible, and you're not alone in this. Trust can be regained, and healthy relationships are within your reach. Remember, you are strong, resilient, and deserving of trust and love. Stay tuned for more episodes on healing and personal growth.
You've got this!
➡️ Episode page: https://tanielstrydom.com/rebuilding-trust-after-a-narcissistic-relationship/
➡️ Website: https://tanielstrydom.com 
➡️ Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom

Breaking Free from a Narcissistic Relationship

Welcome to another episode of Ditch The Debate Podcast. If you've been following our previous discussions, you're well aware of the intricate dynamics between empaths and narcissists, the red flags signaling a narcissistic relationship, and the emotional impact it can have. Now, we're diving into the most empowering part of this journey – breaking free from that toxic relationship.
I want to take a moment to connect with you on a personal level. I've been there too. I've experienced the emotional rollercoaster, the self-doubt, and the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle of manipulation and control. It took time, self-reflection, and inner strength to embark on the path to freedom, but I want you to know that it's possible, and you absolutely deserve to break free. Life on the other side is a breath of fresh air.
My first experience with a narcissistic relationship happened when I was young, around 21. The drama and chaos were exhausting, and I realized I needed a break. So, I made a bold move and relocated to London for two years. It was a much-needed respite.
Breaking free from my second, last, and most dangerous narcissist was a lot messier. As I started to choose myself and disengage, he felt the supply was drying up. So, he orchestrated a surprise family weekend getaway that ended in a shocking proposal. Within two weeks, a wedding was planned without my consent. The journey was full of twists and turns.
The first step to breaking free is recognizing the need for change. It's not just a casual decision; it's a deep realization that staying is no longer an option. For me, that moment came one Monday morning, just two months before my planned wedding. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw a stranger. That was my turning point.
Planning your escape is the next crucial step. Prioritize your safety, seek professional guidance if available, and establish a support system. My exit plan was well thought out, and I was fortunate to have supportive colleagues who recognized my situation and offered help.
Setting boundaries and communicating them is essential for your empowerment. Expect resistance, but stand your ground with confidence. Emotional detachment is a gradual process. It's about protecting your emotional well-being. Remember, you can't change the narcissist, and their behavior is not your responsibility. Cutting all ties is challenging but necessary.
If you have children, a grey rock approach can help in interactions with the narcissist. Be boring, unresponsive, and always record everything for your protection. As you work on breaking free, prioritize self-care and healing. It's a journey that takes time, so be patient with yourself. Don't hesitate to seek therapy or counseling to aid in your healing process.
In conclusion, breaking free from a narcissistic relationship is challenging, but you are strong, resilient, and capable of regaining control of your life. Your well-being and happiness are worth every step of this empowering journey. You've got this! Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
➡️ Episode page: https://tanielstrydom.com/Breaking-Free-from-a-Narcissistic-Relationship
➡️ Website: https://tanielstrydom.com 
➡️ Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom

Identifying Narcissistic Relationships - Red Flags for Empaths

Welcome to another episode of "Ditch The Debate & Make It Happen Podcast." I'm your host, Taniel, and today we're about to dive deep into the intricate dynamics between empaths and narcissists, dissecting the defining characteristics of these personalities, and most importantly, equipping you with invaluable insights to build self-awareness in the face of these challenging connections.
If you've ever found yourself pondering the mysterious traits that distinguish empaths and narcissists, or if you're searching for ways to navigate the complex terrain of such relationships, you've landed in the right place. Emotional navigation can be challenging, but our discussion today is designed to be your compass, helping you chart a course toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. It's a journey to understanding, self-empowerment, and ultimately, healing.
In this episode, we explored the intricate world of empath-narcissist dynamics. We discussed the red flags that are often indicative of narcissistic behavior in a relationship. These red flags serve as warnings, guiding us away from potentially destructive connections. The five key red flags we discussed are:
Lack of Empathy: Narcissists often struggle with understanding or relating to the feelings and needs of others. They prioritize their own needs and desires above all else, leaving their partner's emotions in the dust.
Validation Seeking: The insatiable appetite for validation is another red flag. Narcissists constantly seek affirmation of their worth, leading to various manipulative behaviors.
Manipulation and Gaslighting: Narcissists are masters of manipulation and gaslighting, causing their partners to question their own reality and perceptions.
Entitlement and Control: These go hand in hand in narcissistic relationships. Narcissists often believe they are entitled to special treatment and should have control over every aspect of the relationship.
Rage and Poor Emotion Regulation: Narcissists can have intense emotional outbursts, especially when their ego is threatened. Their hypersensitivity to criticism can create a tense, unpredictable atmosphere.
These red flags can have a profound emotional impact, causing individuals to feel ignored, unimportant, and filled with self-doubt. Anxiety, depression, and the loss of one's sense of self are common outcomes of these emotionally draining encounters.
To address these red flags and embark on a journey of healing and self-empowerment, we discussed practical steps, including self-reflection, self-awareness, setting boundaries, seeking support, and practicing mindfulness. Gradual disengagement and emotional detachment are key components of healing from narcissistic relationships.
Remember, recognizing and addressing red flags is the first step to reclaiming your emotional well-being. You are not alone in this journey. Your happiness and self-worth are worth every step taken toward healing.
➡️ Episode page: https://tanielstrydom.com/identifying-narcissistic-relationships-red-flags
➡️ Website: https://tanielstrydom.com 
➡️ Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom

An Empaths Guide to Understanding Narcissists

Explore empath and narcissist characteristics, their intriguing dynamic, red flags in relationships, and building self-awareness in this episode of Ditch The Debate & Make It Happen Podcast.

Setting Boundaries for Empaths: 10 Practical Strategies

Uncover the world of empaths and their unique challenges. Learn how setting boundaries can transform their lives. Empower yourself today!

Understanding Empathy and The World of Empaths

Dive into the world of empathy, from science to self-care, explore what it means to be an empath.
Show page: https://tanielstrydom.com/understanding-empathy-and-the-world-of-empaths
Follow me: https://instagram.com/tanielstrydom 

The Pursuit of Perfection - A Blessing or A Burden?

Explore the world of perfectionism: its psychology, signs, and impacts.
Learn how to cope with perfectionism using practical strategies.
Join my free 21-day Perfectionism Detox challenge for daily tasks and guidance.