“You never knew what was going to come. I think that had become normal for me.” Women who find themselves codependent in a toxic relationship, soon discover that they care more for their partner than themselves. Stephanie McPhail started her own business, Mind, Body, & Awakenings to educate and help facilitate recovery for women in toxic relationships.

Exit Toxic Relationships: Let Your Voice Be a Lighthouse

Highlights from the interview:

• Stephanie McPhail planned her wedding day to be a special day, but it turned into a nightmare. Her husband’s anger escalated to a point where she feared for her life.
• Throughout her marriage, Stephanie timidly walked on egg shells to avoid triggering her husband’s anger.
• Stephanie’s mother posed a thought-provoking question to her; “Would you want this to be your last day?” 
• A turning point for Stephanie was realizing one day that she had to make a change. She was at a point in her life where nothing was of any value, except her sanity. It was time for her to follow her heart and find a life that would make her happy.
• After pursuing a new life, Stephanie discovered that the stronghold of a toxic relationship is difficult to free yourself from. Although you are out of it, the aftermath had to be dealt with in intensive therapy.
• Following her heart, Stephanie founded Mind and Body Awakenings where she helps other abused women rediscover their worth. She helps them to find steady footing on the new path to recovery.
• Life is no longer monochromatically muted, but is beautifully painted with vibrant colors of every kind. Her soul is full of joy and full of sunshine which never dwindles.

Listen to the episode for the full story.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Website: http://www.mindandbodyawakenings.com/home

Additional link to website: https://www.beinglovedshouldnthurt.com/meet-us

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeingLovedShouldntHurt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinglovedshouldnthurt/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQRZG2G/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

Stacy’s Journal

Welcome to Stacy’s Journal! In this segment, I let you peek into my journal as I share my thoughts on a topic or resilience resource.

Stephanie’s story of how she struggled under the hand of an abusive man, in a toxic relationship, is something many of us can relate to. We can’t change a person who has abusive tendencies, nor can we walk on eggshells for the rest of our lives. She knew that the only way out was for her to be bold in making a tough decision to leave the toxic relationship she was in.

Women, just like Stephanie, find that they lose almost everything they have when their spirit is broken down. Their sense of worth is depleted, causing them to remain in the relationship. Her redeeming grace was the last thing she held onto, and that was her sanity. She refused to let go of that. 

Do Toxic Relationships Cause You to Lose Hope?

Are you in a similar situation and feel there is no hope? There are so many of us out there that are in the same boat! We don’t share these things with others because we are embarrassed or afraid.

One of the first steps to freedom and healing is to put your pain and past on paper! Many of us have shared our Life Stories so other women like you can read them and have hope. Give your suffering a voice,  then let it speak loudly with your own story. That voice will give you the confidence to take the next step dear friend. I know you can do it.

That’s all we have for today. Last episode, Anna Seewald who experienced a catastrophic earthquake that changed her life forever. Next week, we’ll interview ME! I share how resilience can be learned, and that you can bounce back from life’s events quicker.

I love interacting with our listeners on social media. We’re on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and just about anywhere you can hold a great virtual conversation. Plus, I answer all my emails personally, so feel free to email me: stacy{at}stacybrookman{dot}com.

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100 Most Important Memoirs of the Past 200 Years

Our memoir of the day is Darkness Visible was written in 1990 by William Styron. A work of great personal courage and a literary tour de force, this bestseller is Styron’s true account of his descent into a crippling and almost suicidal depression. That he survived his descent into madness is something of a miracle. Styron is perhaps the first writer to convey the full terror of depression’s psychic landscape, as well as the illuminating path to recovery which may arouse a shock of recognition. Check out Darkness Visible and all the memoirs on this list at stacybrookman.com/100memoirs.

About: Stephanie McPhail

Stephanie McPhail, M.S. wrote “Being Loved Shouldn’t Hurt” to help inspire others to live their best lives now. She begins with a very revealing personal recollection of her own toxic relationships and describes how they affected her on a deep level. In the wake of her last toxic relationship, she experienced depression, legal issues, and a major health scare. Feeling hopeless and alone, she finally made a conscious decision to begin changing and truly create her best life possible. Stephanie shares her struggles and triumphs with readers. The book also includes three other personal stories of triumph after a very difficult past.

Links:

Website: https://www.beinglovedshouldnthurt.com/meet-us

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BeingLovedShouldntHurt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beinglovedshouldnthurt/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQRZG2G/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb