The Audacious Life - Break Free

• Identifying Green Flags: 7 Markers of a Healthy Relationship

  Identifying Green Flags: 7 Markers of a Healthy Relationship In this episode, Steph discusses the characteristics of healthy relationships, especially in the context of those who have experienced toxic or narcissistic dynamics who may not have a sense of what a "healthy relationship" even is. With Father's Day approaching, the importance of recognizing positive relationship markers is emphasized. Key traits such as calm and steady energy, respect for boundaries without punishment, consistency over time, emotional availability, shared power, and genuine interest in personal growth are highlighted. These insights aim to help individuals identify and foster healthy relationships, benefiting romantic partnerships, friendships, and family dynamics. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:35 Understanding Healthy Relationships 01:42 Calm and Steady Energy 02:35 Respecting Boundaries 03:34 Consistency Over Time 04:51 Emotional Availability 06:49 Shared Power, Not Control 08:39 Genuine Interest in Your Life 11:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts What are your greatest take aways and what would you add to this list? Comment on the The Audacious Life website @audaciouslife on instagram Or our YouTube channel Thanks for listening! Please share with a friend or loved one who can benefit from this episode. Sending Peace and lots of Love! xoxo Steph

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• Was It Trauma...or a Brain Injury?

   Was It Trauma...or a Brain Injury? In this raw, in-the-car episode, I open up about something I've never fully talked about — the invisible symptoms of post-concussion syndrome and how they've affected my life and recovery. After overdoing it on a bike ride, I fell into a physical and cognitive relapse that left me confused, exhausted, and deeply frustrated. I now know it was a resurgence of TBI symptoms, something that often gets overlooked in women, especially those with a history of domestic abuse. This isn't medical advice — it's my personal story. But if any of this sounds familiar to you, it might be worth exploring further. 💌 Let me know what you're experiencing. Your story matters too. 🔗 Resources and articles: The Concussion Fix webinar and the checklist by email  My daily supplement routine (coming soon!) Brain injuries often go unrecognized among domestic violence victims Nearly a quarter of women experience physical abuse from partners, and up to 90% of those women have had at least one concussion. Most don't get screened or diagnosed. Full article here: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/brain-injuries-undiagnosed-untreated-domestic-violence-rcna183637   Domestic Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury: The Chilling Truth of This Hits Home Full article here: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/domestic-violence-and-traumatic-brain-injury-the-chilling-truth-of-this-hits-home/   This article is about a documentary you can watch about this topic. It's called "This Hits Home" and it's about the prevalence of TBIs in domestic violence survivors as well as the sad fact that many aren't screened for head injuries and they are the ones who have more trouble recovering. I haven't seen it yet but will do a review, when I do. Here are some relevant excerpts from this article. The Silent Epidemic of DV-TBI One in four American women will experience severe violence from a domestic partner in their lifetime, often resulting in significant trauma to the head and neck. Over 75% of domestic violence survivors suffer single or repeated traumatic brain injuries, most of which go unreported. Despite these alarming statistics, DV-TBI is still critically under-researched. "I don't think the connection [between TBI and DV] has been made on a wide scale," Scotia says. This is due in part to the lack of awareness and education about the signs and symptoms of TBI, particularly with regard to instances of domestic violence. Brain banks collect brain and tissue samples from donors after their death, distributing these samples to researchers and labs across the United States. However, current brain banks do not have enough samples from women with documented histories of DV-TBI and CTE, making it difficult to research the link between the two. "It seems obvious that women who suffer repeated TBIs from DV are going to get the same neurodegenerative brain diseases as men," Scotia says. "But it's hard to distinguish whether Alzheimer's disease, CTE, post-concussion syndrome, multiple mental health struggles, or another disease or condition is the main issue for them. Add the fact that nobody wants to talk about DV, and we're getting very little research on women's brains." Update on Domestic Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review Full article here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8773525/ 💌 Let me know what you're experiencing. Your story matters, too! ✍🏼 I'm wishing you well and looking forward to a followup episode with your thoughts and comments.  Much love! Steph xoxo

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• Stop Talking About Narcissists - Why Celebrating YOUR Wins Is The Path To Healing

  Stop Talking About Narcissists - Why Celebrating YOUR Wins Is The Path To Healing   After 10 years of podcasting about narcissistic abuse, I've realized something critical: we've been giving narcissists exactly what they want - attention. It's time for a movement where we stop obsessing over abusers and start celebrating ourselves!   In this powerful episode, I explain why focusing on "red flags" and manipulation tactics can actually keep us stuck in hypervigilance and fear. Instead, I'm inviting you to share your wins - big or small - as we shift the spotlight onto YOUR healing journey.   Whether you've just taken a peaceful bubble bath despite the text bombing, established a boundary, or won a court case, your story matters and can inspire others. Join me in creating a community where survivors lift each other up instead of staying trapped in negativity.   📱 Share your win (anonymously if you prefer): https://theaudaciouslife.com 🎙️ Leave a voice message through SpeakPipe on our website 📧 Or email your story for me to share from the website https://theaudaciouslife.com   Your experience is valid, and you are not alone. Together, we can change the conversation from fear to empowerment. I'm looking forward to hearing some examples you're proud of. 🏆 What choice did you make that... ➡️ protected your boundary ➡️ set a boundary ➡️ helped you move yourself forward in life vs. allowing the abuser to make you feel small and paralyzed. 🛀🏻 allowed you to feel good 💃🏽 ❣️👩‍👧‍👧 supported the stability of your children I'm looking forward to reading or listening to your shares and most importantly, sharing them with our community so we can be inspired and celebrate with you! 🥳❤️❤️❤️  Until the next one. Lots of Love!! Steph    

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• How I broke Free From Fear and Overwhelm with Prayer

  How I broke Free From Fear and Overwhelm with Prayer 🙏 Breaking free from overwhelming fear through the power of prayer transformed my life. Hear my journey of finding peace and spiritual strength. In this heartfelt video and audio, I share my transformative journey over the past few months, recounting a powerful spiritual awakening that reconnected me with God ✝️.  I discuss how this 'come to Jesus' moment amid personal struggles, including my daughters' health, financial instability, and career changes, gave me the strength to push through tough times. I also reflect on childhood experiences, the importance of a supportive community, and overcoming mental barriers to achieve personal and professional goals. Whether you are facing similar challenges or just seeking encouragement, join me as I share insights on growth, spirituality, and finding purpose 🌱. ⏰ [Timestamps] 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude 00:14 Spiritual Awakening 04:06 Challenges and Overwhelm 05:08 Support and Strength 11:16 Career Journey and Skills 13:36 Overcoming Mental Barriers 15:44 Encouragement and Accountability 22:39 Conclusion and Call to Action 📺 Check out the video I mentioned about Skool: https://youtu.be/8ixXwllGaSg?si=abhPnZuuQ3VN9i73 👩🏽‍💻 Interested in checking out Skool? 👉🏼 Use my referral link: https://bit.ly/Steph-Skool and I'll recieve a portion of your membership if you decide it's for you. ➡️ Try Capcut for EASY video edits on mobile or laptop https://www.capcut.com/capcut_pc_web/fission_receive?code=1reEq481432383&lng=en ➡️ Try Descript for Youtube and Podcast editing via text--easy breezy! https://www.descript.com/?lmref=t41IuQ   ------------------------------- Check out The Audacious Life Podcast website and blog 🎧 https://theaudaciouslife.com Check out The Audacious Mamas Show Podcast website and blog 🎧 https://audaciousmamas.com ------------------------------- Let's connect on social media! Facebook ➡︎ http://bit.ly/AL-fans Instagram ➡︎ http://bit.ly/AL-instagram Twitter ➡︎ http://bit.ly/AL-twitter

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• Massachusetts Passes Coercive Control Bill! What this Means for Survivors

  _*]:min-w-0 space-y-4" style= "box-sizing: border-box; border-image: initial; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: hsl(var(--accent-secondary-100)/1); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; outline-color: hsl(var(--accent-main-100)); display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(1, minmax(0px, 1fr)); gap: 0.625rem; border: 0px solid hsl(var(--border-100));"> Massachusetts Passes Coercive Control Bill! What this Means for Survivors In this episode, I discuss the recent passing of the Coercive Control Bill in Massachusetts, the celebration I attended with many incredible survivors and advocates. And what the passing of the bill means for survivors of domestic abuse.  Key Points: Massachusetts unanimously passed the Coercive Control Bill, becoming the 7th state to classify coercive control as a form of domestic violence. The bill (H4744) expands protections against abuse and exploitation, including laws against revenge porn. Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior intended to threaten, intimidate, harass, isolate, control, or compel compliance of a family or household member. The law doesn't criminalize coercive control but allows it to be considered a criminal violation of a protective order. Highlights: Meeting with advocates and survivors at the celebration event Discussion on the need for further legislation and support for survivors Importance of addressing post-separation abuse and ongoing support for survivors Resources Mentioned: Perfect Prey podcast Dr. Lisa Fontes' website Article on Massachusetts Coercive Control Law Coercive Control Consulting - Legislation Information Books Mentioned: "Invisible Chains" by Dr. Lisa Fontes "Framed" by Dr. Christine Cociola (upcoming release) Call to Action: Educate yourself about coercive control Contact your local domestic violence agency if you suspect coercive control Reach out to state legislators to support coercive control legislation Share ideas for supporting survivors, especially in post-separation scenarios Get Involved: Check out TRAC (Together Rising Above Coercion) in Massachusetts Look for similar initiatives in your state Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas for supporting survivors in the comments below. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more content on domestic abuse awareness and support.

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