In this episode, we explore different approaches to handling Thanksgiving, whether you're spending it with family or choosing to spend it alone. From setting boundaries to creating new traditions, we discuss strategies to help you make the most out of the holiday season.

Key Takeaways:

• Set Time Limits: Establish a clear plan for how long you'll stay at family events to manage your comfort and boundaries.
• Detach with Love: Learn how to navigate tricky family dynamics without taking things personally.
• Create Your Own Traditions: Discover ways to spend Thanksgiving alone that bring you joy, like volunteering or trying new activities.

Quotes: "What your family is doing is not about you; it's about them. They're just going to do what they've always done." – Sarah "You can do whatever you want on Thanksgiving. It's about finding what brings you joy." – Finn

Listener Challenge: This Thanksgiving, try setting a firm boundary or creating a new tradition and share your experiences with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of freedom in the context of codependency recovery. Learn how to identify your needs, set boundaries, and achieve a sense of liberation akin to wild mustangs running free.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Freedom: Understanding that recovery from codependency is about gaining personal freedom and self-expression.
• Self-Identification: The first step to freedom is knowing what you want and need.
• Breaking Codependent Patterns: Examples of how acknowledging and setting boundaries leads to breakthroughs.
• Handling Pressure: Strategies for dealing with self-imposed pressure and learning to prioritize your own needs.

Listener Challenge: This week, take a moment each day to pause and ask yourself, "What do I want? What do I need?" Share your journey towards freedom with us on social media using #FreeFromCodependency.

In this episode, Finn and Sarah discuss how to navigate the complexities of Thanksgiving while maintaining personal boundaries and meeting your own needs. From accepting multiple invitations to setting realistic expectations, they offer strategies for a stress-free holiday season.

Key Takeaways:

• Invitations: Understand the importance of knowing who you're dealing with and setting your priorities early.
• Setting Boundaries: Learn how to articulate your needs and decisions without feeling guilty.
• Time Management: Discover how to manage your holiday commitments to avoid overextending yourself.

Listener Challenge: This week, take a moment to evaluate your holiday plans and make one conscious decision that prioritizes your wellbeing. Share your experiences with us on social media using #StressFreeThanksgiving.

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the importance of respecting boundaries set by others, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient. Learn about the challenges and strategies for honoring boundaries, and the consequences of overstepping them.

Key Takeaways:

- Boundary Setting vs. Boundary Respecting: Understand the difference between setting boundaries and the equally important task of respecting those set by others.

- Personalized Experiences: Hear Sarah's relatable story of learning to respect her son’s space and possessions.

- Common Pitfalls: Discover the ways we often unintentionally gaslight or dismiss others when they assert their boundaries.

Quotes:

"When someone sets a clear boundary, it's not my job to talk them out of it or to rationalize it." – Sarah

"Create the space for your friends and your loved ones to be who they are, where they're at." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, reflect on a time when someone set a boundary with you. Did you respect it or push back? Share your experiences with us on social media using #RespectBoundariesPodcast.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss how embracing personal expression can significantly aid in recovering from codependency. By exploring the connection between self-expression and overcoming codependency, we share practical steps to start expressing your true self more freely.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Self-Expression: Understand how expressing your true self is crucial for recovering from codependency.

- Baby Steps: Learn the value of starting with small changes to gradually build self-confidence in self-expression.

- Overcoming Fear: Explore common fears related to self-expression and strategies to address them.

Quotes:

"The inability to be who you want to be is at the core of codependency." – Sarah

"Find whatever way you can to express yourself in small ways." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, identify one small way you can express your true self and take that step. Share your experience with us on social media using #ExpressYourself.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the fine line between unreasonable and unrealistic expectations and how they can affect our relationships and personal peace. Discover practical advice on managing your expectations and fostering healthier interactions.

Key Takeaways:

- Clear Communication: Understand the importance of expressing your needs and expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

- Personal Accountability: Learn how to manage your own feelings and responses rather than trying to control others' actions.

- Acceptance: Discover the power of accepting others as they are to achieve personal peace and reduce resentment.

Quotes:

"An unrealistic expectation is a resentment waiting to happen." – Sarah

"My peace is only going to come when I can let go of what everyone else around me is doing." – Sarah

Listener Challenge:

This week, identify one expectation you can let go of and observe how it impacts your peace of mind. Share your experiences with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the sensitive topic of sexual shame, discussing its origins, the impact of keeping secrets, and the importance of self-forgiveness. They offer insights into how sharing your experiences within a safe environment can help alleviate the weight of shame.

Key Takeaways:

- Self-Forgiveness: Understand the importance of forgiving yourself for past actions and developing self-compassion.

- Importance of Sharing: Learn how discussing your experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and shame.

- Safe Disclosure: Recognize the necessity of finding a trusted, safe person to share your secrets with.

Quotes:

"Everything you did was to survive." – Sarah

"It's really important to discern a scenario in which you're safe to share the secret." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, reach out to a trusted friend or counselor and share one thing that has been weighing on you. Reflect on how it feels to bring it into the open and share your experience with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the core behavior of codependency with a focus on the fear of hurting others' feelings. We discuss how allowing others to experience their emotions can actually strengthen relationships and build self-esteem.

Key Takeaways:

- Codependency and Distorted Beliefs: Understand how the fear of hurting others' feelings can lead to dishonesty and lack of intimacy in relationships.

- Tolerating Emotions: Learn the importance of letting others, including children, experience and process their feelings.

- Building Self-Esteem: Discover how witnessing and supporting others through their emotional experiences can enhance their self-worth and resilience.

Quotes:

"By holding back the truth, you're treating someone like they're not capable, and that's really disrespectful." – Sarah

"It’s not about avoiding someone’s feelings; it's about managing your reaction to their feelings." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice speaking your truth in a small situation and allow the other person to have their emotional response. Share how it felt and what you learned with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com