Tag: healing

Podcast: Life-Changing Challengers, “Surviving Narcissistic Abuse – Kimber Foster’s Path to Empowerment.”

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Surviving Narcissistic Abuse – Kimber Foster’s Path to Empowerment

Podcast link: https://www.lifechangingchallengers.com/surviving-narcissistic-abuse-kimber-fosters-path-to-empowerment/

Kimber Foster shares her journey of surviving narcissistic abuse, finding healing, and empowering others with her book, The Year of Thorns.

Season 5

In this compelling episode of Life-Changing Challengers , host Brad Minus sits down with Kimber Foster, author of The Year of Thorns: What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist. Kimber opens up about her journey from an overachieving, people-pleasing child in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to enduring a toxic marriage characterized by narcissistic abuse, manipulation, and control.

After 27 years in a marriage with a narcissistic spouse, Kimber found herself emotionally broken, isolated, and fighting to regain her sense of self. Through her writing, coaching, and advocacy, she now empowers others to recognize red flags, break free from abusive relationships, and reclaim their lives. This episode is a raw, honest look at the insidious nature of narcissistic abuse and the strength it takes to rise above it.

Episode Highlights 

  • [2:00] – Kimber’s childhood as the youngest of three, growing up as an “oops” child in Michigan
  • [15:00] – Early red flags in her marriage and the gradual erosion of her self-worth
  • [30:00] – The isolation caused by constant moves and her husband’s control over their life and finances
  • [45:00] – Surviving emotional, verbal, and physical abuse and the realization she was married to a narcissist
  • [1:05:00] – The breaking point: a panic attack that forced her to face the reality of her situation
  • [1:20:00] – Writing The Year of Thorns and why sharing her story was a turning point in her healing
  • [1:35:00] – Kimber’s divorce checklist: A comprehensive guide for those preparing to leave a toxic relationship

Key Takeaways 

  1. Love Bombing Is a Red Flag – Narcissists often come on too strong too fast to create a false sense of connection.
  2. Narcissists Never Take Accountability – If someone constantly blames others and never admits fault, pay attention.
  3. Gaslighting Is Psychological Abuse – Making you doubt your reality is a classic tactic used to maintain control.
  4. Reclaiming Your Identity Takes Time – After years of manipulation, rediscovering your self-worth is a process.
  5. Resources Exist—You’re Not Alone – Kimber’s Divorce Checklist offers practical guidance for those ready to leave.

Links & Resources 

  • 📘 Book : The Year of Thorns: What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist – Buy on Amazon 
  • 🌐 Website : YearOfThorns.com – Access free resources including her Divorce Checklist , blogs, and coaching info
  • 📱 Connect with Kimber on Social Media :

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, please share, subscribe, and leave a review . Kimber’s story is a testament that healing is possible.

Have an idea or feedback? Click here to share. 

Contact Brad @ Life Changing Challengers 
Instagram: @bradaminus 
Facebook: @bradaminus 
X(Twitter): @bradaminus 
YouTube: @lifechangingchallengers 
LifeChangingChallengers.com

Break These Chains

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I wrote Break These Chains as a declaration of strength, healing, and transformation. For so long, I carried the weight of my past—replaying the pain, the hurt, and the struggles. But I realized that as long as I kept telling the story of my suffering, I was keeping myself trapped in it.

I didn’t want to be defined by what broke me—I wanted to be defined by how I rose. I wanted to stop telling the story of my suffering year and start telling the story of my thriving year.

This song is about pushing through the darkness, learning to love myself again, and truly letting go—not just for the sake of moving on, but for the sake of my own peace and happiness. It’s about choosing forgiveness, not because they deserve it, but because I deserve to be free.

I wrote this song not just for myself, but for anyone who feels stuck, who feels like they’re drowning in their past. I want you to know—you don’t have to stay there. You can break those chains, you can heal, and you can thrive. This is my anthem of survival, and I hope it helps you find your own.

Check out this awesome song I created with Donna: https://app.musicdonna.com/fTT67GfG

Break These Chains…

I was losing myself,

Fading away,

Trapped in a story

I didn’t wanna stay.

Every tear that fell,

Every sleepless night,

Kept me in the dark,

But I’m stepping into light.

What you’re not changing,

You’re choosing to be,

So I made the choice

To set myself free.

I had to break these chains,

Let the past slip away,

Cut the weight of the hurt,

No, it won’t make me stay.

I had to learn to forgive,

Let go of the pain,

I had to love myself again.

I’m a survivor,

And I’m walking tall,

I’ve walked through the fire,

But I’m stronger through it all.

The past tried to hold me,

But I broke away,

Now I’m choosing to rise

Every single day.

What you’re not changing,

You’re choosing to be,

So I made the choice

To set myself free.

I had to break these chains,

Let the past slip away,

Cut the weight of the hurt,

No, it won’t make me stay.

I had to learn to forgive,

Let go of the pain,

I had to love myself again.

Forgiving ain’t easy,

But it’s how I move on,

It’s not for the one who hurt me,

But so I can be strong.

I found love in God,

And I found love in me,

Now I walk in the light,

Now I finally see.

I had to break these chains,

Let the past slip away,

Cut the weight of the hurt,

No, it won’t make me stay.

I had to learn to forgive,

Let go of the pain,

I had to love myself again.

[Outro]

Yeah, I love myself again…

And I’m finally free.

From Fear to Freedom: Breaking Free from Toxic Relationships with Kimber Foster

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In this compelling episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Kimber Foster, author of A Year of Thorns: What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist. Kimber shares her inspiring journey of surviving and escaping a toxic 27-year marriage, offering raw and unfiltered insights into reclaiming identity, joy, and freedom. Together, they explore the emotional and psychological challenges of leaving a toxic relationship, the impact on mental health, and the courageous steps required to move forward. Whether you’re navigating a toxic relationship, recovering from its aftermath, or simply seeking stories of resilience, this episode provides valuable lessons and hope for building a healthier, more fulfilling future.

About the Guest Kimber is an author, advocate, and survivor whose story embodies resilience and healing. After enduring a 27-year toxic marriage and reclaiming her life, Kimber authored A Year of Thorns: What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist, a powerful guide for those escaping the grip of toxic relationships. With a mission to inspire and empower others, Kimber openly shares her journey to freedom, focusing on overcoming fear, rebuilding self-worth, and fostering personal growth.

Key Takeaways Recognizing Toxicity: Kimber likens her experience to the “boiling frog” analogy, highlighting how gradual exposure to toxicity can desensitize and trap individuals in unhealthy relationships. Why Leaving Feels Harder Than Staying: Fear of the unknown, fear of change, and fear of being alone are significant barriers to leaving a toxic relationship. Kimber emphasizes that staying is a choice to remain in the cycle of pain and suffering. Impact on Health: Living in a constant state of fear and stress takes a toll on physical and emotional health, creating a “fight or flight” cycle that stifles growth and well-being. The Courage to Break Free: Kimber advocates for pushing beyond the comfort zone, embracing courage, and stepping into the unknown to unlock personal freedom and potential. The Role of Resilience: Struggles and challenges can become a source of strength and growth. Kimber reminds listeners that adversity shapes and prepares us for a more empowered future. Empowering Others: Kimber’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for those trapped in toxic relationships, showing that healing, joy, and a new beginning are possible with courage and determination. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and tools to reclaim their life and find freedom.

https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-gzsmf-108a023

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vyxyt-1763851

3 Key Tips to Break Free from a Toxic Relationship

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  1. Overcome Fear
  • What you’re not changing, you’re choosing. Every day you stay in a toxic relationship, you’re choosing to remain in a cycle of pain and suffering. You have the power to change that.
  • Fear is what keeps you stuck. The fear of the unknown, the fear of change, and even the fear of being alone can feel overwhelming, but they will keep you trapped in a situation that isn’t serving you. You cannot grow in an environment of constant fear.
  • You can’t become who you’re meant to be while living in fear. Breaking free requires courage, but it’s a step toward reclaiming your true self. You cannot evolve or heal if you are constantly in a state of survival.
  • Push beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. It might feel impossible, but the discomfort you feel now will be worth it when you’re living your life on your own terms. Change begins when you’re willing to face that fear head-on.
  • Be honest with yourself. The first step in breaking free is acknowledging the truth of your situation. Stop minimizing the toxic behaviors, and be real about what you’re enduring. The path to healing starts with self-honesty.

2. Be Prepared

  • Protect your finances and belongings. Secure important documents, set aside emergency funds, and take anything that matters to you. Preparation can make your escape easier when the time comes.
  • Know your legal rights. Consult a lawyer and get informed about your rights, especially if there are children, shared assets, or legal matters involved. This will give you the confidence to take action when you’re ready.
  • Have a safe place in mind. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a shelter, know where you can go if things escalate. Having a backup plan ensures that you’re not caught off guard when you need to leave quickly.

3. Believe in Yourself

  • Trust your feelings. Toxic relationships often make you question your own reality, but your feelings are valid. You deserve clarity, peace, and a relationship that lifts you up, not tears you down.
  • You deserve kindness and happiness. You are worthy of love that respects and values you. Don’t settle for less. Break free and create the space for joy, healing, and positivity to enter your life.
  • You are strong. You’ve already shown incredible courage by considering breaking free. Trust your strength and keep going—each step you take brings you closer to a brighter, healthier future full of rainbows.

You are a survivor and a thriver—this experience has taught you invaluable lessons that will make you stronger, wiser, and more resilient. You have everything you need within you to break free, heal, and step into the life you truly deserve. The best is yet to come, and it’s yours for the taking.

What’s keeping you from taking that first step?

Listen to Your Inner Voice

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woman standing on seashore

Photo by Artem Bali on Pexels.com

Within each of us, there are numerous voices often that compete for our attention. It can be difficult to decide which one to listen to, particularly when their messages are all quite different, sometimes conflicting, and even alluring. One voice, however, is the speaker of truth. Among all your inner voices, your true inner voice is the one which encourages you, gives you hope, and pushes you to trust and believe in yourself. Conflict within oneself is often caused by dueling voices inside of each one of us. As we move through life, we get mixed messages from the various aspects of ourselves. Some of our voices, such as the naysayer or saboteur, can speak so loudly that they drown out the voice of truth. Listening to your true inner voice  often the voice of understanding, support, and self-assurance – can help lessen and even resolve internal conflict. 

If you’re looking toward the future but your faith in your ability to succeed in life is wavering, you will benefit from finding and listening to your true inner voice. You can connect with it by remaining relaxed and alert, while listening carefully. If you have trouble distinguishing your true voice from the others, meditation may be helpful. You may hear many voices as you meditate, but the one you should pay attention to is the one that speaks to you with love, understanding, and compassion. It will bolster your spirits and urge you to go after your dreams. And it will never cause confusion, remind you of past mistakes, or cause you to doubt yourself. 

The more you listen to and believe in what your true inner voice is telling you about your value and your potential, the stronger that voice will become. And the more you disregard the voices that can interfere with your resolve to succeed, the quieter those voices will become. Saying no to the voices that are judgmental and make you feel ashamed will help you stop being critical of your failures and afraid of success. By finding and strengthening your true inner voice, you will be able to ignore internal conflict and pick out the one that speaks the truth.

“The longer you listen to and believe your true inner voice, the stronger it will become.” Daily OM