THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness

Hey, Survivor! Today's show is loaded with TMI, as I give you some scoop on poop. I know how stressful it can be to deal with a narcissist, especially a narcissistic parent. I'm being gut-level honest about some unpleasant ways that narcissistic abuse can affect your health and wellbeing. I had to go there! If you, or someone you know, is feeling anxious and is doubled-over with a "funny tummy," after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here. Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I'm talking about 4 things you need to know about trauma. I know how traumatic narcissistic abuse can be, regardless of the nature of the relationship. And from a historical and societal standpoint, it's bigger and deeper than many people realize. Whatever has happened or is still happening to you, it's important to not let the trauma define you; and to approach it from a position of strength. If you, or someone you know, is feeling sad, stressed, disappointed, depressed, and lonely, after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here. Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 6 preventative health screenings that you can do to level-up your health and wellbeing, as a narcissistic abuse survivor. I know how detrimental to your health narcissistic abuse can be. I grew up in a narcissistic family; was raised by a narcissistic parent; and experienced narcissistically abusive relationships as an adult. Narcissists often don't take care of their health; and they'll engage in reckless, toxic coping behaviors that can compromise their health and yours. By taking some preventative steps with your health, you can truly go on to live your best life, after narcissistic abuse. So, take notes! If you, or someone you know, needs help leveling-up their health and wellbeing, after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here. Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 4 things you can do right now to side-step the narcissist's smear campaign. I know how messy a narcissistic smear campaign can be. I've experienced this directly and indirectly from a narcissistic parent and from a covert malignant female narcissist. The smear campaign is a control tactic and it will reveal who your real friends and supporters are. So, take notes! And remember, the narcissist will act out based on the trauma that they have been through. So, distancing yourself from their toxic behavior can help you to avoid the chaos and drama that's fueled by deeply-rooted issues that are best handled by someone other than yourself. If you, or someone you know, needs help navigating this type of narcissistic behavior, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here. Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I give 3 reasons to stop suffering in silence, after narcissistic abuse. I know how shameful and painful it can be to fall for the lies and manipulations of the narcissist. I fell for future-faking, got conned, and have been scammed by narcissistic and toxic people, over a long period of time. As a result, I struggled with toxic shame. However, I decided to use my trauma to help others. When we normalize talking about trauma, more healing can happen. If you, or someone you know, need encouragement to share their story and talk about what has happened to them, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 12 healthy lifestyle changes and healing remedies to help you deal with insomnia, after narcissistic abuse. I know how disruptive the trauma and drama that the narcissist creates can be to your ability to get a good night's sleep. And it goes beyond just setting a bedtime. You need to set yourself up to go to sleep. A good night's sleep will help you to wake up more refreshed and clear on how to navigate narcissistic behavior. If you, or someone you know, need help overcoming insomnia, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I talk about 6 things to look for, when vetting people in your life. I know how hard it feels to muster the courage and take time out of your busy schedule to do fact checking and background checking, especially when you've already engaged with someone new. Really? No one has time for that! But the reality is that we're living in desperate times, and the internet provides a lot of access to any and everyone. And narcissists and toxic people know this. Whether the relationship is personal or professional, you need to do your due diligence. Trauma can fuel and forge desperate situations and toxic relationships. However, if you're willing to cast off any pre-programmed, boundary-busting messages from your own past, and prioritize your health and wellbeing, you can enjoy healthy relationships as part of your lifestyle. If you, or someone you know, are considering new relationships and need help vetting people, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I'm sharing 3 ways to make your spa time safer. As a former massage therapist, self-proclaimed spa maven, and narcissistic abuse survivor, I know how hard it can be to open up about your triggers and express your needs going into a session. Dealing with narcissists is stressful; and you just want to relax and enjoy some YOU time. Trauma runs deep; and depending on where you are on your healing journey, a spa session could set you back. However, when you communicate your needs, you can enhance your wellbeing with a healing treatment. If you, or someone you know, wants to make their spa time safer, after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 12 things the narcissist in your life will never tell you. I know how confusing it can be, when you come out of the fog and the narcissist's lies become apparent. You've wasted your precious time energy, money, and attention propping up someone who has lied by commission and omission, while you did the heavy lifting in the relationship. Trauma fuels a lot of narcissistic behavior...and it works both ways. However, if you're willing to face the truth and do the work, you can disconnect from the narcissist, clarify the chaos, and redirect your resources toward a healthier life and relationships. If you, or someone you know, needs help understanding what lies behind the lies that the narcissist has told and sold to them, why they bought it, and what to do about it, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! Happy Early Mother's Day! In today's show, I share 3 things you can do to help save the day, despite the narcissist's behavior. I know how sad, frustrating, and exhausting it can be, when the narcissist tries to ruin your special day. And with Mother's Day coming up, I thought we should talk about it. You may not have been taught how or why to set boundaries. As a result, you may have been exposed to the stress of special occasion sabotage attempts by the narcissists in your life. I was...on many occasions. If you, or someone you know, needs help saving their special day and savoring their self care, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 4 things you can do to build your confidence, when it comes to advocating for yourself after narcissistic abuse. Childhood trauma, toxic relationships and environments can make it very hard to speak up for yourself - even as an adult. And the fear of retaliation or backlash is REAL! It's not about creating drama, or getting anyone into trouble. It's about recognizing and responding when relationships are causing you to compromise your core values, tolerate disrespect, and deteriorate mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Regardless of your situation, you can grow through what you're going through, learn a lot about yourself and others, be an agent of change, prioritizing and protecting your health and wellbeing. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you, or someone you know, needs help speaking up for themselves, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 4 ways to disconnect from the narcissist in your life. Regardless of the nature of the relationship, narcissistic and toxic individuals will use and abuse you, in order to get their needs met, for as long as you allow them to. You may not be able to easily get away physically or relationally from a narcissist, especially a co-worker or a family member. However, you can create space, despite the chaos that narcissists create, to gain clarity, put healthy boundaries in place, prioritize your health and wellbeing, and give yourself closure. It's time to get creative and conserve your precious resources: your time, energy, attention, money, and more! If you, or someone you know, needs some ways to disconnect from a narcissist, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share my definition of a narcissist. The DSM-5 offers a list of diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder, including: lack of identity or sense of self, grandiosity, a sense of entitlement, lack of empathy or compassion, lack of intimacy, antagonistic, attention-seeking, inability to self-regulate. There's some overlap with other personality disorders, like borderline. This is based on a pathological, or disease-based model, as opposed to a holistic, or salutogenic model. Everyone has a back story, including the narcissist in your life, which can provide more insights into why they behave the way that they do. Hint: It may have something to do with what has happened to them over the course of their lifetime. Regardless, there are some whose baseline of operation in the world is more destructive to others. And narcissists are going to go through a cycle of love bombing, devaluation, discarding, and hoovering, in any relationship they're involved in. So, it's important to understand who and what you're dealing with, and evaluate how you're being treated, so that you can decide if an individual or relationship aligns with your core values and goals, or if it's detrimental to your health and well being. If you, or someone you know, thinks they may be dealing with a narcissist , this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 5 narcissistic workplace red flags, based on feedback that a retail executive received during a recent review. Where there is hard work required and a high standard of excellence, narcissists will always take the shortcut. Specifically, they will try to get you to lower your standards, so that they can feel more comfortable and competent. If you, or someone you know, is being asked to dim your light on the job, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 8 ways the narcissist punishes you. When the narcissist feels hurt, they will react by punishing whoever they feel is responsible. They do this in an attempt to protect their fragile ego and regain control of a situation, so they can feel better. This can happen with a narcissistic co-worker or boss, friend, neighbor, a narcissistic parent, in a toxic marriage with a narcissistic partner, or other romantic relationship. You may not even realize that the narcissist is hurt because their behavior takes center stage, replacing clear communication If you, or someone you know, is being punished by a narcissist, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 10 signs of a narcissist at work. Dealing with narcissistic co-workers or bosses can be tricky to identify, navigate, and heal from. Office politics, bullies, pressure to produce and perform, and your ongoing exposure to the stress of the professional playground games they play, can threaten your health and well-being. If you, or someone you know, needs validation or help identifying a narcissist at work, this episode is for you. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I talk about how your narcissistic boss is wreaking havoc on the job. You can find the article that I referenced here. Dealing with narcissistic leaders in your workplace can be stressful, draining, hinder your productivity, and threaten your ability to support yourself and your family. Limited options and layoffs can further complicate your situation, during an economic crisis. If you, or someone you know, needs a description of the damage that narcissistic leaders cause in your organization, this episode is for you. It validates your experience, and offers some solutions. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I talk about ways to heal emotionally from narcissistic abuse. Dealing with the emotional fallout from the abuse can be challenging, especially if you were taught and trained to suppress your emotions in your family of origin or other relationships. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional healing from narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. It validates your feelings, and offers several ways of healing. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I use an email communication breakdown to show you how you can identify and respond to red flags with healthy boundaries, after narcissistic abuse. ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and other traumas in your life can contribute to ignoring red flags, not trusting your gut, and engaging with people who don't have your best interests at heart. If you, or someone you know, needs to sharpen their discernment and develop strong boundaries, this episode is a must. It validates your need to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing, as you navigate personal and professional relationships, and interact with strangers. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Contact: [email protected]

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I call out 6 benefits of changing your phone number after narcissistic abuse. Narcissists use you to get attention, approval, and/or admiration, in an effort to regulate their emotions. When you figure out who and what you're dealing with, and disconnect from the relationship or situation, they will blow up your phone to try to regain control and get their needs met. This can further traumatize you, keep you stuck in the past, and ultimately compromise your health and wellbeing. If you, or someone you know, needs to change their number after a narcissistically abusive relationship, this episode is a must. It validates your frustration, and gives you a glimpse of peace and healing. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 10 things that happen when you disconnect from a narcissist. Narcissists take you through an abusive cycle of love-bombing, devaluation, discarding, and hoovering. When you figure out who and what you're dealing with, and remove yourself from the situation, it triggers a traumatic response in the narcissist. Simultaneously, it sets you up to start healing from the abuse. If you, or someone you know, has disconnected, or needs to disconnect from a narcissistically abusive relationship, this episode is a must. It provides a heads-up on what to expect. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share a few ways that narcissists can use funerals to their advantage. Whether it's an individual or a family, narcissists' difficult personalities can turn a time of mourning into a manipulative mess. And if you've kept your distance from this type of behavior in your family, then you may get sucked back in and shamed for your stance. If you, or someone you know, have witnessed narcissistic behavior around funerals, this episode is a must. It highlights some examples where grieving can be deceiving. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share signs that it's time for you to disconnect from the narcissist and their dysfunctional behavior. While their behavior may be the result of trauma that they've endured, your repeated engagement with them, personally or professionally, is traumatizing for YOU! And your health and wellbeing may be compromised in the process. The body keeps the score. If you, or someone you know, are feeling the effects of dealing with a narcissist's behavior, this episode is a must. It highlights some physical, mental, and spiritual compromises involved in engaging with toxic people, regardless of the nature or duration of the relationship. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share ways that narcissists can present around birthdays. This can vary, based on their place in society and their past experiences. However, the behavior is rooted in insecurity. If you, or someone you know, have experienced bad birthday behavior from a narcissist, this episode is a must. It highlights a variety of scenarios, and contributing factors. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share how to spot a grandiose female narcissist and other fake friends. This illustrates the importance of context, along with patterns of behavior over time. If you grew up in a narcissistic family, where boundaries weren't taught or respected, and you weren't shown how to pick a friend, then you may have [unknowingly] allowed this toxic behavior in your life. If you, or someone you know, are evaluating your friends, this episode is a must. It highlights the narcissistic abuse cycle, the lack or depth and maturity over time, and the importance of fact-checking. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Join my Facebook community here. Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I break down some communication that I received after going no contact with a grandiose female narcissist, who I was acquainted with for several years. In addition, I highlight 12 key elements of this communication that helped to validate my experience. This illustrates the insidious aspect of narcissistic abuse that often goes unchecked; that many people dismiss, don't see, don't believe, and use to gaslight you. To make matters worse, you're often left to "just handle it" alone, whether it occurs in a personal or professional setting. You and I know that you can't make this up. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing a heat check, hoovering, or gaslighting, this episode is a must. It highlights some tell-tale signs of narcissistic behavior, in the form of written communication, the importance of looking at patterns of toxic behavior, in context, over time, and how the devil is in the details. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share 9 characteristics of narcissistic families. This is the not-so-presentable side of family that often gets denied, or goes undealt with. But it's key to your healing; and provides clues about your willingness to put up with narcissistic abuse, or your inability to navigate these toxic relationships outside of your family. If you, or someone you know, are a truth-teller in your family, this episode is a must. It highlights some tell-tale signs of narcissistic families, validates your experience, and helps to light a path to your healing, so that you don't pass along these "family traditions." Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share my story of how I identified narcissistic abuse in my family of origin. Although it was overwhelming and painful, this bombshell reveal was an answer to prayer and helped to set me free. It helped me to understand why I allowed narcissistic and toxic people into my life; and why I tolerated their abusive behavior. This, in turn, helped me to set boundaries going forward. If you, or someone you know, are struggling to figure out how and why you're allowing narcissistic and toxic people into your life, and tolerating narcissistic abuse and toxic behavior, this episode is a must. It illustrates how your family can influence your relationship choices, from childhood to adulthood, by training you to tolerate abuse. And it highlights areas that you may need to work on, in order to break the cycle, create strong boundaries and cultivate healthy relationships. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share an example, from my personal experience, of what could happen, when narcissistic abuse turns violent. I'll admit, it's extreme. However, I think it's important to share, so that you can get to know me better; and so that you can learn from my mistakes, regardless of your situation. If you, or someone you know, are evaluating new relationships, personally or professionally, this episode is a must. It provides examples of how appearances can be deceiving; red flags to take seriously; and it emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut, vetting people, and healthy boundaries. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I talk about what to do when narcissists triangulate. I describe what this dynamic looks like, how it feels, and how to handle it. Anyone who triangulates should not be in your circle. So, don't edify the narcissist by participating in this ego-boosting game. Whether you're being tried with triangulation, or you know someone else who is, this episode is a must. It provides ideas and examples of ways to overcome this toxic threesome. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share healthy distractions after narcissistic abuse. I emphasize the importance of not being mindlessly distracted; but being intentional about it. Healthy distractions should include pillars of wellness, such as: lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. And the best practices are the ones that you will do consistently. Whether you're looking for healthy distractions, or you know someone else who needs to reset and refocus, this episode is a must. It provides ideas and examples of ways to shift your focus from the narcissist, and prioritize your health and wellbeing. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...

Hey, Survivor! In today's show, I share reasons to decline the narcissist's hoover. I talk about the whys, the ways, and issue warnings about this manipulative tactic. How you choose to navigate a hoover may depend on the nature of your relationship with the narcissist in your life. You have to find a solution that works best for you and your circumstances. Whether you're being hoovered, or you know someone else who is "under siege," this episode is a must. It helps you to identify this tactic, navigate accordingly, and set boundaries to protect your health and wellbeing. Know who you're dealing with. Know who you are. 💚Lesley Let's connect on IG! Share today's episode & tag me @thevibrantsurvivor Get your COMPLIMENTARY How to Identify a Narcissist Checklist: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/complime... Get your COMPLIMENTARY Recommended Reading List: https://lesleycain.lpages.co/recommen...