Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Please prioritize your emotional safety while listening.

In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Kristin Duncombe, a psychotherapist, author, and survivor who has transformed her pain into purpose. Kristin bravely shares her journey through a relationship marked by emotional neglect, imbalanced partnership, and psychological strain, and how she ultimately reclaimed her identity, voice, and power.

We dive into what it means to be the main character in your life after years of waiting on someone else’s timeline. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of constantly waiting on a partner (for attention, for love, for change) and how that waiting became symbolic of losing herself.

But this isn’t just a story about surviving—it’s about thriving.

In this episode, we explore:

• The silent pain of emotional labor in relationships

• How poor communication and imbalance erode self-worth

• The role of boundaries in mental health and recovery

• Learning to live by your own expectations and not others’

• How to rediscover your passions and align with your why

• What it really means to put yourself first, without guilt

Kristin’s journey from emotional burnout to empowered living is a guiding light for any woman ready to reclaim her narrative. This episode is a call to every listener: you deserve to be the subject of your own story.

Take action today:

• List 5 things that nourish your soul

• Identify 5 activities you're passionate about

• Define 5 beliefs that align with your purpose

These are your anchors. Use them to make decisions, build boundaries, and stay true to your voice.

If you or someone you love is experiencing sexual abuse or trauma, please seek support:

RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) Text HOPE to 66743 www.rainn.org

#HealingJourney

#EmotionalAbuse

#TraumaRecovery

#MentalHealthMatters

#EmpoweredWomen

#SelfWorth

#BreakTheCycle

#BoundariesMatter

#TherapyTalk

#LiveYourTruth

#SurvivorVoices

#RelationshipHealing

#ToxicRelationshipRecovery

#WomenSupportingWomen

#ChooseYourself

#ReclaimYourPower

#EmotionalWellness

#HealingFromAbuse

#AuthenticLiving

#MainCharacterEnergy

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:15 )

Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 14:59 )

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:29 )

Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 27:57 )

Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:19 )

Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 42:01 )

Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 48:38 )

Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:07 )

5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:04:47 )

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:06:27 )

Original Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis

✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨- https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:02ce6c2f-90ed-4741-bdab-e62e20c2e7ad

In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast? - Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or complete our contact form here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact ⁠⁠