Stacey Duguid | Breakdowns, Living in the Present and Being Seen.
Jan 29, 2024
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Stacey Duguid, a guest who has navigated through infidelity, divorce, and emotional breakdowns, discusses a wide range of topics including the challenges of midlife, the impact of micro-aggressions and losing friendships, the power of dressing for self-expression, the importance of supportive friendships, the challenges of dating for neurodivergent individuals, and the significance of forgiveness and recovery. A searingly honest and open conversation that provides valuable insights.
Micro-aggressions in relationships can build up and become a tsunami of aggression.
Open and honest conversations about divorce can provide support and guidance to those going through similar experiences.
Acknowledging and addressing mental health issues is crucial for self-worth and personal growth.
Deep dives
Dismantling Family Life for an Affair
The podcast discusses the question of whether it is worth dismantling one's family life for an affair. The speaker highlights the consequences of micro-aggressions in a relationship, stating that they can build up until they become a tsunami of aggression. The importance of feeling seen and validated in a relationship is emphasized, with the speaker sharing their own experience of feeling alone and unseen in their marriage. The discussion also touches on the challenges of midlife and the need to evaluate the present, which can be a painful process.
Navigating Divorce and Finding a New Identity
The episode explores the journey of navigating divorce and reclaiming one's identity. The speaker, a fashion journalist and author, shares their personal experience of going through a divorce and finding their own sense of self. They discuss the importance of talking openly and honestly about divorce, providing support and guidance to others who may be going through similar experiences. The speaker also mentions their book, 'In Pursuit of Happiness,' which has resonated with many people dealing with the challenges and uncertainties of divorce.
Self-Worth and Breakdowns
The podcast delves into the topic of self-worth and its impact on relationships and mental health. The speaker reflects on their own journey of low self-esteem and feeling unworthy, especially when it comes to intelligence. They discuss the discovery of their own intelligence and the transformation it brought, leading to a greater sense of self-worth. The episode also touches on the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues, emphasizing the need for open and honest conversations about the realities of breakdowns and their impact on individuals' lives.
Living in the Present and Planning for the Future
The speaker discusses the challenge of balancing living in the present and planning for the future. They share their personal experience of being in their mid-forties and the struggle to let go of future goals and focus on the reality of the present. They emphasize the importance of taking steps in the present to achieve future dreams, such as maintaining financial stability and making necessary preparations. While they acknowledge the difficulty of living in the present, they highlight the necessity of gratitude and appreciation for current circumstances.
Self-Compassion and Forgiveness
The speaker reflects on their past and the harsh self-judgment they used to subject themselves to. They describe being overly critical of their choices and feeling like they had not lived up to certain expectations. However, they discuss their journey towards self-compassion and forgiveness, acknowledging their growth and embracing their true self. They emphasize the importance of having honest and supportive friends who encourage personal growth. Additionally, they highlight the significance of therapy and medication in managing their mental health and maintaining emotional stability.
Stacey Duguid has my heart after this conversation. We have many mutual friends but this was our first proper chat and, as you'll hear, it's exactly that - a searingly honest get-to-you-know-you conversation that just so happened to be committed to audio. I love an open guest who isn't afraid to tell it how it is and that's exactly what Stacey is.
From navigating infidelity, divorce, unhappy relationships, mental and emotional breakdowns, going back to bed, losing friends on the way, the discomfort of mid-life and what it really means to be neurodivergent in the world... This is a wide-ranging conversation and I sincerely hope you love it!
