The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

In 1974 when Sharon Salzberg discovered meditation, there were no meditation apps, mainstream teachers, corporate retreats or scientific studies backing the practice like we have today. Largely considered a Buddhist practice, meditation was relegated to Eastern thought and spiritual gurus. But for Sharon, who grew up in the hustle and bustle of New York City and went through a number of traumatic experiences as a child, it was a lifesaver — a tool that showed her she could take ownership of her life and transform her own suffering. After studying in India for several years, Sharon became a meditation teacher and one of the first people to bring meditation into the mainstream, demystifying the practice with her secular and modern approach. I have followed her for years, and I am THRILLED to feature her in this episode — one that is so packed full of wisdom from this master teacher. In this episode, Sharon shares what meditation is and what it isn’t and the many wonderful things meditation can cultivate in our lives, including self-compassion, healthy ways to process pain, the ability to fall and get back up again and a profound connection with ourselves and others. She also helps to break down how to get started meditating and why everyone should be doing it.   Listen to discover: The heart of the practice, which might surprise you How meditation is a life exercise and skills training Why there is no failing in meditation The difference between a mindfulness practice and a loving kindness meditation What causes suffering Navigating uncertainty, fear and anger during these challenging times And SOO much more!   Whether you’ve meditated for years or are considering starting, I know you will love the countless nuggets of wisdom in this episode. And if you’re on the fence, I encourage you to take Sharon’s advice and just try it! Don’t give up after 10 minutes or look just at the practice time itself, but instead look at your life and how differently you respond to yourself, your relationships and life’s challenges. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!   “We’re not trying to blank out or drop parts of our experience. We’re cultivating the ability to be with our experience differently. We don’t have to take every thought to heart. We don’t have to follow every thought into action. We don’t have to hold onto an emotion as if it’s the only thing we will ever feel.” - Sharon Salzberg   “It’s the practice of letting go and being able to begin again.” - Sharon Salzberg   “We don’t all share the same degree of pain. But we all share vulnerability.” - Sharon Salzberg   “You’re not supposed to stop your thoughts; you’re supposed to witness.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources Sharon Salzberg Website https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/ Sharon Salzberg Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SharonSalzberg/ Sharon Salzberg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharonsalzberg/ Real Change (New Book) https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/realchange/ Real Happiness (Sharon Salzberg Book) https://www.amazon.com/Real-Happiness-Meditation-28-Day-Program/dp/0761159258 Faith (Sharon Salzberg Book) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AG0BRCE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3 Inner Child Resource (contains 2 free meditations) https://theadultchair.com/innerchild Free Meditations https://theadultchair.com/meditations/   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com  

We’re all human and we all make mistakes. Unfortunately, sometimes those mistakes hurt people we love and can even create distance or damage in our most important relationships. When a relationship is suffering, there’s nothing we want more than to heal and restore it, but many of us don’t know where to begin. We might have our own feelings of guilt and shame to overcome or believe the other person never wants to see or talk to us again. But as long as we are alive, there is hope of change! Relationships can and do heal all the time, and you have the power to repair the damage done and move forward in an even stronger relationship than before. In this episode, I’m giving you eight simple steps for healing and transforming the relationships in your life. In it, I give the example of one of my clients who was working to repair her relationship with her kids, but the advice here applies to EVERY relationship...spouse, friend, family, coworker, you name it!   Listen to discover: Eight steps to healing a broken relationship How to start the process of repairing the relationship if there’s been a disconnect What a true apology looks like How to change the relationship through actions instead of words How to forgive yourself — the most important step no matter what happens in the relationship   If you’re living on this planet, chances are you’ve hurt someone and want to know how to make it right. Tune in to discover a practical step-by-step guide to begin the process of healing...for yourself and others!   “If someone is willing to repair a relationship and put the time and effort into repairing the relationship, I always have hope.” - Michelle Chalfant   “Forgiveness allows us to get unstuck and to move on for ourselves. It’s freedom!” - Michelle Chalfant   “There is great power in accepting what is...if you are not accepting where things are, you are in resistance of truth.” - Michelle Chalfant   “When you stay with just today in the present, this is where all things can change...including, and most importantly, your perception of yourself.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources The Self Series https://theadultchair.com/self   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

“Help! I think I’ve ruined my kids’ lives!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this from clients, listeners and even my own inner critic. No one gets a trial run at parenting, which leads to a lot of self-doubt among parents. We’re all learning as we go, and it’s easy to wonder if we’re doing it right or if we should just go ahead and start a therapy fund for our kids to work through the issues we created. Well, this episode is here to help you put your fears to rest and help you become the healthiest (NOT perfect) parent you can be. I’m breaking down my seven tips for healthy parenting from your Adult Chair (hint: they’re more about you than your kids) and hopefully providing a little reassurance that you’re normal and no, you haven’t ruined your kids lives (wait until you hear the not-so-proud parenting moments I share!).   Listen to discover: What a parent’s job actually is Seven steps to become a healthy parent Why there’s no such thing as perfect Finding compassion for yourself and your kids How to handle it when your kids trigger you Setting boundaries and how to respond when your child makes a mistake Whether you feel like you’ve screwed up or you’re just starting out and trying to get it right, I promise that it’s never too late. When YOU become healthy and live in your Adult Chair, your kids will see it modeled and become healthy too. Check out this episode to get simple, practical tips you can put into action to change the way you parent today.   “Humans learn from experience far more than they learn from words.” - Michelle Chalfant   “Our job as parents or caregivers of these beautiful little beings is to be guard rails for them...kids are supposed to make mistakes while in the loving protection of your home.” - Michelle Chalfant   “You can’t change something without owning where you are and accepting it.” - Michelle Chalfant   “Boundaries help our kids feel safe.” - Michelle Chalfant   “Don’t keep your kid on a one-way expressway. Let them be who they came here to become.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources The Adult Chair Membership (August Theme: Acceptance) https://theadultchair.com/membership/ Dr. Shefali (Conscious Parenting) https://drshefali.com/   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Before studying the Law of Attraction, Christy “had it all” but still felt really unhappy and unfulfilled. As she began seeking, she discovered meditation and eventually the Law of Attraction, both of which led her to recognize how her inner dialog was creating unhappiness in her life. As she worked to shift her own life, she began to realize the power of her thoughts in creating her reality and that she felt called to share this gift with others. Since then, Christy has become a life coach, teacher and Law of Attraction guru, and I’m thrilled to share her wisdom with you on today’s podcast. In this episode, Christy not only shares the principles behind the Law of Attraction but also how and why it works at an energetic level. She explains the way that common thought patterns or words we use with ourselves are keeping us from getting what we want and how to change those patterns to attract what we are seeking. If you are feeling stuck and not manifesting the life you dream of or if you’re interested in learning more about creation and how to transform your life, this is the episode for you!   Listen to discover: What the law of attraction is and why it works How we work as receivers, containers and senders of energy The ways we send out energy through what we say, think, expect, feel and act Why you might be experiencing blocks in manifestation The role of guilt in our lives and the power of forgiveness Three questions we need to ask to pivot our lives   “I could actually choose my thoughts to be different even though ‘what it is’ is the way it is.” - Christy Whitman   “If you feel resistance of any kind, that’s energy.” - Christy Whitman   “When you say words that are based in lack, anything that starts in lack is going to end in lack. When you’re starting with words that are words of abundance...then that whole creation starts from there.” - Christy Whitman   “Most of us walk around in this very unconscious state with these automatic thoughts just going, going, going. We're not even aware. So, slowing down and becoming aware is so key.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources Christy Whitman Website https://www.christywhitman.com/ Christy Whitman Free Resource https://www.watchyourwords.com/ Christy Whitman Facebook https://www.facebook.com/christywhitmaninternational/ Christy Whitman Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christywhitman1 14 Days to Peace and Balance https://theadultchair.com/14days   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com   

The Adult Chair is a powerful model for healing our wounds and becoming more empowered in our lives...but it has the power to change more than just ourselves. When we have the tools to navigate life’s challenges and respond differently to life, it can change everything around us! In today’s episode, I’m interviewing my friend April, who is sharing how The Adult Chair model helped her walk through one of the most difficult seasons of her life, first transforming her marriage that was in trouble and then almost losing her son in a terrible car accident. Through these uncertain and tragic situations, April found she was able to shift her perspective and not just change her response to life’s challenges but also transform her marriage and family. She shares how the model was easy to understand and applicable enough for her and her husband to use together and the surprising peace and clarity she had when she got the call no parent wants to get. April’s practice of busting stories, clinging to truth and being present through life’s challenges is hope and inspiration for all of us and a real-life example of how The Adult Chair can be used to help us transform whatever life throws our way.   Listen to discover: How The Adult Chair helped April and her husband get the breakthrough they were looking for in their marriage How busting stories and assumptions and connecting with their needs has helped April and her husband cultivate a new connection they didn’t think possible How April stayed grounded and in the moment even in the middle of shock and tragedy Avoiding the “what ifs” and worst-case scenario thoughts of the Adolescent How we can teach our children to live in their Adult Chair by modeling it as parents The power of owning our needs and learning to receive   “It’s not uncommon for us both to make up stories and assumptions in our marriage. It’s very easy to make up stories about each other (like) ‘Oh, he’s too busy; he doesn’t care.’ Or on the other hand, he’s thinking ‘I’m not worthy; she’s not attracted to me.’ When really the truth is, I’m exhausted or he’s exhausted.” - April “Having a true need and being able to share that with another is such a beautiful, deep way to connect.”  - Michelle Chalfant “It’s important that we remember it doesn’t come naturally right away...but I have found that tools over time do develop.” - April “Your brain wasn’t able to go back to the old you, which might have gotten freaked out and panicky, because the neural pathways are very much more now ‘Let me go back to fact and truth.’” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources Episode #210: Improving and Deepening the Connection with Your Partner https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/210/ Episode #146: Healthy Relationships https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/146-healthy-relationships/ Episode #148: Healthy Relationships Part 2 https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/148-healthy-relationships-part-2/   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Are you ready to shift out of procrastination, perfectionism and people pleasing? I can’t imagine anyone that doesn’t have their hand up! In today’s show, we are diving into The Adult Chair model and looking deeper at our “parts.” Though this episode focuses on some of these common parts that I hear many of my clients talk about, it really is a crash course in what parts work is and how to start working with your parts on your own, even without therapy! Things like procrastination, people pleasing and perfectionism are inner unconscious parts that can run the show until we bring them into awareness to transform. Today I am going to show you how to use The Adult Chair model to find and transform your inner parts that are driving you to do things or act in ways that are limiting you.   Listen to discover: What parts work is How to identify the dominant parts you want to shift A step-by-step process for finding these parts, dialoguing with them and transforming them A real-life example from a client so you can see this process in action   This is full of practical tools and examples that will empower you to work with any part that is causing problems and transform it using the power of your Adult. As always, I have included easy-to-use steps for you to work with this concept today and begin your transformation right away. Get ready for shifts with today’s episode!   “If you want to make changes in your outer world, you have to make changes in your inner world.” - Michelle Chalfant   “When people say, “I am overwhelmed,” “I am a perfectionist,” or “I am a procrastinator,” that’s not true...it’s not who you are.” - Michelle Chalfant   “Awareness is key to our transformation. If we don't know that we’re doing something or showing up in a certain way, how the heck are we supposed to change it?” - Michelle Chalfant   “Do not guess and think you know why or what these parts are going to say or why they’re feeling what they’re feeling. Go inside of you and ask that part these very pointed questions.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/new-york/   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Why do people cringe at the suggestion of setting a boundary? So many people respond with, “I don’t like confrontation” when I suggest a boundary. Setting boundaries is tough to do if we were not modeled healthy boundaries growing up. Even if we came from a pretty healthy family, few people grew up with healthy boundary modeling. In today’s show, I talk about what boundaries are, how to set them, examples of healthy versus unhealthy boundaries and the four keys to setting healthy boundaries.   Listen to discover: The difference between a boundary and a confrontation Examples of healthy and unhealthy boundaries Four steps to setting boundaries What to do when boundaries backfire What boundaries are not and what to do if you are in a toxic relationship   Boundaries are rooted in our sense of self and come from our internal guidance system. They are a necessary part of our lives and a key to healthy relationships and learning how to speak up for what we want. This show is filled with tools and tips to help you to start better taking care of yourself, learning how to set a simple request and teaching other people how to treat you.   “When I hear people say ‘It’s not important that I speak up for myself,’ or ‘I don’t need to set a boundary,’ I hear ‘I’m not that important.’” - Michelle Chalfant   “A boundary is letting another person know what is ok with you and what is not ok with you.” - Michelle Chalfant   “If you don’t know who you are, what in the world are you defending or setting a boundary against?” - Michelle Chalfant “Get crystal clear with your wants, your needs and your desires and speak them.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources Episode #212: Boundaries Crash Course https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/212/ Episode #193: Boundaries in Relationships with Nedra Glover Tawwab https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/193/ Episode #184: Boundaries, Empowerment and Finding Truth https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/184/ Episode #174: Building Self-Esteem https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/174-building-self-esteem/ Episode #173: Am I in a Toxic Relationship? https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/173-am-i-in-a-toxic-relationship/ Episode #160: Boundaries and Defenses https://theadultchair.com/podcast/160 Episode #80: How Do I Feel My Emotions? https://theadultchair.com/podcast/80 Episode #26: Boundaries vs. Confrontation https://theadultchair.com/podcast/26  Self Series theadultchair.com/self Care/Of https://takecareof.com/ Use code ADULT50 for 50% off your first order   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

By nature, all of us have the Child, Adolescent and Adult parts of ourselves...but these parts can look very different depending on our personality and life experience. Through the lens of the Enneagram, we can understand more about our personality and the ways we show up in stress and in health, and in this episode, Enneagram coach Ramona Reid breaks down how the wounds we received as a child affect our personality later in life. Our Enneagram type is often influenced by the message we did not hear as a child, and we form a personality or mask to make up for that wound. This might look like trying to be good and perfect, getting big and strong or trying to keep the peace with everyone around us, but it’s always an ego response. Ramona does a beautiful job tying the Enneagram into The Adult Chair model and helping each of us understand what our Child, Adolescent and Adult might look like based on our type.   Listen to discover: The three Enneagram centers and the nine types The message each type didn’t receive as a child and the wounding each type carries The mask each type creates to cover that wounding What the core essence (healthy Adult) looks like for each type How to recognize our triggers and move towards presence   This show was as cool as it was informative! Even if you have never heard of the Enneagram, you will benefit from listening as it will deepen your understanding of your wounding and how you are showing up in the world. If you want to listen to the other shows that Ramona has been on to deepen your understanding of the Enneagram, see the show notes below. They are all brilliant shows!   “The point is not to never be triggered again. It’s to understand that triggers are human and they’re mine...I want to learn how to encounter them with more accountability and integrity and love for myself and my inner child.” - Ramona Reid   “Everyone’s just sort of doing the best they can, and then we internalize that. When we’re little, we think, ‘This is about me,’ and we create separation from our essence.” - Ramona Reid   “As children, we are sponges and absorb everything around us...and it becomes ours. It’s why you’ve got to observe everything and pay attention to what’s going on inside of you.” - Michelle Chalfant   “The work from my perspective is getting in touch with what’s actually going on. Notice where our minds are going, where our hearts are going, out of presence...when we’re able to be present, that’s when our core essential qualities will show up.” - Ramona Reid   Resources Ramona Reid Website http://www.mynashvillecenter.com Ramona Reid Radio Show http://www.holisticrevolution.com Episode #51: Find Your Authentic Self in the Heart of Your Enneagram https://theadultchair.com/podcast/51 Episode #114: Deepening The Adult Chair Using the Wisdom of the Enneagram https://theadultchair.com/podcast/114 Episode #205: Stress and Your Enneagram Type https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/205/ Book: Sacred Enneagram - Christopher L. Heuertz https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Enneagram-Finding-Unique-Spiritual/dp/0310348277/ The Adult Chair Membership - Free Month of July! https://theadultchair.com/membership/ Use code FREEMEMBER Inner Child Resource https://theadultchair.com/innerchild/ Self Series theadultchair.com/self The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/new-york/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Charleston https://theadultchair.com/charleston/   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

We can never have enough self-esteem. So many of us didn’t have healthy self-esteem role models growing up, so we are embarking on this journey now. The good news is that it’s never too late to learn to love yourself...and it’s a life-long journey, so you will have plenty of people along the path with you! Using The Adult Chair, building healthy self-esteem is not only possible, but it can also happen quickly. In this episode, I’m giving you practical steps for changing how you view and speak to yourself and easy practices you can use to build self-esteem every day.   Listen to discover: Self-discovery questions you can ask yourself to see how healthy your self-esteem is Why creating a practice of building self-esteem is so important The four steps to building self-esteem How to control your thoughts and shift your self-talk How to work with your parts and bust the stories that keep you from loving yourself   I will always be working on my self-esteem because I believe it’s something we can always have more of! With the help of The Adult Chair model, we can live our lives to the fullest and create happiness we never thought possible. Enjoy your journey of building up your new sense of self and empowerment in your Adult Chair!   “Our thoughts drive our emotions up or down. We need to raise our awareness to our thoughts and watch what’s coming in and out of our mouths or in and out of our brains.”- Michelle Chalfant   “These parts are not blocking our progress. They simply want and need our attention.” - Michelle Chalfant   “If the story you’re telling yourself makes you miserable...you have the power to change it.” - Michelle Chalfant   Resources 5 -Minute Self-Love Meditation https://theadultchair.com/portfolio_page/5-minute-self-love-meditation/ Episode #84: Raising Self-Esteem https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/84-raising-self-esteem/ The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/new-york/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Charleston https://theadultchair.com/charleston/ The Adult Chair Membership - Free Month of July! https://theadultchair.com/membership/ Use code FREEMEMBER Self Series theadultchair.com/self Green Chef https://www.greenchef.com/adult80 $80 off your first month + free shipping   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com 

Relationships with narcissists are insidious. They begin one way, and over time, very slowly and covertly, they change and become poisonous. We wake up one day and wonder what we did wrong and how we got here. We blame ourselves and can even feel embarrassed to tell others. In today’s very vulnerable show, Tracy shares her story of being married to a narcissist, how his toxic behaviors subtly increased over time and how it affected her sense of self. After marrying who she thought was a wonderful man, her life drastically changed and she began doubting herself. She fell into a depression, lived with anxiety and lost her sense of who she was. Tracy walks us through her story of waking up to the abuse and getting out of the relationship. We offer advice for others who are in these types of relationships, including what you can do and how to begin to build yourself back up and find your true self again.   Listen to discover: How quickly relationships with a narcissist can shift and how confusing they can be Why subtle abuse is so easy to miss How narcissists whittle down self-esteem and create self-doubt Steps you can take to protect yourself or leave if needed How refinding yourself after a difficult relationship can be fun and exciting The importance of community and friends who can give you a reality check when you’re feeling self-doubt   “You think, ‘I don’t have negative feelings about myself,’ but something in my body was telling me I wasn’t good.” - Tracy   “I saw what his father was doing to him, but I didn’t see what he was doing to me.” - Tracy   “He chopped away your belief in yourself, the self-love you had, your self-worth.” - Michelle Chalfant   “You deserve to be happy. You are a good person. If you feel good about what you’re doing and you’re confident in who you are, be aware of that and remind yourself of that and step out of the picture for a while.” - Tracy   Resources 5 -Minute Self-Love Meditation https://theadultchair.com/portfolio_page/5-minute-self-love-meditation/ Episode #84: Raising Self-Esteem https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/84-raising-self-esteem/ Episode #173: Am I in a Toxic Relationship? https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/173-am-i-in-a-toxic-relationship/ Episode #174: Building Self-Esteem https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/174-building-self-esteem/ The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/new-york/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Charleston https://theadultchair.com/charleston/ The Adult Chair Membership - Free Month of July! https://theadultchair.com/membership/ Use code FREEMEMBER The Self Series theadultchair.com/self  BOMBAS https://bombas.com/adult 20% off your first order   More Adult Chair The Adult Chair Website https://theadultchair.com  The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/   Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com