In this episode, we discuss how embracing personal expression can significantly aid in recovering from codependency. By exploring the connection between self-expression and overcoming codependency, we share practical steps to start expressing your true self more freely.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Self-Expression: Understand how expressing your true self is crucial for recovering from codependency.

- Baby Steps: Learn the value of starting with small changes to gradually build self-confidence in self-expression.

- Overcoming Fear: Explore common fears related to self-expression and strategies to address them.

Quotes:

"The inability to be who you want to be is at the core of codependency." – Sarah

"Find whatever way you can to express yourself in small ways." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, identify one small way you can express your true self and take that step. Share your experience with us on social media using #ExpressYourself.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the fine line between unreasonable and unrealistic expectations and how they can affect our relationships and personal peace. Discover practical advice on managing your expectations and fostering healthier interactions.

Key Takeaways:

- Clear Communication: Understand the importance of expressing your needs and expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

- Personal Accountability: Learn how to manage your own feelings and responses rather than trying to control others' actions.

- Acceptance: Discover the power of accepting others as they are to achieve personal peace and reduce resentment.

Quotes:

"An unrealistic expectation is a resentment waiting to happen." – Sarah

"My peace is only going to come when I can let go of what everyone else around me is doing." – Sarah

Listener Challenge:

This week, identify one expectation you can let go of and observe how it impacts your peace of mind. Share your experiences with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the sensitive topic of sexual shame, discussing its origins, the impact of keeping secrets, and the importance of self-forgiveness. They offer insights into how sharing your experiences within a safe environment can help alleviate the weight of shame.

Key Takeaways:

- Self-Forgiveness: Understand the importance of forgiving yourself for past actions and developing self-compassion.

- Importance of Sharing: Learn how discussing your experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and shame.

- Safe Disclosure: Recognize the necessity of finding a trusted, safe person to share your secrets with.

Quotes:

"Everything you did was to survive." – Sarah

"It's really important to discern a scenario in which you're safe to share the secret." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, reach out to a trusted friend or counselor and share one thing that has been weighing on you. Reflect on how it feels to bring it into the open and share your experience with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the core behavior of codependency with a focus on the fear of hurting others' feelings. We discuss how allowing others to experience their emotions can actually strengthen relationships and build self-esteem.

Key Takeaways:

- Codependency and Distorted Beliefs: Understand how the fear of hurting others' feelings can lead to dishonesty and lack of intimacy in relationships.

- Tolerating Emotions: Learn the importance of letting others, including children, experience and process their feelings.

- Building Self-Esteem: Discover how witnessing and supporting others through their emotional experiences can enhance their self-worth and resilience.

Quotes:

"By holding back the truth, you're treating someone like they're not capable, and that's really disrespectful." – Sarah

"It’s not about avoiding someone’s feelings; it's about managing your reaction to their feelings." – Finn

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice speaking your truth in a small situation and allow the other person to have their emotional response. Share how it felt and what you learned with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, Sarah explores the different types of controllers and how the need for control stems from growing up in chaotic environments. She breaks down four distinct controller types and offers insights on how to manage our own controlling behavior.

Key Takeaways:

- The Sweet Controller: Often polite and codependent, this type makes others feel guilty to maintain control.

- The Distant Controller: Emotionally cold and rigid, they maintain control through high expectations and detachment.

- The Passive Controller: These martyrs control by passivity and make others feel guilty for their own needs.

- The Angry Controller: Volatile and authoritarian, they use fear to dominate their environment.

Listener Challenge:

This week, whenever you feel the urge to control something or someone, ask yourself, "What am I afraid of?" Reflect on this question with compassion and share your findings with us on social media using #CrazyTownPodcast.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the powerful symbolism of the origami crane and how it relates to recovery and sobriety. Join us as we discuss the process of letting life unfold one day at a time, emphasizing patience, acceptance, and the power of small daily steps.

Key Takeaways:

- Symbolism: Learn about the origami crane as a symbol of hope, peace, and resilience, representing recovery one fold at a time.

- Patience: Understand the importance of being patient and allowing life to unfold naturally without forcing solutions.

- Acceptance: Discover how accepting circumstances without resistance can lead to personal growth and transformation.

Quotes:

"The crane takes shape one fold at a time, just like recovery happens one day at a time." – Finn

"Acceptance doesn't mean you have to like it; it just means you recognize it and let it be." – Sarah

Listener Challenge:

This week, practice letting go of control in one area of your life and observe the changes that unfold. Share your experience with us on social media using

Odaat Apparel – Stylish and comfortable apparel inspired by the recovery journey. Check them out for quality clothing that carries a message of hope and resilience.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, we tackle the complexities of identifying and managing emotions in early sobriety. Dr. Michaud shares practical advice for tolerating uncomfortable feelings and addressing relationship challenges during recovery.

Key Takeaways:

- Identifying Feelings: Understand the importance of recognizing and naming basic emotions like sad, mad, happy, and scared to ease anxiety.

- Self-Soothing Techniques: Explore self-soothing strategies such as repetitive movements, physical exercise, and mantras to help manage emotional discomfort.

- Process Over Panic: Recognize the need to take a measured approach when addressing issues in relationships, avoiding rash decisions, and giving yourself grace.

Quotes:

"It's not the feelings that will kill you. It's what you're going to do to quell the feelings that'll kill you." – Dr. Michaud

"The freedom is in the truth and the reality." – Dr. Michaud

Listener Challenge:

This week, focus on identifying and naming your emotions as they arise. Share your experience with self-soothing techniques on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com

In this episode, Finn and Sarah explore the complexities of anger, especially within codependent and addictive relationships. They discuss strategies for recognizing, understanding, and managing anger in healthier ways.

Key Takeaways:

- Middle Ground with Anger: Learn about the extremes of anger response and how to find a balanced approach.

- Fear and Anger: Discover how fear often underlies anger and how to identify this connection.

- Repression vs. Expression: Understand the dangers of repressing anger and the importance of finding safe ways to express it.

- Codependent Rage: See how codependency often leads to misplaced anger and learn ways to redirect it appropriately.

- Personal Responsibility: The importance of recognizing your feelings and taking responsibility for your reactions.

Quotes:

"Feel the anger, but don’t act in anger." – Finn

"Often, it’s easier to be angry at ourselves than to direct it towards the right person." – Sarah

Listener Challenge:

This week, try to identify moments when you feel angry and take a pause to explore if fear is underlying your anger. Share your insights with us on social media using #LeavingCrazyTown.

Connect with Us:

• Website: https://www.leavingcrazytown.com/
• YouTube: @leavingcrazytown
• Facebook: @leavingcrazytownfinnandsarah
• LCT on The Sober Curator

Leaving CrazyTown is a Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, especially codependency. Created by Dr. Sarah Michaud and Finn Allen, they offer unfiltered insights and strategies from personal experiences and mental health expertise. The episodes cover anxiety, depression, relationships, and self-improvement to guide and motivate listeners toward better mental health and overall well-being. Join the Leaving CrazyTown community and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners.

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email host Dr Sarah Michaud: smichaud113@comcast.net or Finn Allen: finntastic818@gmail.com