Growing up in a dysfunctional family can cause lasting wounds. For adult children who grew up in these environments, healing can be challenging, and navigating relationships with “toxic” family members can be a constant source of pain. A key part of the healing process is setting and sticking to boundaries. Boundaries are essential for stopping … Boundaries for Healing Childhood Trauma Read More » The post Boundaries for Healing Childhood Trauma appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

Setting boundaries with your family can stir up old emotional wounds. Learning to manage your triggers will help you set more effective boundaries. What are Boundaries and Why Are They Important? Boundaries are the invisible lines we draw to define what’s acceptable and unacceptable behavior. They encompass how much of ourselves we share emotionally and … Managing Triggers When Setting Boundaries with Family Read More » The post Managing Triggers When Setting Boundaries with Family appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

Growing up in a dysfunctional family has a lasting impact on us. Many adult children of dysfunctional families underestimate the effects of being raised in a dysfunctional family. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking. Perhaps it’s denial. More likely it’s shame and simply not knowing that adult children of dysfunctional families, as a group, tend to struggle … 11 Characteristics of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families Read More » The post 11 Characteristics of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

Free yourself from enabling and self-sacrifice and give yourself the care you need and deserve. Have you been putting yourself last? Are you so busy caring for everyone else that there’s no time and energy for yourself? Well, you’re not alone! Lots of us are stretched to the max. Perhaps you’re happy to take care … Goodbye Codependency, Hello Self-Care Read More » The post Goodbye Codependency, Hello Self-Care appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

This article addresses something that impacts many of us— the lasting effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Growing up in a dysfunctional family can be lonely, scary, and confusing and children in dysfunctional families don’t have a typical childhood. What is a dysfunctional family? Let’s start by defining what we mean by “dysfunctional … The Effects of Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Family Read More » The post The Effects of Growing Up in a Dysfunctional Family appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

We use the term codependency rather loosely these days. It’s great that more people are familiar with codependency, but if it’s going to help us understand ourselves in a meaningful way, we need to be clear about what codependency is – and what it isn’t. In a nutshell, people who identify as codependent usually play … 6 Defining Symptoms of Codependency Read More » The post 6 Defining Symptoms of Codependency appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

The start of the year is a natural time to reflect and plan. Use these 2024 new year journal prompts to gain clarity, set intentions, and explore your hopes and goals for the upcoming year. You’ll find prompts for introspection, gratitude, and everything in between! As 2023 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect … 2024 New Year Journal Prompts Read More » The post 2024 New Year Journal Prompts appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

The holidays are a time for yummy treats, joyful reunions, festive decorations, and…stress? Yep, even the most festive among us can find ourselves tangled in a web of expectations, obligations, and traditions that leave us feeling more drained than jolly. This year, let’s let go of stressful holiday traditions by setting boundaries that protect our … Let Go of Stressful Holiday Traditions Read More » The post Let Go of Stressful Holiday Traditions appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

Key points about boundaries and enmeshed relationships: What is an enmeshed relationship? An enmeshed relationship lacks boundaries. People in enmeshed relationships are so close that they lose their individual identities. Enmeshed relationships can be between parents and children, siblings, romantic partners, or friends. If you’re in an enmeshed relationship, you may: People in enmeshed relationships … Setting Boundaries in Enmeshed Relationships Read More » The post Setting Boundaries in Enmeshed Relationships appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more

Stress is a normal part of life, but too much stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. The good news is that stress management doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. In this article, you’ll learn a variety of quick and simple stress-reduction tips. What is Stress? Stress is a feeling … 38 Stress-Reduction Tips for Busy People Read More » The post 38 Stress-Reduction Tips for Busy People appeared first on Live Well with Sharon Martin ..read more