100 Episodes: My Top Relationship Lessons That Changed My Life

In today's Friday bitesized episode, we're switching gears to offer a little something special: a pep talk for anyone who's feeling overwhelmed or struggling with life's ups and downs. Life's Challenges: Whether you're grappling with heartbreak, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, or navigating the sleepless nights of newborn parenthood, know that you're not alone in your struggles. The Illusion of Social Media: We often fall into the trap of comparing our lives to the highlight reels we see on social media, but it's important to remember that these snapshots don't tell the whole story. Everyone faces challenges, and it's okay to acknowledge our struggles. Real Connections: In a world dominated by screens, it's easy to feel disconnected from reality and from one another. Remember that real connections are built on authenticity and vulnerability, not on curated images and status updates. You Are Strong: Despite the challenges you're facing, remember the strength and resilience you've demonstrated in the past. You've overcome adversity before, and you have the inner strength to overcome whatever obstacles lie ahead. A Reminder of Support: You are not alone in your journey. You have people who love you, care for you, and believe in you Conclusion: As you navigate the challenges of life, remember to be kind to yourself, stay true to who you are, and lean on the support of those who care for you. You are capable, resilient, and deserving of love and happiness. SHOW LINKS: Book a free 30min session with Sylvia for 1:1 counselling https://sylviasuwan.com

14 Maalis 20244min

Hey everyone, welcome back to Breakup to Blessing. Today, let's dive into something that's been on a lot of our minds: how to handle the aftermath of a breakup. I know it can feel overwhelming, with so much advice out there about self-improvement, journaling, etc. But I want to take a different approach today. I'm all about keeping it real and relevant, so let's focus on just two key things that can really make a difference in your healing journey. These are simple, actionable steps that you can tailor to your own unique situation. So, let's get started! Strategy 1: Identify Triggers and Coping Strategies: Alright, picture this: one moment, you're feeling okay, and then bam! Out of nowhere, you're hit with a wave of sadness or anxiety. Sound familiar? Well, those are what I call triggers, my friend. They're like big red flags waving in our faces, telling us to pay attention. So instead of ignoring them, let's lean in and get curious. Ask yourself: what happened just now that made me feel this way? Was it something someone said, or maybe a reminder of your ex? Once you've identified your triggers, it's time to come up with some coping strategies. Maybe it's turning off those pesky phone notifications or finding ways to distract yourself when those feelings creep in. Strategy 2: Change Your Thoughts: Now, let's talk about the power of your thoughts. Seriously, they're like the directors of your own personal movie. Ever catch yourself thinking things like "I'm unlovable" or "I'll never find love again"? Well, it's time to challenge those thoughts, my friend! Flip the script and start believing in yourself. Replace those negative thoughts with ones that support the life you want to live. Trust me, it's not just wishful thinking – your thoughts have a real impact on your reality. Conclusion: So there you have it, folks – the two essential things you need to focus on for your healing journey. Identify your triggers and develop coping strategies to deal with them, and change your thoughts to create opportunities for the life you want. Everything else? Well, that'll fall into place once you've got these two things down. Remember, you've got this. Healing after a breakup is tough, but you're tougher. So take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and trust that brighter days are ahead. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, take care of yourself! SHOW LINKS Book 1:1 session with Sylvia sylviasuwan.com

10 Maalis 202418min

Welcome back to Breakup to Blessing! In today's episode, we dive into the topic of letting go and moving on. Inspired by a recent conversation, we explore why holding onto anger or blame ultimately hinders our progress and how taking responsibility for our situations is key to personal growth. Living in anger or blame can trap us in a cycle of resentment and prevent us from living authentically. As we reflect on the regrets of elderly individuals facing death, we're reminded of the importance of pursuing our dreams and living in alignment with our values. Drawing from Ryan Holiday's book "The Obstacle Is the Way," we explore the idea that obstacles are opportunities for growth and development. Instead of being paralyzed by fear or frustration, we can choose to respond with perseverance, inner strength, and creativity. While anger can be a natural response to adversity, it's essential not to let it consume us. We must allow ourselves to feel the pain but not remain trapped in it, as prolonged anger can hinder our ability to move forward. If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend diving deeper into the themes discussed by reading "The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan Holiday. Thanks for tuning in, and have a great weekend! We'll catch you next week for another insightful episode. SHOW LINKS: Let's be Instagram Friends @breakuptoblessing Book 1:1 Therapy Sessions with Sylvia https://www.sylviasuwan.com

7 Maalis 20248min

In this episode of Breakup to Blessing, we tackle the daunting question: When is it too soon to start dating after a breakup or divorce? Today Sylvia delves into the complexities of post-breakup dating and offers insightful guidance on how to navigate this challenging terrain. Key Points: Setting Intentions: Before diving back into the dating scene, it's crucial to clarify your intentions. Are you seeking companionship, distraction, or a long-term relationship? Understanding your motives can help you avoid wasted time and unnecessary confusion. Personal Reflection: Sylvia shares personal experiences and insights into the importance of self-discovery before re-entering the dating world. Exploring short-term needs and desires, such as companionship or emotional support, can pave the way for a more fulfilling dating experience. Five Questions to Assess Readiness: Sylvia outlines five essential questions to determine if you're truly ready to start dating again. From assessing your contentment with single life to evaluating your communication skills and relationship goals, these questions provide valuable introspection for anyone considering a return to dating. Conclusion: Join Sylvia Suwan as she offers practical advice and encouragement for those navigating the complexities of post-breakup dating. Whether you're contemplating a return to the dating scene or seeking clarity on your readiness, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you on your journey to healing and self-discovery. Subscribe and Support: If you found this episode insightful, don't forget to hit the follow button on Spotify or the plus symbol on Apple Podcasts to stay updated on future episodes. Your support is greatly appreciated! SHOW LINKS: Work with Sylvia: https://sylviasuwan.com Let's be Instagram friends: @breakuptoblessing

3 Maalis 202420min

Welcome back to Breakup to Blessing! In this episode, we delve deeper into attachment theory and explore practical strategies to cultivate a more secure attachment style in your relationships. Whether you identify as anxiously attached or avoidant, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to promote greater emotional connection and intimacy. Join me as we navigate the journey toward secure attachment and healthier relationships. Key Points: Recap of attachment theory and the different attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganised. Understanding the impact of attachment styles on current relationships. Focus on transitioning from anxious or avoidant attachment to a more secure attachment style. Practical tips for becoming securely attached: Increasing self-awareness of attachment patterns and triggers. Practicing mindfulness to stay present in the moment. Developing emotional regulation skills to manage anxiety. Improving communication by expressing needs and concerns effectively. Building trust in your partner and their intentions. Seeking support through attachment-focused therapy or counseling. Cultivating secure relationships with supportive individuals and mentors. Emphasising the importance of balance between independence and interdependence in relationships. Show Links: Episode 36: The Truth About Vulnerability Work with Sylvia - Free 30min Consult: https://sylviasuwan.com/freeconsult

29 Helmi 202415min

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode! Today's topic is so important that we've split it into two parts. In this episode, we're diving deep into the concept of unhealthy attachments in relationships and how to identify your own attachment style. Exploring Attachment Theory: We begin by unpacking attachment theory, a groundbreaking concept developed by psychoanalyst John Bowlby in the 1950s. Bowlby's research on infant-mother relationships laid the foundation for understanding how our early experiences shape our attachment styles in adulthood. The Study by Mary Ainsworth: We delve into Mary Ainsworth's study, where she observed the behaviors of infants in various scenarios involving separation and reunion with their caregivers. Through her research, Ainsworth identified four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Secure Attachment: Securely attached individuals feel safe and stable in their relationships. They demonstrate empathy, communicate openly, and trust their partners. Secure attachment serves as a healthy foundation for lasting connections. Anxious Attachment: Anxiously attached individuals exhibit needy or clingy behaviors, constantly seeking reassurance from their partners. They struggle with trust, overanalyze situations, and experience intense emotional responses. Avoidant Attachment: Avoidantly attached individuals prioritize independence and self-reliance, often suppressing their emotions and avoiding intimacy. They may struggle to commit, downplay the importance of relationships, and withdraw during conflict. Reflection and Identification: We encourage listeners to reflect on their own attachment styles and identify which category resonates with them the most. Understanding our attachment patterns is the first step toward fostering healthier relationships. In the next episode, we'll explore practical strategies for transitioning from insecurely attached to securely attached. Join me as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Until then, take care, and remember, healing is possible SHOW LINKS: Let's be Instagram friends @breakuptoblessing Want to work with me 1:1? Book a free consultation

25 Helmi 202423min

Hey everyone, welcome back to another Friday bite-sized episode of Breakup to Blessing! If you're not feeling too excited about the upcoming weekend, I completely understand. Weekends can feel daunting, especially when you're navigating heartbreak. But don't worry, I've got some insights to share that might help lift your spirits. In today's episode, we're diving into the powerful concept of vulnerability, as explored by renowned researcher Brené Brown. You might have heard of her groundbreaking work on vulnerability and its role in fostering connection, courage, and resilience. After years of research, Brown discovered something profound: those who find love and self-acceptance amidst heartbreak often embrace vulnerability. This might seem counterintuitive, especially when our instinct is to build walls to protect ourselves from getting hurt again. But as Brown's research reveals, vulnerability isn't a weakness; it's the key to experiencing genuine connections and profound joy. In her TED Talk, Brown highlighted how vulnerability is intertwined with our sense of worthiness. Those who believe they are worthy of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect, show compassion for themselves and others, and forge authentic connections. However, many of us struggle with vulnerability because we've been conditioned to believe that it's a sign of weakness. We numb our uncomfortable feelings with coping mechanisms, but in the process, we also dull our capacity for joy, gratitude, and happiness. So, how do we break free from this cycle of numbing and embrace vulnerability? It starts with challenging the internal belief that we are not worthy of love and connection. This belief often stems from past experiences of rejection or heartbreak, but it's essential to confront and change it if we want to experience the fullness of life and love. I know it's not easy, especially when you're in the midst of heartbreak and feeling more vulnerable than ever. But remember, vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It takes courage to show up as your authentic self, especially when you're hurting. You don't have to be vulnerable in the romantic sense right now, but opening up to trusted friends or family members can be a powerful first step towards healing. When you're met with love and support, you'll start to believe in your worthiness again—and that's where true healing begins. So, as you navigate your journey from breakup to blessing, remember that you are worthy of love and belonging. Embrace vulnerability as a source of strength, and don't be afraid to show up authentically, flaws and all. It's those who understand and accept their imperfections who can truly live life to the fullest. Thanks for tuning in to today's episode. I know it might have been a tough one to hear, but I hope it's given you some valuable insights to ponder. Remember, you are worthy, and you are enough. See you on the next episode! SHOW NOTES: TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability If you'd like 1:1 coaching with me: https://www.sylviasuwan.com

22 Helmi 202413min

Hey there, it's Sylvia, back with another episode of Breakup to Blessing. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that many of us can relate to: feeling like we're not enough after a breakup. I've been there myself, grappling with those relentless thoughts swirling in my head after my divorce. Questions like, "What if no one likes me? What if I'm not attractive enough?" These doubts can haunt us, leaving us hesitant to put ourselves out there again. But here's the thing: feeling unworthy after a breakup is common, even if you were once confident and self-assured. So why does it happen? And more importantly, how can we reclaim our sense of self-worth and build a fulfilling life, independent of past relationships? In this episode, we'll explore the concept of self-worth and why it's crucial to detach it from our ex-partners or any future relationships. I'll share practical insights and advice on nurturing all aspects of your life, from friendships to hobbies, to create a solid foundation of fulfillment. Take a moment to reflect on your life before and during the relationship. Were you balanced and fulfilled, or did you rely heavily on your partner for happiness? By embracing solitude and investing in personal growth, we can cultivate inner confidence and resilience. Remember, nothing worthwhile comes easy. It takes time and effort to build genuine connections, pursue our passions, and find fulfillment. But the journey itself is where the magic happens—the mistakes, the failures, the lessons learned—they all contribute to our growth. If you're struggling with a breakup, I've got you covered. Check out the free module of my program, Breakup Fast Track, designed to help you navigate the challenges and emerge stronger than ever. Visit www.sylviasuwan.com to learn more and access exclusive resources. Thanks for tuning in to Breakup to Blessing. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners like you. I really appreciate your time and it means the world to me! Until next time, remember that your worth is not defined by your past relationships. You are worthy, you are enough, and you deserve to create a life that brings you joy and fulfillment. Take care, and I'll catch you in the next episode.

18 Helmi 202417min