#430 Signs You’re Married to a Narcissist (And How to Cope)

Do you ruminate? Think about things that happened in the past? Worry about what could happen in the future? Feel irritated with other people? Or struggle with the anxiety of comparing yourself with others?    There is an alternative to being at the mercy of your mercurial mind. Learning how to mindfully and with intention get in control of your inner experience can help you break free from anxiety and worry, rise above stress, attain profound levels of empathy and connection with others, and feel happier and more joyful in the process. But how? How do we rise above the churning of our minds and our egos, to enter into a state of compassion and connection? Well, my guest on this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast is Preethaji, a philosopher, mystic, the author of The Four Sacred Secrets and the co-founder of the international school of self-development, the O & O Academy based in India. Listen to this episode as Preethaji and I discuss: How to liberate yourself from a state of suffering How to find clarity and purpose within How to intentionally shift into a state of love, peace and calm How to feel more connected to others, to the universe, and to yourself How to transform your most important relationships through love and compassion We're digging deep, discussing how to mindfully heal old wounds, release self-limiting old beliefs, and taking responsibility for the way you show up in the world. I posed a couple of YOUR questions to her too, and her perspective was refreshing. I really enjoyed speaking with Preethaji, and I hope you get as much out of listening to this episode as I did in making it for you. Your fellow traveler, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.GrowingSelf.com

3 Sep 20191h 2min

YOUR RELATIONSHIP QUESTIONS, ANSWERED | Lately, I've had quite a few listeners and readers get in touch with their relationship questions. I thought I'd devote an entire episode of the podcast to answering them! Specifically, I'm offering free relationship advice around these common questions on today's episode: What to do when you're feeling bored in your relationship, and are concerned because you're married but have a crush on someone else. What to do when you and your partner have different love languages Whether to stay in a relationship with someone who doesn't listen to you How to get your partner to take more initiative for household tasks What to do when your partner has a substance abuse problem but won't get help What to do when your boyfriend keeps putting off getting engaged How to handle it when your partner is acting like a child in the relationship Your burning relationship questions answered, on this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast! All the best, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.GrowingSelf.com PS: One of the resources I mentioned to a listener's question was our "How Healthy is Your Relationship" quiz. Click the link if you'd like to take it too. PSS: Do YOU have a question? You're welcome to ask it here on the comments section for this post: https://www.growingself.com/free-relationship-advice-from-a-marriage-counselor, or via my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/drlisamariebobby I just might answer it on an upcoming episode! :)

26 Aug 20191h 12min

THE POWER OF DECLUTTERING: Do you ever feel oppressed by all the stuff you're hanging on to? Is it hard to get organized, and stay organized? Do you feel like your life is crammed full of obligations, relationships, things — even a career — that no longer fits the person you've grown into? Intentionally getting clear about who you are NOW, and where you want to go with your life can help you cut through all the clutter and develop an environment and a lifestyle that feels satisfying and congruent with the best parts ofyou.   True, meaningful decluttering goes much deeper than just cleaning out a closet. Decluttering and maintaining a values-based, intentional lifestyle is an exercise in personal clarity and evolution. To help YOU along your journey of renewal and growth I've invited decluttering expert Olivia Heine to join me on the latest episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast. If you're looking for some decluttering inspiration, you'll definitely want to listen to this episode. We're discussing: How decluttering your life can lead to emotional growth and healing How to get clarity about your self and your life goals, so that you know what to keep and what to let go of How to use the process of decluttering as a vehicle that can actually help you process unfinished emotional business from the past Why releasing physical possessions is often the first step in making positive changes in other parts of your life How to deal with tricky emotions (like guilt) that make it hard to let go of things How to declutter your life, your relationships, your career, and your time How the practice of decluttering helps you feel more confident and empowered How holding space in your life for the things that ARE important to you helps you create the life you want How to maintain an organized, intentional lifestyle long-term And more! So much good stuff to share with you. Olivia and I hope this discussion helps YOU get clear about who you are, what you want.... and what it's time to release! All the best, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.GrowingSelf.com Ps: Questions? Comments? Join the conversation! www.growingself.com/the-power-of-decluttering

19 Aug 20191h 1min

On today's episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast, I'm talking all about how to not JUST find your purpose and highest calling, but how to start living your life with self-awareness and intention so that you can design the reality you want. Specifically, we're discussing: Why your ultimate purpose in life is bigger than your career How to fully embrace the amount of power you already have to design the life you want How to uncover the unconscious beliefs and messages that have been leading to life circumstances you don't want Targeted questions to help you get clear about what your truth is The importance of deliberately living in congruence with your highest and best How to develop self-awareness and mindfulness strategies that will allow you to take control of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors How living intentionally and in congruence with your values leads to authentic happiness If you have been feeling stuck lately and are struggling to find clarity and direction in life, I hope you listen to this episode. With love and respect, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Ps: One of the strategies I offered on this episode involves thinking about times that you experience "flow" and writing about it. You are invited to share your "flow moments" in the comments on the blog at www.GrowingSelf.com!

12 Aug 20191h

The Transformational Season Did you know that right now is possibly the best time you'll have all year to make real and lasting change in your life? That's not hyperbole. In my experience as a therapist, life coach, marriage counselor, and fellow traveler on this journey of life, I have noticed that this season -- the annual transition from summer to fall -- is often when people are feeling most intrinsically motivated, and most able to make real and lasting change in their lives. Perhaps it's a natural itch to get back to work after the languid summer season, particularly if you've done a good job of relaxing well. Perhaps it's a lifetime of major life transitions in the form of back to school experiences. For whatever reason, now is the time when you're ready to cultivate fresh new energy in your life and plant the seeds of a new chapter. Whether it's your career, your clutter, your personal habits, or your how you spend your time that is begging for re-evaluation, the time is ripe to sweep out the old and usher in the new. On this episode of The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast, I'm going to be teaching you four crucial steps to practice as you harness the natural, transformational power of this season and use it to affect real and lasting change in your life. You'll learn how to access your self awareness, create intentional change, get deeper access to your core values, and make changes that last. Here's to your liberation! Lisa Marie Bobby

5 Aug 201941min

Many people get involved with therapy or life coachinghere at Growing Self in order to improve all their relationships — not just their romantic partnerships or marriages. Let's face it: Friendships can present their own unique challenges.   If this is an area of growth for you, too, you'll definitely want to listen to this episode. I'll be discussing: Why friendships end How the dynamics of friendships are similar to and different from romantic relationships How to mend a friendship that has been feeling strained What to do about toxic friendships How to cope if you've been ghosted by a friend The path of healing after an unexpected friendship loss How to end a friendship compassionately How to change a friendship if you need different boundaries with a friend I hope these ideas help you strengthen your friendships and keep healthy people in your life! xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, LMFT, LP, BCC Ps: Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Here's the link to join the discussion at GrowingSelf.com

22 Juli 20191h 6min

The Art of Vacationing Well It is vacation season, and you probably have some getaways planned. (I hope.) But if you are of the "rest is for mortals" mindset, you are not alone. So today I'm bringing you ten tips that will help you make the most of your hard earned vacation time -- whether you travel to exotic lands or just stick around town.  We'll be discussing how to: 1) Take time off without feeling guilty about it 2) Use your vacation time intentionally and mindfully 3) Prepare to step out in such a way as to minimize "re-entry stress" upon your return 4) Set boundaries with others (and yourself) so you can relax and be present 5) Learn how to make them positive benefits of your vacation experience last, even after you're back And much, much more -- all on this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast.  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com

8 Juli 201951min

Saving a Relationship, Single-Handedly It can feel really discouraging when you are eager to work on your relationship, and your partner is less than enthused about going to marriage counseling or relationship coaching. But know this: Every couple who gets to marriage counseling does so because one of the partners initiates it. In your relationship, that person might need to be you. And that is okay.   This episode will give you insight into what might be going on inside your partner when they say things like:   "Things aren't that bad"   "Marriage counseling is too expensive"  "We don't need to tell a stranger about our problems"  "I absolutely refuse to go to marriage counseling"  I'm sharing some tips and ideas that can help you you ease their concerns. I hope this advice helps you help YOUR partner take the first step forward with you, and start growing back together again. All the best, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com

1 Juli 201955min