Breaking Free: 5 Signs of Toxic Relationships You Can't Ignore

Are you constantly second-guessing yourself in a relationship you believed would be loving and supportive? Do you feel like you need to walk on eggshells around someone, leaving you emotionally drained?

That’s not just stress. It might be toxic abuse. And it often flies under the radar, especially for spiritual entrepreneurs like us who lead with heart, empathy, and a deep desire to serve.

When you give so much of yourself to your clients, your community, and your relationships, it can leave you wide open to emotional manipulation. And the sad fact is that you might not even realize it’s happening!

That’s why I brought Deborah Ashway, a licensed counselor and expert in healing from toxic relationships, onto the Live. Love. Engage. podcast. During our powerful conversation, she detailed the subtle signs of toxic abuse to watch out for and offered guidance on how to break free and begin your healing journey.

Recognizing the Subtle Red Flags

Toxic relationships can be sneaky. They don't always announce themselves with obvious red flags. Instead, they often creep in slowly, eroding our sense of self and reality. Deborah shared some key indicators to watch for:

• Physical and emotional reactions: Pay attention to how your body feels. Are you constantly anxious, depressed, or confused? Have you become more forgetful? These could be signs that something isn't right.

• Feedback from friends and family: If multiple people in your life are expressing concern about your relationship or asking if you're okay, it's worth taking a closer look.

• Loss of self: Have you stopped engaging in activities you once enjoyed? Are you disconnected from friends and family? Toxic relationships often lead to a gradual loss of your authentic self.

The Healing Journey: Rediscovering Your True Self

Healing from toxic abuse is a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Deborah emphasized several key steps in this process:

1. Document your reality: Start journaling immediately. Write down what's happening, how you're feeling, and any incidents that occur. This helps combat gaslighting and provides a clear record of your experiences.

2. Seek outside resources: Learn as much as you can about toxic relationships. Reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in this area.

3. Practice self-compassion: Be patient and gentle with yourself. Healing takes time, and it's not a linear process.

4. Reclaim your independence: Gradually reintroduce activities and relationships that bring you joy. This might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's crucial for rebuilding your sense of self.

Setting Healthy Boundaries in Business and Life

As spiritual entrepreneurs, it's crucial to establish clear boundaries, both in our personal lives and our businesses. Here are some strategies:

In business:

• Create clear policies and expectations for clients and employees

• Document all agreements and communications

• Implement systems of accountability

In personal relationships:

• Communicate your needs and expectations clearly

• Hold yourself and others accountable

• Trust your intuition and honor your feelings

Remember, healthy relationships - whether personal or professional - thrive on mutual respect, clear communication, and accountability.

The Spiritual Component of Healing

Deborah also touched on the spiritual component of healing. Spiritual entrepreneurs understand the power of connecting with our higher selves and the universal wisdom that surrounds us.

If you're involved in a toxic relationship, consider incorporating spiritual practices into your healing journey:

• Meditation to reconnect with your inner wisdom

• Energy healing to release emotional blockages

• Affirmations to rebuild self-worth and confidence

Your Invitation to Heal and Thrive

If you recognize signs of toxic abuse in your life, know that you're not alone, and healing is possible. You have the strength within you to reclaim your power and rediscover your authentic self.

As Deborah wisely shared, "Nothing is more valuable than your health." Prioritize your well-being, seek support, and take small steps each day towards healing. 

"You owe it to yourself to be able to give yourself that gift. That's the ultimate self-care and an act of self-love..." - Deborah Ashway

Are you ready to embark on your healing journey? I invite you to share one small step you'll take this week to honor your authentic self. Whether it's journaling, reaching out for support, or rekindling a forgotten passion, your journey starts with a single step.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this topic, I highly recommend checking out Deborah's podcast, "Healing From Toxic Abuse," available on all major podcast platforms.  You can hear my own journey of working through the complexities of toxic relationships in episode 82 of her podcast entitled, "Discovering Self-Love and Healing with Gloria Grace Rand." 

Remember, you are worthy of love, respect, and joy. Trust in your journey, embrace your unique gifts, and know that you have the power to create healthy, fulfilling relationships in all areas of your life.

About Deborah Ashway

Deborah Ashway, LCMHCS, LCAS, owns a private practice offering mental health services. She is certified in EMDR and trained in Expressive Arts, meaning she treats the root cause of most mental issues. Deborah hosts the podcast "Healing From Toxic Abuse". Her passions include her three kids, outdoor adventures, art, music, and all things science. 

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