The Overwhelmed Brain

Latest Episodes:

Identifying Your Sense of Self - Overcoming the Guilt of Leaving the Emotional Abuser - Diminishing Emotional Triggers Jun 04, 2017

Show notes

Your sense of self and identity can dissolve or even be rewritten over years of trau Your sense of self and identity can dissolve or even be rewritten over years of trauma, abuse, and / or dysfunction. Dis-integration can happen after a lifetime of challenges that you haven't healed from, causing you to feel scattered and feel like you have no purpose. When you don't have a strong emotional foundation, the hard times are harder and you feel beat up and burnt out almost all the time. It's important to establish who you are. You do this by honoring yourself, honoring your boundaries and showing up as authentically you. But how do you do that? That's what segment one is about. It's time to create, or recreate who you are. In segment two, I read a letter from "Mary" who is feeling guilt for leaving an emotionally abusive husband. She knows leaving is the right step, but she wants to know how she can overcome the guilt that comes with it. An emotional abuser exploits your kindness, compassion and generosity. They know how to use who you are against you. What personal boundaries are being taken away from you when someone is trying to guilt you? What values do they know about you that they are exploiting? There's a reason you feel guilty: It's because they know how to make you feel bad for not being you. It's a complex path that they have mastered, so it's time to reveal that path so that you know just how to stop it from happening. Guilt comes from kindness and compassion - this segment will tell you how to utilize your own compassion to eradicate the guilt of leaving the abusive relationship. There's a huge opportunity for both partners to heal. During the closing segment, I'll share with you a neat brain trick that will take a memory that upsets you and transform it into laughter. Do you have an emotional trigger you've been wanting to diminish or dissolve? Take the ride with me… should be fun! Today's episode was brought to you by getoutofthemess.com. Quality attorneys at established law firms for about $20 a month.

When You Haven't Achieved Life Goals Yet - Walking the Line Between Partner and Consoler - Waiting for Your Ex to Return to the Relationship May 28, 2017

Show notes

What happens when you reach that age where you thought you would have accomplished certain things in life but are nowhere close to what you set out to do 10, 20, 30 or more years ago? Do you get depressed? Do you have a mid-life crisis? Or… maybe you see that there's a bigger plan in the works for your life. If that's too spiritual a view for you, perhaps it's time to comes to terms with your fears and accept realities you don't want to accept. It sounds dismal and defeating thinking this way, but what if it's the path to the life you've always wanted? What if acceptance of what is awful is what gets you out of the rut? Lots to talk about in this first segment. In segment two, I read a letter from someone who wants to know how to walk the fine line between spouse and consoler. If you find yourself being a caretaker and therapist, along with loving partner, you may not know where to draw the line and at what point taking care of others is actually take care away from you. There's a fine line and I attempt to address just how to create balance in a relationship like this, especially if one partner has had trauma or abuse in their past. During the close of the show, I talk about how when you've gone through a breakup and you are still grasping at straws and hoping your partner will return, there's an acceptance that needs to happen within you so that if they do come back, you aren't bringing the old you back into the relationship. Acceptance of what is heals and helps you get ready for your next relationship, whether it is with your ex or not. Today's episode was brought to you by getoutofthemess.com. Quality attorneys at established law firms for about $20 a month.

Starting Sex Before the Bedroom - Achieving Closure After the Breakup - Attracting Authentic People May 21, 2017

Show notes

When does sex really start? When you're taking off your clothes? The heated kissing or "petting" or… is there a lot more to it? If you are emotionally connected, you already know when sex starts - way before you ever step into the bedroom. If you are somewhat detached from your emotions however, sex is probably, mainly a physical thing for you. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum of sexual intelligence, this segment is all about how to build it right so that it is as enjoyable as it can be. The buildup, the trust, the vulnerability, the attentiveness, the receptiveness, and a whole lot more can make or break sex. If you want a healthy sex life, make everything else but sex as healthy and happy as possible. Where's your focus during sex? Segment one is dedicated to sex (it's clean, but still an adult subject matter, be advised!). In segment two, a woman writes to me and asks how to achieve closure and feel better after her boyfriend dumped her. He promised he would treat her right and stay with her but he didn't. What do you do when someone doesn't keep their commitment? Does a commitment last forever? And when it doesn't, how do you get to closure so you can move on with your life? Love doesn't override everything

Fear-Based Decision Making - Wanting more than friendship - Giving it all away for free May 14, 2017

Show notes

Do you make decisions based on what's in alignment with the highest intention for yourself, or do you make them based on fear. One path almost always leads to turmoil, and the other leads to getting what you want out of life almost every time. In segment two, what do you do when you start to have feelings for a good friend? And what if they don't have feelings back? Can you keep this kind of friendship or are you doomed for disappointment? I read a letter from someone going through this right now. It can be a huge challenge to have an authentic friendship when there's an underlying desire. During the closing of the show, I share a little behind the scenes of how I succeed at The Overwhelmed Brain and still give away everything I know for free. Today's episode is brought to you by getoutofthemess.com. Access to quality attorneys anytime you need them for a monthly fee, not an hourly one!

Holding on to regrets and resentments - What is healthy communication? - When it can't get any worse May 07, 2017

Show notes

What resentments or regrets are you holding on to? Sometimes years can go by while you keep a firm grasp of what causes you stress simply because you can't let go of the idea that you could have made different choices in life. Or, could you have made different choices or taken a different direction in your life? If so, why not? In segment two, I talk about a healthy way to communicate with others - one that fosters positive relationships and productive communication. There's a big picture to keep in mind if you want to get along with almost everyone and it has to do with letting something important go: Your attachment to being right! In segment three, I read a message from someone who is as low as it seems one can go. Depression, anxiety, stress, and years of family dysfunction. And the only thing she has to hold on to is a relationship that is perfect but she believes is doomed to fail if she can't figure herself out and get well. She's so focused on what she has to lose that she might actually create what she fears. She is in the breakdown stage when nothing seems to be going right. The good news? There's nothing below breakdown so maybe it's time for a breakthrough. I talk about the steps that can get you to a better place once you are in the bottom of the barrel and you feel like it can't possibly get any worse.

When it's time to call it quits in a relationship - Weaning family off you - Finding Purpose Apr 30, 2017

Show notes

Is it time to call it quits in your relationship? When do you know? Are there signs that you can look at and say, "Hey, that's happening to us! Maybe we should split up." Yes but it doesn't mean you have to split up. In fact, listen together if you think you may be experiencing relationship hiccups so that you can discuss what can be done instead of just giving in and giving up. In segment two I read a letter from a woman who just wants a normal sibling relationship with her brother, not a mother / son relationship which it's been up to this point. She feels a little taken advantage of and it's affecting her love and support for him. Soon she's going to be so burnt out that she may end up getting out of their relationship altogether. There is a way to wean family off of their dependencies on you. During the close of the show I talk about how you can define meaning and purpose in your life. Just what is the point of being here when you feel like there is no point being here? That's an important question to get the answer to if you're asking that of yourself. Meaning and purpose can be defined as soon as structure is created in your life. It's not as easy as it sounds and might require taking steps that were previously uncomfortable. Today's episode of The Overwhelmed Brain is brought to you by StoryWorth. Give a gift that lasts a lifetime! Visit storyworth.com/brain for $20 off your subscription. Website: http://theoverwhelmedbrain.com

Don't Want You in My Mind - Spouse's Parents Don't Like Me - Most Important Relationship Lessons - Standing in Other's Shoes Apr 23, 2017

Show notes

That person just keeps popping into your head - someone you don't like. They are a mind-nuisance and they just won't go away. It's bad enough you see them or hear about them, but why do you have to constantly think about them? In segment one of today's show I read a letter from a woman who can't get her husband's ex-wife out of her mind. How do you get rid of a pervasive thought? How can you finally rid yourself of that one thing you just can't seem to eradicate from your mind's eye? I have a few suggestions. In segment two, I read another email from someone I call, "Mary". She feels condemned by her husband's mom. His mom puts her down and emotionally abuses her. No matter what Mary does, his mom won't stop. There's a solution to this and it probably involves some hard decisions and firm stands. His mom is probably not going to change so it's up to someone else to make the change happen. After all, your marriage is your foundation and if someone is attempting to shake or destroy that foundation, it may be time to take a stand. In segment three, I talk about the most important lessons I've learned from all my previous relationships and what kind of relationship I had with myself in recognizing, or not, my own dysfunction. There are some powerful relationship lessons in this segment. I hope you can learn from my mistakes! Have you ever looked at someone else's life and wondered what's so hard about what they do? Then you get the opportunity to stand in their shoes for a while and suddenly realize you've been misjudging them and their situation all along? My girlfriend had foot surgery recently and I've suddenly realized what it's like to be a full-time caretaker. It's not easy, it's educational, and I'm a lot more appreciative of what many people have to go through on a regular basis. If you know a caretaker of any kind, this segment may help you relate. Today's episode is brought to you by getoutofthemess.com. Quality legal insurance to protect you and help you fight back

What are Guilt and Shame - Fearing Rejection and Abandonment - Solving All Your Problems Apr 16, 2017

Show notes

Guilt and shame are two battles in two different dimensions: Internal and external. Internally, you can feel guilt for something you've said or done. Externally, you can feel the shame by witnessing others judging and blaming you for what you've done. A listener asks me what the difference between the two are and I do my best to provide an answer that focuses on what you can do about both and not just one that highlights their relationship. After all, what's the point of talking about guilt and shame unless you know a way out? I also get into the ideas of self-worth and self-esteem and how they can play a role, along with complimentary dysfunctional relationships. This is packed segment that takes you for a visit to your ethical and moral compass. Are you ready to face those deep areas of your psyche? In segment two, someone asks me how to get over fear of rejection and abandonment. If you bring fear into your relationship, it can manifest into what you fear. In other words, insecurity can often manifest into an insecure relationship. However, when you bring 100% faith, love and trust into your relationship, you'll almost always enjoy it more. You could still get hurt, but you can either enjoy it to the fullest or live in fear and never experience the full breadth of what could be something wonderful. This segment also brings up the issue of manipulative people and how they play a role in your insecurities. You could be 100% loving and trusting but a manipulative person can use that against you. There are many signs of manipulation so it's good to be aware of what they are. You can trust and you can also be aware and conscientious. There is a path out of your fears of rejection and abandonment and it involves doing something a little strange. Let's just say you might have to travel back in time to visit a younger version of yourself. That version needs the you of today. I tell you how to do just that in this segment. During the close of the show, I share a powerful method of solving your problems. It involves a pen, paper and maybe even Abraham Lincoln. Tune in to find out! Get the free audio book 99 Minute Millionare here! http://scottalanturner.com/brain

Suicidal Thoughts - You're Not Alone - The Big Picture in Relationships - Taking Time to Heal Loneliness Apr 09, 2017

Show notes

Suicidal thoughts aren't usually discussed out loud. They fester inside and sometimes the people around you have no clue what's going on until it's too late. However, I don't believe suicidal thoughts in themselves are necessarily unhealthy. In fact, they can be good way to let the brain consider all outcomes. But why stop at suicidal thoughts? Why not also think about what would happen if you did other things like give someone a hundred dollar bill? Or told someone how well they dressed? What if you chose to just add some other thoughts you don't normally have? What would happen if you chose to let go of your resistance to any bad thoughts? What you resist persists and amplifies, so it's not a matter of closing off suicidal thoughts. It's a matter of expressing them and talking them out with others. Some thoughts can feel obsessive and always present, so why not add other types of obsessive thoughts into the mix as well? What would happen if you chose to face what you didn't want to face? Sometimes we fear more facing our fears and look for another way out. That way out isn't necessarily a good choice... after all, once you're "out", you have no more choice. And I want you to always have a choice. Suicide is a touchy subject that needs to be talked about, but often isn't. It's not all doom and gloom when someone has suicidal thoughts. They're just thoughts! Everyone has a right to think about anything they want. Sometimes we need to talk things through to understand why we think the way we do, so it's important to express these thoughts before the thoughts turn into action. When you take action on unhealthy thoughts, that's when you start making choices that take your choices away. Sometimes a permanent choice leaves you no choice. If you're thinking about suicide, consider calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 because you've got nothing to lose and only a kind, non-judgmental ear to gain. It's anonymous. Visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ In segment 2, I play the debut of the song: You're Not Alone by Asha Lightbearer at http://ashalightbearer.com In segment 3, I read a message from someone who is continually blamed in their relationship and doesn't know what to do. This person turns into a little child around their partner and can't figure out how to be "the adult" so that they can honor their boundaries. I help "Chris" keep the big picture in their relationship while not getting so enbroiled in the details. Getting stuck in the minutia hinders progress and can overwhelm you, making you feel like the child. By showing up for that inner child inside you, you can start to be the adult it needs to make it through and honor his or herself. In closing, I talk about my loneliness and what I experienced after my divorce. Loneliness while you're alone is the best time to look into healing it so you don't bring it into your next relationship. This episode is brought to you by http://getoutofthemess.com

Emotionally Needy People - Tapping into your Foundation - I Didn't Ask For Your Advice - Fighting Desires Apr 02, 2017

Show notes

What if you're in a relationship where you need an emotional connection from someone else but they don't seem to be in the same space as you. Sometimes the one you love will come home after a long day and you just want to shower them with love, but they don't seem to want to shower you back. Is there something wrong with them? Is there something dysfunctional about you? If you are in a loving, supportive relationship, but can't seem to connect to your partner, maybe this segment will help you sort out what might be going on for you. Sometimes your partner has reached their giving limit and it may have nothing to do with you and everything to do with how much energy they have left for themselves. In segment two, I read a message from someone who shares her multiple traumas and how this show has helped her live a better life. But it's not just about this show, it's about you building a solid foundation inside yourself so that you will have a place to land when you fall. And you will fall! So keep that foundation intact. And you don't have to go through the struggles alone. That's why this show and many other resources exist. In segment three, a woman writes to me and says that she doesn't seem to be learning the lessons fast enough for her boyfriend. She feels overwhelmed and even though he teaches her a lot of ways to work through things, she's starting to build resentment. Hmm… maybe she is getting advice that she's not necessarily asking for? Not sure, but a great message to explore nonetheless. Sometimes unsolicited advice can do that. It can build resentment because the person getting the advice may not be in the right space for it. It's like when someone recommends a book to you and you go check it out only to find out that it isn't helpful at all. Then 10 years later you see that same book and suddenly it's exactly what you needed. You might need to go through some other life lessons that prepare you to be in a space where a particular piece of advice or direction works for you. Always go in the direction that works for you. If you have a helper friend that gives great advice, their words may not always work. Not because it isn't good advice, but because you haven't reached a place where that advice really sticks. Self-empowered action is usually the best course of action, but it takes special people to understand that and leave you on the path you're on until you ask them for help. Then you might just learn something that stays with you forever. During the close of the show, I talk about how to live contently with strong desires. Is it possible? Sometimes it seems completely futile because desires can get so strong. The desire to cheat, the desire to lie, the desire to be with someone romantically, and even desires you don't want anyone to know about. I don't think the goal is to get rid of your desires, I think it's to fulfill them in a healthy way. If you can figure out what's missing in your life first, then write those things down, then you'll be clear on what you need to fulfill in yourself. There's more to it of course. One step toward fulfilling your needs is to do it from a place of desire without desperation. Once you bring desperation into the mix, you'll likely repel what you want to attract. There's a science behind what you focus on is what you'll see and get more of, but there's also a faith that might need to be adopted that what you desire in your life, when it's not motivated by desperation, could be what desires you too. Today's episode is brought to you by getoutofthemess.com

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