In this episode, I’m talking directly to those of you who feel responsible for the end of your relationship. Whether it was a moment of infidelity, an outburst, or ongoing anxiety that led to the breakup, this episode is here to help you navigate the guilt and find a path forward.

I’ll guide you through the importance of owning your actions, understanding your partner’s feelings, and what it takes to rebuild trust if you’re both committed to moving forward. We’ll also explore the value of introspection and how addressing your underlying behaviours can prevent future mistakes. Plus, I’ll discuss how to make amends even if your relationship is over and you’re seeking healing and closure for yourself.

If this sounds like your situation, or even if you’re someone who was wronged, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

• How to own up to your mistakes and give your partner the time and space to heal
• The role of introspection and therapy in understanding why you acted the way you did
• How to rebuild trust and avoid repeating the same mistakes
• What to do if your relationship ended and you want to make amends for your own healing

I’m also excited to announce that bookings are now open for my Breakup Healing Retreat on November 3rd! It’s going to be an intimate and transformational day with only 12 participants, so each person will get personalised attention.

If you’re interested, visit www.bumblebeeretreats.com.au/retreats or send me a DM on Instagram @sylviasuwan.

In this episode, we dive into a crucial yet often overlooked stage in relationships—the period before a breakup. While there’s plenty of advice on what to do after a breakup, today, we’re focusing on the internal process someone goes through when they start to consider whether their relationship is still right for them. We’ll explore the doubts, the inner conflicts, and the stages of deliberation that lead up to the decision to end a relationship.

We also touch on insights from Esther Perel, who reminds us that relationships involve three entities: you, your partner, and the relationship itself. It’s crucial to nurture all three, but when one is neglected, it can lead to significant issues down the line.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a breakup and felt confused or blindsided, this episode will offer you a new perspective. We’ll unpack the typical stages someone might go through when contemplating a breakup, from feeling discontent to mentally weighing the pros and cons, to the fears and uncertainties they might face.

Whether you’re currently in a relationship or still processing a past breakup, this episode is full of insights that can help you understand what might have been going on for your ex or even prepare you to navigate similar situations in the future.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the pre-breakup phase and learn how to create a safe environment in your relationships where honest communication can thrive.

Key Points Discussed:

• The internal process of considering a breakup
• The role of doubt, discontentment, and emotional dissatisfaction
• How individuals weigh the pros and cons before making a decision
• The importance of aligning needs, desires, and future goals
• Common fears faced by those contemplating a breakup
• The subtle signs of emotional distancing
• Creating a safe space for open and honest communication in relationships

Show Links:

Early Bird Retreat Registration DM @sylviasuwan 

Join Breakup to Blessing https://sylviasuwan.com/program

In today's episode, I’m diving deep into how you can move on from a breakup in just 12 weeks. Moving on doesn’t mean you’re fully healed, but it does mean freeing yourself from attachment to your ex and any lingering desires to be with them.

I’ll break down the three key factors that determine how quickly you can move on: belief in your ability to do so, your desire to move forward, and your willingness to step into the unknown. We’ll explore how you can shift your mindset, build a new self-concept, and take responsibility for your own life.

I’ll also outline the five steps that will guide you through this 12-week journey, including acceptance, rewiring your brain, developing self-awareness, and creating a life aligned with your true purpose. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to join my Breakup to Blessing program, where I coach you through these steps in detail.

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to tune in next week for more insights and guidance.

Show links:

Join Breakup to Blessing and move on in 12 weeks https://sylviasuwan.com/program

Episode 79 – Healing vs Moving On

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In this episode of the Breakup to Blessing podcast, I delve into the complex feelings surrounding breakups that leave us searching for answers, especially when they just don't seem to make sense. As a breakup and relationship coach, I'm passionate about helping individuals navigate their emotional landscapes and find clarity during turbulent times. This particular discussion centers on the common misconception that we find closure solely through understanding our ex’s actions, and how often what we really need is to accept that their reasoning may forever remain a mystery to us. I begin by addressing the concept of closure, a term often thrown around in the aftermath of a breakup. It's easy to believe that closure is something we are owed by our former partners, but the truth is that many people already possess enough information to grant themselves a degree of closure; it’s simply a matter of accepting it. For those who grapple with confusion regarding the breakup, I challenge the belief that their ex's feelings and actions should align perfectly. The reality is that emotional complexities can cloud judgment and lead to decisions that might seem illogical from the outside. Throughout this conversation, I emphasise the importance of recognizing emotional variability. It's crucial to accept that people are not only influenced by their feelings but also by a multitude of external factors. I discuss how some individuals, particularly women, often find themselves replaying past conversations, seeking meaning in each word spoken, yet failing to reach a resolution. This mental spiral can prevent growth and healing if we become too entrenched in our need for answers that may never come. I highlight how differing emotional processing skills can lead to misinterpretation of a partner's feelings. Many people, especially in romantic contexts, operate with distinct emotional frameworks. It’s common for someone to express love and commitment one moment and then act in direct opposition when caught in inner turmoil. This dissonance can be particularly confusing and painful. I draw parallels with childhood experiences to illustrate how quickly feelings can shift, reflecting on the dualities we struggled to comprehend as children and how that same complexity exists in adult relationships. The episode further explores the intersection of logic and emotion in decision-making, underscoring the divergent ways we each approach relationships. Some individuals prioritise rational thinking, while others lean heavily on their emotional instincts. This dissimilarity can lead to misunderstandings about the depth and permanence of feelings, particularly in a breakup scenario. I introduce the idea that although we may feel uniquely connected to our ex-partners, each person's internal experience is vastly different, shaped by their own beliefs, backgrounds, and emotional literacy. Toward the close of our discussion, I address the call to find acceptance in situations where clarity eludes us. I propose shifting perspectives: rather than focusing on our partner's decisions that we may not understand, we should redirect that energy towards our own growth and healing. Releasing the need for definitive answers is a vital step in moving forward. Understanding that our self-worth is not tied to another's choices can be liberating and, ultimately, empowering. This episode serves as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Instead, I encourage listeners to embrace the ambiguity of life and trust that clarity will come in its own time. The essence of healing lies not in dissecting our past relationships but in focusing on ourselves and our journeys ahead.

Show Links:

Join Breakup to Blessing and Transform Your Life https://sylviasuwan.com

Today we delve into the challenging process of letting go, especially when it feels impossible to do so. Many of us struggle with this, even when we know it's the right thing to do. This episode will guide you through understanding why letting go is difficult and provide actionable steps to help you move forward.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why Letting Go is Difficult: Understanding the emotional attachment and why it's hard to accept the end of a relationship.
• The Importance of No-Contact: Treating no-contact like overcoming an addiction to help you move on.

Steps to Let Go: 

1. 1. Self-Reflection: Engage in introspection to understand your attachment through journaling, therapy, or talking to a trusted friend. Identify what emotional needs your ex fulfilled.
   2. Acceptance: Recognise that the relationship no longer serves you positively and that staying attached only brings negative outcomes.
   3. Emotional Regulation: Learn techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, and mindfulness to manage and regulate your emotions. These skills are crucial for future healthy relationships.
   4. Reframing Thoughts: Challenge and reframe obsessive thoughts about your ex. Create a new narrative that supports your goal of detachment.
   5. Building Self-Worth: Recognise your strengths, achievements, and qualities. Validate yourself rather than seeking approval from others.
   6. Cultivating Independence: Engage in activities that boost your confidence and sense of autonomy. Try new things, learn new skills, and focus on personal growth.
   7. Focusing on the Present: Practice daily mindfulness and meditation to stay in the moment and avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Letting go requires emotional work, not just intellectual understanding.
• Self-reflection and acceptance are crucial first steps.
• Developing emotional regulation and self-worth can help you build healthier future relationships.
• Cultivating independence and staying present are key to moving forward.

Show Links:

Join Breakup to Blessing and Transform Your Heartbreak https://sylviasuwan.com/program

Free Breakup Journal Link: Download Here

Welcome back to episode 82. Today's episode is for anyone who feels anxious in their relationships or while dating, and also for those who are dating someone with anxious attachment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Defining Anxiety in Relationships: Understanding what it means to feel anxious and how it impacts your emotional and physical state.
• Behavioural Side Effects: The constant need for reassurance, avoidance of important conversations, and the oscillation between clinginess and withdrawal.
• Physical Side Effects: How anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances and affect your overall wellbeing.
• Communication Challenges: The difficulties anxiety introduces in maintaining open and honest communication.

We also explore strategies to manage and reduce anxiety:

1. Audit Your Relationships: Assess how secure you feel in your current relationships and identify areas for improvement.
2. Positive Affirmations: Create lists of qualities that your friends, partner, and you love about yourself to combat anxiety and boost self-esteem.
3. Deep Breathing and Reflection: Use deep breathing techniques and read your affirmations before reacting anxiously.
4. Seek Professional Help: If anxiety is deeply impacting your life, consider therapy to gain tools and techniques for better management.

Remember, it's not just about finding the right partner but also about working on yourself to build healthier, more secure relationships.

Show links:

Join Breakup to Blessing: https://sylviasuwan.com/program

Episode 37: What attachment style are you?

Episode 38: How to become securely attached

Welcome to episode 81! In today's podcast I show you 8 positive signs you have moved on from your ex and how you can use these to guide your journey as a way to measure your progress.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Neutral or Indifferent Feelings: You feel neutral or indifferent about your ex.
2. No Future Fantasies or Past Romances: You don’t fantasise about them in your future or think about them romantically in the past.
3. Sense of Closure: You feel a sense of closure about the relationship, even without direct closure from them.
4. Minimal Thoughts: You rarely think about them, if at all.
5. No Jealousy: You don’t feel jealous about them being with someone else.
6. Openness to Dating: You’re open to dating others and don’t compare them to your ex.
7. Minimal Social Media Checks: You don’t check their social media frequently.
8. No Desire to Reunite: You wouldn’t want to get back together with them, even if given the chance.

Show links:

Join Breakup to Blessing https://sylviasuwan.com/program

Welcome to episode 80. Since starting this podcast in November last year, I’ve been releasing episodes twice a week. My Monday episodes focus on practical tips and strategies, while Friday episodes offer inspiration for the weekend. Moving forward, I’ll concentrate more on the Monday episodes, providing more depth, and this will be the final Friday bitesized episode for now. Future interviews might bring back the twice-weekly schedule.

Today's episode is essential for anyone trying to move on or heal from heartbreak. Whether your relationship ended recently or it's been months or even years, if you still struggle to move on, this episode is for you.

We delve into the importance of "setting intentions for healing." Without a clear intention, our emotions can lead us astray, especially during heartbreak. These emotions can push us to actions that hinder our healing, like contacting an ex when feeling lonely or upset. Setting a strong intention can help you resist these impulses by making you reflect on the consequences.

I offer an exercise to help set your intention for healing. Grab a pen and paper and list everything that was unhealthy about the relationship. Next, list what you want in a future relationship, referencing what you loved in past ones. Finally, list all the reasons you must heal to be ready for a future relationship. This exercise will give you a tangible reminder of why your future self deserves you to show up and heal.

If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to listen again. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you next week!

Show Links

Join Breakup to Blessing https://sylviasuwan.com/program

In this episode of Breakup to Blessing, we explore the crucial differences between healing and moving on after a relationship ends. Understanding these distinctions is key to achieving emotional freedom and forming healthier future relationships.

Show Notes:

• The Difference Between Healing and Moving On:

  • Moving on means being free from your ex in terms of attachment and desire. This involves not having any romantic feelings towards them and not letting emotions like resentment, anger, or jealousy prevent you from committing to another relationship.

• Healing:

  • Healing is a more complex process that varies depending on what needs healing. It can take years, especially if the relationship involved abuse, trauma, or long-term emotional pain. Therapy might be necessary to aid in this process.
  • Sometimes, you may not even realise there are unresolved issues until you are in a new relationship and get triggered. These moments reveal what still needs attention.

• Testing Your Healing:

  • The true extent of your healing often becomes apparent when you commit to another person. Real-life situations can test your emotional responses, revealing any lingering trauma. For example, if your ex's unresponsiveness caused you anxiety, this might resurface in a new relationship if not fully addressed.

• Complex Sources of Trauma:

  • It's important to recognise that unresolved trauma may not only stem from your relationship with your ex. It can be a product of various past relationships, including those with family members, which affect your romantic relationships.

• Moving On vs. Complete Healing:

  • Ideally, you should start by moving on from your ex before aiming for complete healing. Waiting to be fully healed before entering a new relationship might mean you never get into one. You can heal while in a relationship, but remember, it's not your partner's job to fix you. The responsibility is yours, though having a supportive partner is crucial.

• Supporting Each Other:

  • A partner's role is also significant. Even if they weren't part of your past, they have a role in supporting you if they want to build a future with you. A committed relationship involves embracing both the good and the difficult parts.

• The Reality of Past Experiences:

  • Everyone has a past, and the older you get, the more likely it is that you and others will have things to work on. There's no such thing as being fully healed and completely free from the past when entering a new relationship.

• Key Takeaway:

  • The minimum you should aim for is to move on from your ex—the person. From there, you can work on healing other aspects.

Show Links:

Join Breakup to Blessing and move on in 12 weeks: https://sylviasuwan.com/program

In Episode 78, we tackle the common and often painful habit of "should have" thinking after a breakup. We explore the tendency to question what we could have done differently and offer constructive ways to address these thoughts. Tune in for a motivational pep talk that encourages growth, self-reflection, and moving forward.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The Trap of "Should Have" Thinking:

   • Common thoughts about what could have been done differently to save the relationship.
   • Examples of self-doubt: being too needy, not needy enough, or appearing ambivalent.

2. Doing Your Best:

   • Emphasis on the belief that we all do the best we can at any given time.
   • Highlighting the futility of beating yourself up over past actions and entertaining what-if scenarios.

3. Constructive Reflection:

   • Using past behaviours as learning opportunities for future relationships.
   • Self-improvement through understanding how certain actions might have affected the relationship.

4. Communicating with Your Ex:

   • When and how to reach out to an ex to express feelings and reflections, without expectations.
   • The importance of doing this to achieve closure and peace of mind.

5. Moving Forward:

   • Encouragement to rest easy knowing you did your best.
   • Motivational message about resilience and the passing nature of pain.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on past behaviours and identify areas for personal growth.
• Consider whether communicating your reflections to your ex is appropriate for your situation.
• Focus on moving forward with the understanding that you did the best you could at the time.

Final Thoughts: Remember, you are strong and resilient. This phase will pass, and you'll come out of it wiser and more self-aware.

Show Links:

Join Breakup to Blessing: https://sylviasuwan.com/program