In this episode of #FreeAdviceFriday, Dr. Spirit invites listeners to check in with themselves, offering guidance on emotional self-awareness and managing overwhelming feelings. She addresses anonymous questions on relationships, career growth, parenting, personal identity, and boundaries. Discussions include navigating dating after divorce, turning down a promotion without seeming unambitious, preparing teens for responsible decision-making, handling non-exclusive relationships, and overcoming childhood colorism trauma. Dr. Spirit also shares insights on high school application stress, accessing mental health support, and empowering children with healthy expectations in relationships.

Timestamps & Topics: [00:00:00] Opening & Emotional Check-In

• Encouragement to reflect on emotions
• Recognizing where feelings manifest in the body
• Understanding how to shift from negative emotions

[00:05:50] Dear Spirit: Dating After Divorce & Feeling a Void

• Increasing social engagement to find meaningful relationships
• Avoiding the trap of waiting for love rather than living fully
• Building a fulfilling life independent of a partner

[00:11:00] Career Dilemma: Declining a Promotion Without Seeming Weak

• Understanding the root cause of career stress
• Reframing a leadership decision as strength
• Negotiating job responsibilities to maintain balance

[00:16:30] Navigating Self-Discovery After a Long-Term Relationship

• Learning to listen to oneself and internal thoughts
• Dating yourself and rediscovering interests
• The role of therapy in post-relationship healing

[00:20:50] Parenting: Supporting a Teen's Curiosity About Substances

• Educating teens on safe and informed decisions
• Understanding modern drug risks, especially marijuana potency
• Setting up harm reduction and safety plans

[00:26:30] Facing Divorce & The Fear of Starting Over

• Recognizing when a marriage is no longer salvageable
• Planning an amicable exit strategy
• Utilizing therapy for smoother transitions

[00:29:50] Oversharing in Relationships: Is It a Trauma Response?

• Differentiating between transparency and oversharing
• Understanding personal expectations in relationships
• Identifying past experiences that drive communication styles

[00:38:00] Managing Stress in High School Applications

• Overcoming documentation barriers when one parent is uncooperative
• Strategies for appealing school requirements
• Finding alternative solutions for admissions

[00:44:00] Seeking Free Therapy & Early Autism Diagnosis for a Child

• Exploring employee assistance programs (EAPs) for free therapy
• Identifying community mental health resources
• Pushing for an early autism evaluation despite delays

[00:49:10] Expressing Emotions & Being Heard in a Non-Exclusive Relationship

• Identifying the root cause of communication frustrations
• Setting boundaries and expectations in open relationships
• Using therapy to strengthen relational dynamics

[00:55:50] Healing from Childhood Colorism Trauma

• Unlearning internalized negative narratives
• Recognizing societal influences on self-worth
• Integrating self-love practices

[01:00:50] Teaching Children Healthy Expectations in Relationships

• The dangers of teaching kids to expect nothing from others
• Setting boundaries to prevent exploitation
• Encouraging emotional intelligence and self-worth

[01:07:30] Closing Remarks & Podcast Availability

• Encouragement to set personal expectations for self-care
• Contact details for support and questions
• Announcement that #FreeAdviceFriday is now available as a podcast

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