You’ve probably heard me talk about projection a lot, but what happens when someone flips it on you? Ever been called a 'projector' by a gaslighter just for expressing your feelings? Or had someone throw out that new-age line, 'What triggers you is your unhealed shadow,' as a way to avoid accountability? Let’s get clear on this: not everything is about you—sometimes, you’re simply reacting to real, harmful behavior.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between projection and manipulation, why people deflect instead of owning their actions, and how to spot gaslighting in action. I’ll share advice and tips to protect your peace and take control in those frustrating conversations.

This is my last episode of 2024 before I take a holiday break with my family, so let’s end the year strong. I’ll see you back here on January 16th for Season 6. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and have a safe and Happy New Year. Until then, stay grounded, protect your boundaries, and keep Loving Yourself Completely —you deserve it.

As I’ve grown and healed, I’ve realized how much I used to tolerate—disrespect, unhealthy patterns, and people who didn’t value me the way I deserved. In this episode, I’m talking about what it means to grieve the old version of ourselves and the things we allowed that we’d never accept now. I’ll talk about turning grief into pride, creating safe environments that reflect the person you’ve become, and navigating the emotions that arise when facing the people or situations tied to your past.

With the holiday season approaching, it’s easy for anxieties to creep in as we revisit these dynamics. I’ll answer three listener questions about handling toxic individuals, setting boundaries, and deciding when stepping away is the best choice for your peace. Whether you’re showing up with confidence or choosing not to go at all, this episode is all about honoring your journey and staying true to the incredible growth you’ve achieved.

In this episode, I’m talking about checking in—with yourself, your partner, and your kids. Life can get busy and overwhelming, especially during the holidays, but it’s so important to pause and make space for honest connection.

I’ll share simple, meaningful ways to ask yourself how you’re truly feeling without falling into self-criticism, how to create an open and safe environment for your partner to share (even if they’re not the best at expressing emotions), and how to connect with your kids when they’re shutting you out.

This isn’t about fixing or forcing anything—it’s about showing up with love, patience, and curiosity for yourself and the people you care about most. Whether you’re navigating a busy season or just want to strengthen your relationships, these check-ins can be a game-changer.

Let’s grow together, one honest conversation at a time.

Two weeks ago, I recorded Healing Boldly: Being the Asshole Sometimes—a raw and honest conversation about what it really means to protect your peace, even if it means being labeled the “bad guy.” In this episode, I take things further, unpacking how standing up for yourself can be empowering, even when it makes others uncomfortable.

I shared new examples of how welcoming boundaries can challenge relationships and why the need to please doesn’t disappear—it simply becomes a healthier, more balanced version of itself. You’ll also hear my answers to listener questions about handling judgment, setting limits with difficult people, and staying firm when others resist your growth.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling misunderstood or feared being the “asshole” in someone’s story, this episode will remind you that your healing is worth it. Sometimes, the only way to honor yourself is by unapologetically putting your needs first.

This week, I’m sharing how to take your healing journey to the next level—stepping fully into your glow-up. It’s all about shedding the past, owning who you’re becoming, and reinventing yourself in a way that feels right and real. Let’s get into owning your transformation, unapologetically. Plus, as a thank-you for listening, shop Sara Bauer Boutique with code LOVING15 for 15% off—use it as much as you like!

Today I’m getting into what it means to welcome bold boundaries on your healing journey—even if it means becoming the “asshole” in someone else’s story. Real growth isn’t about fitting a mold of endless forgiveness or letting others walk all over you; it’s about standing firm in your values and protecting your peace. Today, we’ll unpack why people often react negatively when you choose yourself, and how to handle it when setting boundaries makes others uncomfortable. We’ll explore how true healing sometimes means being the bad guy in someone else’s eyes and why that’s not only okay but sometimes necessary. Finally, we’ll address listener questions about dealing with family, friends, and anyone who can’t respect your growth. Healing isn’t always about being “nice”—sometimes it’s about standing up, setting boundaries, and unapologetically putting yourself first.

It’s been eight years since the loss of my father-in-law to suicide, a tragedy that changed our lives forever. In the immediate aftermath, my family faced moments of self-destruction and deep despair. But through it all, we learned not to stay anchored in that pain. Instead, we chose to let that experience shape who we are today and guide us toward growth and understanding.

Our past can’t be erased, and we can’t change what happened. But what we can do is acknowledge it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone to become stronger versions of ourselves. Today, I want to talk about that journey—how we can remember without dwelling, and how every experience, even the painful ones, can align to give our lives purpose and direction.

In this episode of Loving Yourself Completely, we’re tackling a common but rarely discussed reality: when others become envious of your growth. As you heal, set boundaries, and find peace, not everyone will cheer you on. I’ll explore why personal growth can trigger jealousy in those still stuck in their cycles of pain, how to recognize and handle it, and why your progress might be perceived as a threat to those around you. We’ll jump into listener questions on dealing with passive-aggressive friends, unsupportive partners, and critical family members. Tune in to learn how to stay strong and unapologetically embrace your healing, even when it makes others uncomfortable.

*I apologize for the audio disruptions in this episode.* In this Q&A episode, I’ll be answering your questions about setting emotional boundaries, reconnecting with your partner, balancing self-love with parenting, and more. From understanding introvert-extrovert dynamics to keeping relationships strong through life’s challenges, we’re getting into it all. Tune in for real-life advice on navigating these important areas of life and keep the conversation going by sending in your own questions! As always shop SaraBauerBoutique.com and use code Loving15 at checkout. All October, anything PINK, 10% of proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research.

In this episode of Loving Yourself Completely, I’m talking about a struggle many of you have shared with me—how to stop making other people’s emergencies your own. I’ve received a lot of emails from listeners who understand the idea but aren’t sure how to take the first steps toward peace. Today, I’ll walk you through what emotional boundaries look like in practice and how to set them without losing your kindness or compassion. We’ll cover how to pause before reacting, how to acknowledge others’ feelings without absorbing them, and how to protect your mental health while still being there for those you care about. If you’ve ever felt emotionally drained by others’ crises, this episode is for you!