130: When A Family Member Is Your First Bully: Overcoming Shame and Reclaiming Your Story

In this deeply personal conversation, we explore what happens when those closest to us become our earliest bullies—using intimidation, humiliation, or gaslighting to undermine our self-worth. We clarify the difference between typical family conflict and true bullying. We explore how this pattern of making ourselves small can persist in adulthood and manifest as low self-esteem, codependency, or an inability to set healthy boundaries. By highlighting some of the normalized, harmful dynamics in our family system, this episode encourages listeners to reclaim their voice and question inherited roles. Whether you’ve endured ongoing criticism or felt pressured to shrink yourself for familial approval, this discussion offers understanding and tools for meaningful healing. Learn how to identify emotional triggers, examine the stories you were taught to believe, and replace internalized shame with self-compassion. With honest insights on navigating estrangement, setting limits, and rebuilding self-trust, this episode empowers you to confront painful family legacies and chart a more authentic path forward.

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