89. Avoidance = Denial

“What do you mean I’m avoiding? I’m facing everything head on.” I hear this frequently and sometimes catch myself in a state of avoidance. It takes a lot of self-reflection and awareness to notice this. Avoidance can be a natural built-in protective tendency in our body’s nervous system. We might not even realize when our bodies are keeping us from processing, cleaning out and re-writing the script. In this episode, we delve into the concept of avoidance and its detrimental effects on us and how it can keep us stuck in toxic or unhealthy relationships. The discussion covers the nature of avoidance, its origins as a protective mechanism, and the ways it perpetuates anxiety and physical tension. By avoiding negative emotions, we hinder our healing process and allow manipulative individuals to undermine our self-confidence and self-worth. The episode explores strategies to overcome avoidance, emphasizing self-awareness, self-compassion, and the importance of rebuilding social networks. Practical steps, such as journaling, setting boundaries, and gradually facing uncomfortable emotions, are highlighted to foster personal growth and emotional resilience. 00:00 Understanding Avoidance: The Root of Being Stuck 03:19 The Impact of Avoidance on Mental and Physical Health 07:25 Manipulation and Self-Confidence: The Vicious Cycle 17:57 Breaking the Cycle: Steps to Overcome Avoidance 22:40 Rebuilding Social Networks and Facing Emotions 28:24 Practical Tips for Pushing Through Avoidance