Kierstyn and Tiffany discuss the real challenges and joys of blending families and navigating new relationship dynamics. They emphasize that while merging lives is complex, intentional work can create strong, loving connections. This episode introduces a practical "Non-Negotiables & Negotiables" exercise to help couples clarify individual and family needs, improve communication, and build a foundation where everyone feels love, safety, and belonging. Whether you're newly blending or looking to enhance an existing relationship, this framework offers a tangible starting point.

Key Points Covered:

• Realities of Blending Families: Addressing the complexities of merging different personalities, parenting styles, and individual traumas.

• The "Non-Negotiables & Negotiables" Exercise: A tool for couples to identify core needs (as individuals and parents) and areas for compromise.

• Importance of Clarity: Avoiding assumptions by being specific about what each partner needs and expects.

• Intentional Communication: Stressing that healthy relationships require ongoing, intentional effort.

• Practical Application: Steps to implement the exercise, even if one partner is initially hesitant.

Connect With The Relationship Recovery:

Website: https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching

Email: hello@therelationshiprecovery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therelationshiprecovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therelationshiprecovery

Ready to build a stronger, more connected relationship? The Relationship Recovery offers coaching for individuals and couples. Book your discovery call today. Use code PODCAST for 50% off. Visit https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching.

Ready to break free from toxic relationship patterns and finally reclaim your life? The Relationship Recovery can help. As trauma-informed coaches, we are dedicated to guiding you from surviving to thriving. Book your discovery call today and let's create a plan for your healing and personal growth. Use code PODCAST for 50% off your call. Visit https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching to learn more.

In this episode, Kierstyn and Tiffany tackle a crucial, often overlooked aspect of healing after a breakup or divorce: having the energy to actually do the healing work. They discuss how emotional depletion can lead to setbacks (like reaching out to an ex or getting stuck) and emphasize the importance of simple, intentional morning routines to refuel your energy reserves.

Using a marathon analogy, they explain why preparing for your day is vital for navigating the challenges of healing and offer practical, easy-to-implement ideas to boost energy and support your journey without adding pressure or overwhelm.

Key Points Covered:

The Energy Requirement for Healing: Understanding that healing isn't passive; it requires active energy, which is often depleted after relationship turmoil.

Avoiding Depletion & Setbacks: How low energy can lead to poor decisions, reaching back to unhealthy patterns, or feeling too overwhelmed to heal.

Focus on Simplicity & Consistency: Stressing that morning routines don't need to be complex, long, or "Instagram-worthy." Small, consistent actions are key.

Practical Morning Routine Ideas:

• Don't Grab Your Phone First
• Intentional Breathing
• Gratitude Practice
• Short Guided Meditation
• Ground Your Feet
• Hydrate
• Simple Movement
• Starting Small
• The Power of Intentionality

Connect With The Relationship Recovery:

Website: https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching

Email: hello@therelationshiprecovery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therelationshiprecovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therelationshiprecovery

Morning Routine Resource/PDF: https://www.canva.com/design/DAE9JLvqzbA/eWiiLRD8YNlQs1DIiMyqcg/edit

Ready to break free from toxic relationship patterns and finally reclaim your life? The Relationship Recovery can help. As trauma-informed coaches, we are dedicated to guiding you from surviving to thriving, building the foundation and energy needed for deep healing. Book your discovery call today and let's create a plan for your healing and personal growth. Use code PODCAST for 50% off your call. Visit https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching to learn more.

In this episode, Kierstyn and Tiffany delve into the complexities and difficulties of dating after experiencing an unhealthy or toxic relationship. They validate the common struggles listeners face, explaining why re-entering the dating world can feel incredibly hard and offering practical tools to navigate this journey with more safety and self-awareness. They emphasize that healing is possible and provide actionable steps to move from just surviving past hurts to thriving in future connections.

Key Points Covered:

Understanding Why Dating Feels Hard: Exploring the deep emotional layers and nervous system responses that complicate dating after relationship turmoil.

Lack of Self-Trust: the common issue of self-doubt and fear of repeating past mistakes after betrayal or manipulation.

Emotional Connection to the Past & Trauma Bonds: how lingering trauma bonds and emotional ties can draw you back to familiar (even unhealthy) patterns or make it hard to connect authentically. (References their episode on Trauma Bonds).

Tool: Creating Internal Safety: The importance of regulating your nervous system before dating through techniques like deep breathing and affirmations.

Tool: Shift from Performance to Observation: Moving focus from "Do they like me?" to "How do I feel around them?" to increase self-awareness and reduce people-pleasing.

Tool: Red & Green Flag Lists: Using lists based on past experiences and future desires to gain clarity and stay anchored to your needs and boundaries.

Tool: Micro-Steps & Building Tolerance: Starting small with dating actions to gradually build comfort and avoid overwhelm.

The Importance of Support: Highlighting the role of a supportive community and safe connections in the healing process.

Challenge for the Week: Practical steps listeners can take immediately, including creating red/green flag lists, reconnecting to self-worth, and taking a small dating step if ready.

Connect With The Relationship Recovery:

Website: https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching

Email: hello@therelationshiprecovery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therelationshiprecovery

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therelationshiprecovery

Affirmation of The Week:

"Despite the hurt I've endured, I choose to keep my heart soft. I embrace letting my painful experiences teach and guide me, not harden me."

Ready to heal from past relationship trauma and confidently step back into dating? The Relationship Recovery can help. As trauma-informed coaches, we specialize in guiding individuals like you from the pain of toxic relationships to empowered, healthy connections—starting with the one you have with yourself. Book your discovery call today to explore how we can support your healing journey. Use code PODCAST for 50% off your call. Visit

Ready to break free from toxic relationship patterns and finally reclaim your life? The Relationship Recovery can help. As trauma-informed coaches, we are dedicated to guiding you from surviving to thriving. Book your discovery call today and let's create a plan for your healing and personal growth. Use code PODCAST for 50% off your call. Visit https://www.therelationshiprecovery.com/coaching to learn more.