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"You don't need to see the whole path. Just take the next step." -Unknown

"It took me 34 years to feel safe within my home." These words from Farah stopped me in my tracks as we recorded this powerful conversation about survival, recognition, and healing after lifelong abuse.

This episode follows Farah's journey from a childhood marked by severe physical violence through two abusive relationships that left her questioning her worth and identity. With remarkable candor, she shares how she initially failed to recognize her experiences as abuse until a friend asked just the right questions and she began reading about narcissistic relationships. "The floodgates kind of just opened up," she explains, detailing that moment of clarity when she finally saw her past through unclouded eyes.

What makes Farah's story extraordinary isn't just what she survived, but her unwavering spirit through it all. Even as a child facing brutal corporal punishment, she refused to stay silent. Her siblings nicknamed her "Kunta" (from Roots) for her refusal to submit to mistreatment. That same fighting spirit eventually helped her create boundaries, make difficult choices, and finally establish a safe home for herself and her children.

Throughout our conversation, Farah offers profound insights into what healing actually looks like day-to-day. "Healing is a lifestyle," she emphasizes, sharing her practices for nervous system regulation, learning to be still, and checking in with her body after years of disconnection. For anyone who has experienced trauma, her wisdom about giving yourself permission to feel everything – including the uncomfortable emotions – provides a roadmap for authentic recovery.

This episode contains detailed descriptions of physical abuse that may be triggering for some listeners. Please prioritize your wellbeing while listening. Join us next week for part two, where we'll explore Farah's experience in a controlling BDSM and poly relationship with cult-like dynamics, and how she ultimately found her way back to herself.

Follow Farah on Instagram!

@farahsfitnessfactory

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

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Healing isn't just about surviving trauma—it's about reclaiming your voice, rediscovering joy, and finally coming home to yourself. That's the powerful message at the heart of this deeply moving conversation with Stephanie, a survivor who's transforming her experiences with narcissistic abuse into creative purpose.

"I don't need anyone to call me an author. I can call myself that," Stephanie declares in what becomes one of many breakthrough moments in this episode. We explore how economic abuse continues long after physical separation, the profound process of "unlearning" who we thought our abusers were, and the liberation that comes when we stop seeking external validation.

Stephanie's journey takes us through the writing of her children's book on self-worth, the heartbreak of loss that became a catalyst for her transformation, and the disturbing patterns of narcissistic parenting that created vulnerability to similar dynamics in adult relationships. Her candid revelations about childhood experiences—where inappropriate boundaries and gaslighting were normalized—illuminate how early trauma shapes our understanding of love and safety.

What makes this episode particularly special is Stephanie's perspective on creative expression as healing. For her, writing has become meditation, a flow state where she reconnects with her authentic self. This highlights an often-overlooked truth: healing isn't just therapy sessions and painful processing—it's also about rediscovering what brings you joy and purpose.

Whether you're currently in an abusive situation, processing childhood trauma, or supporting someone who is, Stephanie offers practical wisdom: "Find your people and keep them close," and "Listen to yourself." Her story reminds us that in speaking our truth—even when our voice shakes—we not only heal ourselves but potentially help others recognize and escape similar situations.

The research is within. Your story is your data, your wisdom, and ultimately, your power. Join us for this transformative conversation about finding freedom through authenticity, creativity, and self-trust.

Support Stephanie's work! Buy her book, I Am Me and That Is Worthy:

Link coming soon!

FOLLOW STEPH ON SUBSTACK:

https://a.co/d/0Z7Zyog

https://lessonsindiscernment.substack.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK35mFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpyUQ3Aycqlm_OOFodonAA6CgTb0wlwFJx7HSR_8G3NJVDMvwlYHHWTktDfN-_aem_QvapmSJDv7Wdh9jGSi6utg

FOLLOW STEPH ON INSTA:

https://www.instagram.com/stechristine?igsh=MWFibXRvY281djNpaA==

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

Send us a text

What happens when you finally break free from abuse but find yourself standing on unfamiliar ground? For Stephanie, a mother of two neurodivergent children and a survivor of narcissistic abuse, that first year became both a battleground and a sacred space of rediscovery.

"Nature loves courage," Stephanie reminds us. "When you open up to the world, it opens itself beyond what you can conceive." After enduring abuse from both her narcissistic mother and ex-partner, she found herself documenting every moment, writing furiously after putting her children to bed, turning her pain into words that would eventually become her pathway back to herself. This episode explores how gaslighting creates a desperate need to record reality when your perception has been systematically undermined for years.

The conversation delves into fascinating psychological patterns – how children of narcissists either become empaths constantly scanning for danger or develop narcissistic tendencies themselves. For empaths like Stephanie, this wiring created vulnerability to relationships where her contributions as a mother to two children with autism were constantly minimized, where her joy was mocked, and where her financial independence was undermined. When her ex laughed in her face about her creative ambitions, she made a powerful decision: "I'm going to prove this motherfucker wrong."

Whether you're freshly out of abuse or years into healing, this episode offers profound insights into reclaiming your voice, finding community, and daring to believe that joy isn't just possible, it's your birthright. Sharing stories becomes an exercise in "unlearning shame," turning personal pain into connection and validation that reminds every survivor they're not alone. Subscribe now to join a growing community where healing happens together, and discover why the world truly is a better place because you're in it.

FOLLOW STEPH ON SUBSTACK:

https://lessonsindiscernment.substack.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK35mFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpyUQ3Aycqlm_OOFodonAA6CgTb0wlwFJx7HSR_8G3NJVDMvwlYHHWTktDfN-_aem_QvapmSJDv7Wdh9jGSi6utg

FOLLOW STEPH ON INSTA:

https://www.instagram.com/stechristine?igsh=MWFibXRvY281djNpaA==

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

Send us a text

In part two of Keyanna's story, we dive deep into the darkest moments of her abusive relationship when isolation and control led to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and her fight for survival.

• Keyanna describes how severe isolation and emotional abuse led to self-harm as she struggled with no resources or support system
• Her abuser weaponized her pain and mental health struggles against her, publicly shaming her instead of offering support
• After a violent physical assault where she was choked unconscious, Keyanna reached her breaking point
• Keyanna shares her suicide attempt and the complex emotions of feeling trapped with no escape
• Despite being hospitalized and revealing the abuse, her abuser was allowed to participate in her treatment meetings
• Her family ultimately helped end the relationship, though they had been unaware of the severity of the abuse
• Years later, Keyanna discovered her ex was imprisoned for attempting to murder another girlfriend
• Now nearly 11 years self-harm free, Keyanna views each day of recovery as reclaiming her freedom
• Her advice to others in abusive situations: find just one trusted person to tell your story to

If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You are not alone, and help is available.

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

Send us a text

Kiana shares her harrowing journey of surviving relationship abuse that began when she was just 18 years old and directionless after high school. Her powerful testimony reveals how abuse can take many forms beyond physical violence.

• First meeting her abuser through Facebook and quickly becoming inseparable
• Experiencing isolation tactics disguised as love and protectiveness
• Dealing with constant surveillance at work and jealousy toward any potential male interactions
• Being followed to college when trying to create independence
• Losing access to her own money and basic necessities
• Resorting to hiding expired food behind dumpsters just to eat
• Going from size 16 to size 0 in just four months due to starvation and stress
• Being manipulated by claims of an "alter ego" that made her responsible for her partner's behavior
• Recognizing the dead look in her eyes when looking at photos from that time

Join our Survivor Sisterhood on Facebook if you're feeling isolated or alone in your healing journey. Remember that healing happens in community, and you don't have to carry this weight by yourself.

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

Send us a text

Hey! Let me know what you think of this mini episode. To be honest, I needed a small breather while I processed telling my story to a room full of people this past week. What a weird layered experience. Seeing how people react when you say the things out loud that you've lived through. Wow...

I hope you like this quick story I found on the #letsnotmeet subreddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/LetsNotMeet/s/Pc4gShSnDG

In this episode:

We explore the journey of a domestic violence survivor who escaped an abusive marriage that began just one week after high school graduation. Her candid story reveals how quickly abuse can escalate and the courage it takes to plan a safe escape.

• Red flags appeared immediately, including abandonment on their wedding day
• Isolation tactics intensified after moving to Texas with her military husband
• Physical violence escalated from throwing objects to life-threatening assault
• Family witnessed abuse during a terrifying phone call
• Executed a 2 AM escape plan, driving nine hours to safety
• Healing from trauma is possible but scars remain

If you related to this story or know someone who might need support, please share this episode. Healing happens in community, and your support helps us reach more victims and survivors who need to hear these stories and know they are not alone.

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

Send us a text

Sophie shares her harrowing journey through an abusive relationship, revealing how control intensified during pregnancy and after childbirth. Her powerful testimony illustrates the invisible wounds of psychological abuse and the strength it takes to reclaim freedom.

• Recounting labor and childbirth when her abuser refused to wake up, flirted with another woman, and abandoned her for hours
• Describing postpartum control including being forced to sleep on the couch with her newborn and maintain silence
• Explaining how she developed PTSD after a knife incident and couldn't use knives for a full year
• Discussing how trauma affects memory formation, causing fragmented recollection of abuse
• Detailing the cycle of leaving and returning, and how abusers often escalate after reconciliation
• Sharing how connecting with other survivors through the Survivor Sisterhood provided validation
• Highlighting how abusers' behavior is not excused by substance use
• Offering hope that freedom is possible with the message "one day you will feel the sun on your face again"

If you're ready to start your healing journey or need a safe place where your story is understood, join the Survivor Sisterhood, our private Facebook community built by survivors for survivors. The link to join is in the show notes.

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

Send us a text

Sophie shares her powerful journey of surviving domestic abuse during pregnancy and the complex manipulation tactics her abuser used to maintain control.

• Met her abuser at college when she was 15 and he was 19, but didn't begin relationship until she was 23
• Reconnected through Facebook during lockdown where he used love bombing tactics to win her trust
• Relationship moved quickly from messaging to him moving into her apartment without actually being invited (cuckooing)
• Became pregnant within two weeks of him staying with her, potentially through reproductive coercion
• Experienced financial abuse when he used her cards without permission and took money for drugs
• Forced to walk three miles to work while pregnant when he would take her car
• Suffered physical violence at seven months pregnant that left her unconscious
• Faced gaslighting that made her question whether the abuse had actually happened
• Identified the cycle of abuse: tension building, incident, reconciliation, and honeymoon phase

If you're ready to share your survivor story, contact DismissTrueStories@TheSurvivorSisterhood.com. Part 2 of Sophie's story will be released next Friday.

Follow Sophie on Insta @theisnothealthy_

Join the Sisterhood! www.thesurvivorsisterhood.com

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

Give me a follow on IG: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
or on TikTok: @thedvsurvivor

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

dismissedtruestories@thesurvivorsisterhood.com

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.