In this deeply reflective and emotionally honest episode, Donna Joy Usher explores a powerful theme: the freedom that comes when we stop buying into other people’s stories about us.

Sparked by a confronting moment with her ex-husband and mirrored by a friend’s emotionally triggering breakup, Donna shares how easily we can get pulled into narratives that aren't ours—and the emotional toll that takes. Through the lens of parallel experiences, she reflects on how we often sacrifice our peace in an attempt to explain, justify, or defend ourselves.

This episode dives into:

A story of an accusation and the familiar trigger of needing to be seen, understood, and validated

What happens when you don’t speak up—and why sometimes that’s the most powerful choice

A friend’s experience of emotional manipulation post-breakup and the courageous act of setting firm boundaries

How we get energetically hooked by someone else’s wounding or need to control the narrative

The importance of detaching from both praise and criticism to find your center

The metaphor of the monk and the child: an inspiring reminder that peace comes from within

Recognizing when your inner child is being activated—and how to shift back into your adult self

Why radical self-trust and self-validation are key to emotional sovereignty

Letting go of control, ego, and people-pleasing to reclaim your power

How buying into someone else’s truth can hijack your emotional state—and how to stop

This is an episode about boundaries, self-awareness, and liberation—and about choosing your truth over someone else's perception. If you’ve ever felt the pull to prove yourself, defend yourself, or fix someone’s version of your story, this episode will bring clarity, comfort, and a new perspective on what it means to live through heart.

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You can find out more about me and what I'm up to at my website https://donnajoyusher.com. You can check out my author site at https://donnajoyusher.com/books. If you want to check out Savage Boho Studio, my handmade crystal and copper jewellery go to https://savagebohostudio.com and use the coupon code PODCAST as my gift to you to get a 10% discount.

I want to also say an amazing thank you to the creator of the music I have used in my show intro and outro. It is a piece called Liquid Time by Aakash Gandhi who has generously made royalty free background music for videos or vlogs personal and commercial use. You can read more about him, and download his music, here: https://happysoulmusic.com/aakash-gandhi/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaJoyUsher/

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Instagram: @savage_boho_studio

@livingthroughheart

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