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Jealousy is a destructive force that poisons relationships & creates unnecessary conflict. The Bible warns against it & provides wisdom on how to recognize & deal with those who harbor jealousy. If you have noticed certain people undermining you, speaking ill of you, or minimizing your achievements, you may be dealing with jealousy. Understanding these behaviors can bring clarity &…

Our love languages — the ways we give & receive love — are shaped by our life experiences, particularly during childhood. One’s love language often reveals what they lacked as children. If quality time is your love language, it may reflect a childhood where you felt invisible or burdensome. You longed for undivided attention but were met with neglect or dismissal. God, however, never sees you…

The phrase “kill them with kindness” is a popular saying that suggests causing discomfort to someone who treats you badly by responding with unwavering kindness.  This approach can be both enlightening & challenging, as it can reveal a great deal about a person’s character.  It is important to recognize that while a gentle person acting badly may appreciate the mercy shown to them, toxic &…

Abandonment is a term that most people associate with others leaving or rejecting them.  However, it is important to note that abandonment can also come from within.  You can abandon yourself by not taking care of your needs, not setting healthy boundaries, & not honoring your feelings.  Today’s post is about the different ways in which you can abandon yourself & how to overcome them. One of the…

Emotions are often misunderstood. Some view them as weaknesses to suppress, while others allow them to dictate their every action. However, emotions are a gift from God, designed to serve as indicators of what is happening within us. They often highlight areas where healing, growth, or help is needed. The Bible speaks to the importance of understanding our inner lives. Proverbs 4:23 in the…

It is sadly common for traumatized people to engage in behaviors that serve as a distraction from facing deep rooted trauma from the past.  These trauma blocking behaviors can take on many forms, from staying busy constantly to turning to substance addiction as a means of numbing the pain.  However, it’s crucial to recognize that avoiding trauma only strengthens its hold over our lives, leading…

In a world that often focuses only on physical abuse, emotional abuse sometimes goes unnoticed or be brushed off as insignificant.  However, the truth is that emotional abuse can be just as damaging, if not more so, than physical abuse.  It can leave lasting scars that affect their mental health & well being long after the mistreatment has ended. One of the less obvious forms of emotional abuse…

People pleasing is a pattern that many of us fall into. Often, it stems from a deep desire to be loved or accepted, or from the fear of rejection or conflict. Over time, it can become an exhausting cycle where we constantly put others’ needs above our own, often at the expense of our own well being. But healing from people pleasing is possible, & the Bible offers us both comfort & wisdom on how…

Smashwords’ annual 2026 Summer / Winter Sale is almost done!  You can find my entire collection at a promotional price at Smashwords from July 1-31, 2026. Find my books and many more at: https://www.smashwords.com/sale Find my ebooks on sale at this link: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CynthiaBaileyRug  #SWSale2026 #Smashwords

Leaving a narcissistic partner feels like an impossible & dangerous task. The abuse inflicted by narcissists & their manipulation & control make it incredibly difficult to break free. However, with careful planning & wisdom, it is possible to leave safely & begin to reclaim your life. While there are no guarantees for safety when leaving an abuser, there are steps you can take to minimize risk &…

Neglect leaves deep scars, often invisible to the outside world but painfully evident to those who bear them. Victims of neglect often struggle with feelings of being a burden to others, particularly to those closest to them. They often experience intense feelings of being unloved, invisible, or unworthy. Yet, God’s Word offers hope & healing for those carrying these burdens. Victims of neglect,…

Have you ever wondered why narcissists seem to act as if their behavior is not bad?  It is incredibly frustrating & confusing, especially if you are a victim of narcissistic abuse.  Understanding this behavior is crucial in recognizing the manipulation tactics they use to groom their victims.  By normalizing abuse, narcissists acclimate their victims to tolerate increasingly worse behavior while…

I decided to do some new & quite “out of the box” things. The first thing I am doing is starting a mailing list. It will share these blog posts, but also links to my podcasts when I release them, & any other interesting news such as my new book releases. I believe a mailing list will reach more people than this blog, plus it involves no wondering about my blog posts being ignored or caught up in…

Children are not born knowing how to set boundaries. They learn by observing the adults around them, and by how those adults respond when the child expresses discomfort, resistance, or a simple need for space. In a healthy family, a child’s “no” is not seen as rebellion but as a natural, God given part of becoming a whole person with thoughts, preferences, and limits. But in homes where…

One of the hardest truths victims of narcissistic abuse eventually discover is that not everyone who enables a narcissist agrees with the narcissist. Some simply find it easier to sacrifice you than to confront the person causing the problem. That realization hurts. When someone says, “That’s just how they are,” it sounds as though they are defending the narcissist. Sometimes they are. Other…

Narcissistic abuse in romantic relationships rarely begins by destroying a person’s identity. It is not a sudden disappearance of who you are, but a gradual erosion. Piece by piece, moment by moment, you lose yourself in ways that are so subtle you may not even notice at first. You disappear a little every time you give in just to avoid their criticism or rage. What starts as “keeping the peace”…

Cleaning one’s home does not have to be a tedious, dreaded task.  Sure, it is often seen as mundane & repetitive, but with a few small changes, it can be something more fulfilling.  Today we will discuss some ways I have found over the years to make cleaning a more enjoyable & meaningful part of your day: Instead of focusing on the hassle of cleaning, think about the wonderful outcome that…