Live Bold and Bloom

17 Signs Of Emotional Invalidation In Your Relationship

Validation plays a crucial role in shaping our identity and sense of self-worth. When someone consistently dismisses or minimizes your feelings, thoughts, or experiences, this emotional invalidation can deeply affect your mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to suppressed emotions, heightened feelings of worthlessness, eroded self-esteem, and increased self-doubt.

In a relationship, this harmful behavior can create distance and confusion, making it hard to feel valued or understood. Recognizing the signs of emotional invalidation is key to addressing its damaging effects on your relationship.

51 Of The Best Benefits Of Rebounding Exercise

by Barrie Davenport

woman on rebounder, benefits of rebounding

Do you want to have some fun while you are getting a fantastic workout?

I have a hard time finding an exercise routine I actually enjoy.

I love physical activity — walking, biking, hiking, dancing, etc. But a regular “exercise program” feels like work to me.

My problem is finding a morning routine, or a combination of routines, that I actually enjoy and that will work with my life, the weather, and my fitness level.

I did a bit of research and discovered a mini-trampoline exercise, better-known as rebounding.

And boy was I blown away by the myriad of health benefits of rebounding by doing this fun jumping-around-thing we did as kids.

So I went out and bought myself a mini rebounder trampoline and have discovered my go-to cardio exercise.

29 Of The Most Important Values To Live By

by Barrie Davenport

What values are important to a life well lived?

What do you want to be known for?

What qualities do you admire in others and work to cultivate in yourself?

And how do those qualities reflect your core beliefs?

Your life values are those that, once you identify them, help you with decision-making and provide the building blocks for your character — specifically the one you want to have.

For example, if one of your top values in life is courage, you’ll likely seek out new challenges so you can act in spite of the fear that comes when you’re faced with the possibility of failure or rejection.

And if forgiveness has recently become one of your values to live by, you’ll want to remind yourself of your new commitment when you’re about to spend time with someone who has hurt you in the past.

But what is the point of identifying your values, and how do they contribute to your growth and happiness?

To answer this question, we’re exploring 29 of the most important values in life and showing how they influence everything you do.

But before we do that, it makes sense to explain what values are in the first place.

9 Ways to Stop Pushing People Away

by Ron Clendenin

woman sitting in crowd list of core values

Pushing people away may feel like a protective shield, but it often leaves you feeling isolated and disconnected. Whether it's due to fear of rejection, past trauma, or low self-esteem, distancing yourself can prevent you from forming meaningful relationships.

Understanding why you push others away and learning how to stop can help you open up to deeper, more fulfilling connections. Here are nine ways to break the cycle and embrace vulnerability.

15 Slam-Dunk Phrases to Shut Down Someone Who Criticizes You

by Barrie Davenport

We’ve all been there—someone says something that cuts a little too deep, and you’re left feeling rattled. Whether it's a snide remark or an outright critique, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. You don’t need to get defensive or engage in an argument. Instead, having a few go-to phrases can help you shut down criticism with grace and confidence. Here are 15 slam-dunk responses to keep in your back pocket.

17 Ways To Stop Oversharing and Why You Do It

by Barrie Davenport

Thanks to social media, the boundary between public and private information is blurred. Sharing your confidential information and problems has become more socially acceptable. Almost everyone has overshared at a point in their lives.

But oversharing is more than just being friendly. It is an attempt to reach out to others, looking for a sympathetic ear or words of advice. Rather than making friends, oversharing can negatively affect our reputations and relationships.

To manage chronic oversharing, you must first understand what it is and why you overshare so that it does not wreak havoc in your life.

13 Heartbreaking Signs of a Toxic Daughter

by Barrie Davenport

Talking about toxic adult children is uncomfortable.

By the time you've gotten to this article, you've likely faced years of contempt, rage, entitlement, and fights.

Mothers tend to see their daughters through the lens of unconditional love instead of owning up to the clear signs of a bad mother-daughter relationship.

Having a toxic daughter isn't about assigning blame.

It's about building a better relationship with her moving forward by addressing bad behavior and trigger points.