Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
The podcast where Fake Love is exposed. Welcome to Fake Love and Flying Monkeys! Hosted by Nova Gibson, Principal Counsellor at Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling, this podcast is dedicated to helping you navigate the pain and confusion of toxic relationships, and emotional abuse, especially those involving a suspected or undiagnosed narcissist.
Nova brings years of expertise as a specialist trauma-informed counsellor, guiding survivors of narcissistic abuse to become the experts in their own trauma. In relationships where narcissists rarely, if ever, seek a diagnosis—believing there is nothing wrong with their behaviour—it’s vital for survivors to gain clarity, validation, and the tools needed to heal.
Through candid conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies, Nova and her guests unpack the manipulative tactics of emotional abuse, from gaslighting and control to triangulation and smear campaigns. Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic partner, parent, coworker, or friend, Fake Love and Flying Monkeys empowers you to identify the patterns, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild your confidence after years of self-doubt and emotional exhaustion.
This podcast doesn’t just shine a light on the hidden dynamics of narcissistic abuse—it hands you the torch to take back your power. You’ll learn to validate your experiences, protect your mental health, and break free from the toxic cycle, even without the confirmation of a formal diagnosis.
If you’ve ever felt trapped, silenced, or unsure of how to move forward, this is your safe space. Nova’s compassionate, down-to-earth approach ensures you’re not just heard—you’re understood.
Tune in to Fake Love and Flying Monkeys and discover the tools you need to expose the fake love in your life, reclaim your worth, and step into a future of peace and empowerment. Visit www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au to learn more, leave a review, and grab Nova’s book, Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse. It’s time to rewrite your story.
Fake Love and Flying Monkeys
20 Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Tips for 2025 – Happy New Year!
20 Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Tips for 2025 – Happy New Year!
Welcome to a brand-new year and a fresh chapter in your healing journey! In this empowering episode I share 20 transformative tips to help you recover from narcissistic abuse in 2025. Whether you’ve just left a toxic relationship or are deep in the healing process, these practical strategies will inspire hope and give you the tools you need to thrive.
From setting boundaries that stick, to breaking free from trauma bonds, I explain how to prioritise your well-being, rebuild your self-esteem, and create a brighter future.
This episode is packed with actionable advice to start the year strong, reminding you that healing is possible and that 2025 can be the year you reclaim your power. So grab a notebook, settle in, and join me for a motivational start to the new year.
Listen now to 20 Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Tips for 2025 and step confidently into a year of growth and healing!
Nova ♥️
To book a zoom counselling session with me please visit my website below 👇
www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au
To order your copy of my best-selling book - Fake Love - Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse, please see link below 👇
https://linktr.ee/novagibson
Thankyou so much for listening!
Please remember the information you hear in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy, is general information, and strictly the opinions of the host based on her years of experience working with thousands of victims of narcissistic abuse.
If you would like to make an appointment for individual counselling with me , please visit my website at ,Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling Service , or email me at nova.pollard123gmail.com
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or simply go directly to Amazon
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20 Tips for a Narcissist-Free 2025: New Year, New Boundaries
As we approach the new year, it’s time for reflection and setting goals that’ll guide us toward a healthier, happier future. If you've been struggling with narcissistic abuse or toxic relationships, the end of 2024 is your opportunity to break free and reclaim your power. In the final episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys for 2024, I’m sharing 20 of my most empowering tips to help you make 2025 the year where your boundaries are stronger, your self-worth is unshakeable, and you are free from the control and manipulation of narcissists.
You might want to think of these as your New Year’s resolutions, your goals, or even your mantra—whatever resonates with you. But the point is, I want these tips to help you step into 2025 feeling empowered, knowing that this year is going to be different. No longer will anyone be able to dictate your worth. This is your year of taking back control and embracing the freedom that comes from setting healthy boundaries and prioritising self-care.
Let's dive in with the first tip, shall we?
1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
The first goal for 2025 is something that’s going to require some practice, but it’s absolutely essential: setting and sticking to your boundaries. At first, setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable. You might worry about what others think of you or feel guilty for saying no. But here’s the thing—what others think of you is none of your business. When you start setting boundaries, you’re doing it for your self-care, not to please anyone else. Remember, boundaries are a form of self-respect, and if anyone makes you feel bad for having them, those are the very people your boundaries are meant to protect you from. Over time, setting boundaries will feel like second nature, and you’ll be so much stronger for it.
2. Exercise Daily
This one’s for your mental and physical health. Exercising doesn’t need to mean running marathons; it could just be a brisk 20-minute walk around the block. But get moving! Exercise helps release endorphins, which improve your mood and energy. I get it—some days it’s hard to get out of bed, especially when you’ve been through emotional abuse, but even 5 to 10 minutes of movement can make a difference. Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dance, commit to moving your body and watch how it positively impacts your well-being.
3. Reach Out for Support
One of the most powerful things you can do for yourself in 2025 is ask for help when you need it. You’re not a burden when you lean on the people you trust—those who love and care for you. Don’t let guilt hold you back from reaching out. The people who truly care about you won’t feel put out by offering their support, and you’d do the same for them. We all need help sometimes, and there’s no shame in asking for it.
4. Stop Accepting Disrespect
2025 is the year you stop accepting disrespect, especially from people who think they can walk all over you just because "that’s who they are." No. People don’t get a free pass to be rude or disrespectful just because it’s in their nature. If they are rude, disrespectful, or toxic, it’s time to cut them out. You don’t have to tolerate bad behaviour from anyone, no matter their history or position in your life. Your peace is worth more than someone else’s entitlement to treat you poorly.
5. Trust Your Instincts
For far too long, many of us have been conditioned by narcissistic abuse to doubt ourselves. The abuser will make you feel like everything you think, feel, or do is wrong. But it’s time to change that. Start trusting your instincts again. It’s okay if it feels uncomfortable at first—trusting yourself will take practice. But with time, you’ll feel more confident in making decisions and listening to your gut. Your instincts are your best friend, so start reconnecting with them today.
6. Start Journaling
If you haven’t already, try journaling in 2025. Even if you only write one sentence a day, journaling can help you clear your mind and process your thoughts. It also helps you track your progress and see how far you’ve come. Writing about your feelings, your experiences, and your hopes for the future can help you make sense of what’s happened in your life and connect the dots between your past and present.
7. Practice Self-Forgiveness
One of the hardest things to do after experiencing narcissistic abuse is forgiving yourself. You might blame yourself for not leaving sooner, for not having the tools to escape, or for not protecting yourself. But you need to let go of that guilt. You were doing the best you could at the time. Start practicing self-forgiveness, and allow yourself to release the shame. Self-forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing, and it’s time to stop holding yourself back from your own happiness.
8. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. When you make self-care a priority, you’re setting yourself up for success in every area of your life. From your relationships to your career, taking care of yourself first will make everything else fall into place. Don’t feel guilty for prioritising yourself. The healthier you are, the better equipped you’ll be to handle life’s challenges.
9. Find Your Passion
In 2025, it’s time to rediscover what makes you excited to wake up each day. What brings you joy? Is it painting? Writing? Gardening? It could be anything! But finding something that excites you and fills you with peace will help you heal and give you something to look forward to. It could be a new hobby or a long-forgotten passion, but whatever it is, make time for it in your life.
10. No Guilt for Cutting Toxic Family Members
If you have toxic family members who make you feel drained or uncomfortable, stop feeling obligated to stay in contact with them. You are not required to call or accept phone calls just because they’re family. Setting boundaries around toxic family members is vital for your well-being, and if you don’t want to talk to them, that’s okay. Remember, their opinions of you are none of your business.
11. Stop Explaining Yourself
No more justifying or explaining your decisions to others, especially when you’re setting boundaries. If people don’t like your choices, that’s their issue—not yours. Saying no is enough. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself. Boundaries are healthy, and you don’t have to justify them to anyone.
12. Plan a Holiday
Start planning a holiday for 2025, whether it’s six months or 12 months down the line. Having something to look forward to can make a big difference in your mental health. Mark those days on the calendar and get excited about that well-deserved time away. A holiday is more than just a break—it’s a chance to recharge and rejuvenate.
13. Be Mindful About Who You Trust
Not everyone deserves access to your inner world. In 2025, be more mindful of whom you share your personal information with. Trust is a gift, and not everyone is trustworthy. Protect your heart, and remember that boundaries aren’t about being paranoid; they’re about keeping your energy safe.
14. Set Small Achievable Goals
Don’t overwhelm yourself with big, unachievable goals. Start small and make progress every day. Even something as simple as stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air can make a huge difference. When you set small, achievable goals, you build momentum and feel more accomplished. Remember, baby steps still count as wins.
15. Affirmations for Self-Worth
Repeat after me: I am enough. You don’t need anyone’s approval to feel whole. You don’t need to be in a relationship to be validated. You are worthy and deserving of love, joy, and peace—just as you are. Make 2025 the year you embrace your worth without needing external validation.
16. Declutter Your Home
A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind. In 2025, make it a priority to declutter your home. Get rid of things that no longer serve you and fill your space with things that bring you peace and joy. A tidy home can help you create a calm and centred mindset.
17. Let Go of Revenge
In 2025, it’s time to release the desire for revenge against your abuser. Whatever happens to them, whether they face karma or not, is out of your hands. The real victory is living your best life, free from their control. Let them go, and stop giving them space in your mind. You deserve to be happy.
18. Give Yourself Closure
If you’re still holding on to hope that your abuser will ever take accountability or give you closure, it’s time to let that go. Closure doesn’t come from them—it comes from you. You are the one who can release the past and give yourself the closure you need to move forward. Give yourself permission to heal and be happy.
19. Use Your Experience to Help Others
As you continue healing, think about ways you can share your story to help others. Whether it’s starting a blog, writing a book, or even forming a support group, sharing your experience can be a powerful tool for both your own healing and the healing of others. You don’t have to do this right away, but it’s something to consider as you move through your recovery.
20. Stop Fearing the Future
Finally, it’s time to stop fearing the future. You have the tools to recognize red flags, to set boundaries, and to protect yourself from narcissistic abuse. In 2025, take things slowly, trust yourself, and stop sabotaging your happiness. The future is bright, and you deserve to walk into it with confidence, knowing that you’ve got this.
These 20 tips are more than just goals for the new year—they are your path to healing, empowerment, and reclaiming your life. I want you to embrace 2025 with open arms and a heart full of strength. You deserve to live a life that is free from narcissistic abuse and filled with peace and joy.
Let’s make 2025 the year we all thrive!