Putting Deposits in Your Happy Jar

From Survivor to Thriver

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In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dana Diaz. After living through years of narcissistic and physical abuse, she learned that it was time to make a change and create a better life for herself.

Join us as Dana shares her story and the importance of rediscovering who you are after leaving an abusive relationship and how she learned to put little deposits into her own happy jar.

Dana is a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE.

Dana has had life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, beginning in childhood. Her education in journalism and psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims, so that she can help other victims know they are not alone and better understand their own circumstances.

Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process.

Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement.

In today’s episode, we cover:

• How Dana began writing her book with a notebook hidden under a cushion
• How Covid turned into a game of survivor for Dana with her abuser
• The physical and mental abuse Dana endured from her caregivers growing up
• The traits of a true narcissist
• When Dana realized she reached a deal breaker in her marriage
• The ability people have to make you sick
• The ongoing process of healing
• The power of asking yourself what you really want
• The stigmatized way people treat others that struggle with their mental health

We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Dana! If you want to learn more from her or read her book, make sure to visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram here!

Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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“They say toxins in your environment can make you sick, but people can make you sick too. I would have never thought that in my life, but it has been such an eye-opening thing for me and such a significant part of the healing aspect of my life.” -Dana

“Thriving means different things to different people at different times.” -Erik

“There is a better life for you and you deserve it. We are all worthy of being loved and being able to care fo