Wake Up or Break Up!

Wake Up or Break Up!

What do you do when “happily ever after” blows up in your face? For me, I decided to break the cycle of silence and share my awkward story of infidelity, separation and making marriage work after betrayal. Join me each week as I explore the pain and pleasure of second chances. It’s time to WAKE UP or BREAK UP! Note from the host: The stories shared on this podcast are real, and the outcomes will vary from person to person. I’m not here you give you the magic formula to fix broken relationships (I don’t know if one exists). I’m here to encourage you to seek support (socially, emotionally, psychologically), to deeply explore your thoughts and emotions, and to find meaningful ways to process and move forward from your experience. Healing and forgiveness take time, and they are not always complete. Be patient with yourself and your process. Good luck beautiful listener! ❤️

Episodes

September 9, 2020 19 mins

I wanted people to believe that I had a "picture perfect" life and marriage. That I had all the answers and everything was under control. And then it happened...my "happily ever after" blew up in my face! Within a twenty-four hour time frame, I found out my husband cheated, closed my business of 8 years, moved out of my house, and left my marriage.

Despite my feelings of shame and humiliation, this event was the ...

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I wanted to hate her...I really did, but we all played a part in the demise of my marriage. Accepting my role and acknowledging what I could have done differently was a HUGE step in my healing process. I was no longer the victim in my story. I became an active participant.  And just because I chose to forgive her…does NOT mean I will forget what she did! LESSON LEARNED!



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September 22, 2020 23 mins

It's easy to point fingers, and throw the blame on someone else. Blaming Joe for what happened did not make me feel better, it did not erase what happened, and it did not help us move forward. So I decided to take a different approach. I decided to work on myself and take responsibility for my emotional disconnect, judgement, and frustration in our relationship. It wasn't pretty, but it helped me see things in a different...

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Every situation is different. Every couple has a different drama, dynamics, and connection. I can't tell you that forgiving and forgetting is necessary or even possible for you and your partner. All I can do is share my story and my insights.

Do I think it's possible to forgive and forget? Absolutely! Do I think it's necessary? Well, that depends on your personal situation and how you want to move forward in...

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October 6, 2020 20 mins

I was definitely channeling some..."I am Woman hear me ROAR" vibes when I recorded this weeks podcast. Eight months ago I was faced with a devastating reality that was meant to destroy me and my marriage...and I SURVIVED! 

I took the pain, the hurt, the anger, and I made the most of it. In fact, I came out stronger, wiser, and more confident than I've ever been in my entire life! 

I'm not speci...

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October 13, 2020 25 mins

Let's talk about SEX baby...Let's talk about YOU and ME...Let's talk about all the GOOD things and the BAD things that may be...Let's talk about SEX!

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As we transition into the next phase of the podcast, there are few last things I'd like to say. I don't know if this will episode will make much sense, but I wanted to get some stuff off my chest before moving forward. So here I go...in all my random glory! Enjoy!

Follow my journey...

Instagram: @wakeupelsie 
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/wakeuporbreakup
Coaching: www.wakeupyourpassion.com

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It's not easy talking about the past...especially when it involves hurting someone you love. On today's episode, Joe opens up about how we met, what pushed him to cheat, and why he wants to stay together. 

Follow our Journey...

Instagram: @wakeupelsie, @giant_asian

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/wakeuporbreakup

Coaching: https://www.wakeupyourpassion.com/

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It's not easy talking about the past...especially when it involves hurting someone you love. Here's part 2 of my question and answer session with Joe.

Follow our Journey...

Instagram: @wakeupelsie, @giant_asian

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/wakeuporbreakup

Coaching: https://www.wakeupyourpassion.com/

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Prior to getting cheated on, I thought I only had ONE OPTION if someone ever cheated on me,  and that was divorce.  After reading the stories of strangers and friends who had been cheated on, I quickly realized there were multiple possibilities.  There were stories of making things work,  walking away, seeking revenge,  and starting over.  Although the circumstances were similar, the end results were different. There was no rhyme o...

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In this episode, I talk with my dear friend Destiny about her on again off again love story with the father of her daughter.  She shares how his initial acts of cheating and dishonesty led to her engaging in her own acts of infidelity. She's not proud of the direction her relationship took, but she OWNS and ACCEPTS what happened between them as a necessary part of their love story and personal growth. 

Destiny is a m...

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December 2, 2020 30 mins

In this episode, I talk with Ashley, a mother of 6 and mompreneur on the rise.  Ashley explains  how her experience with young love and betrayal helped her redefine her idea of "happily ever after." Ashley also shares how trusting God's timing for her life helped her heal her wounded heart and find love again.  If you're looking for inspiration or clarity in your personal love life, this episode is a must listen...

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I didn't think we'd make it to this day. I didn't think we'd have anything to celebrate. I didn't think we'd still be married. Our story is far from perfect. Joe and I are a tragic example of what happens when two people become disconnected and fall apart. We’re also proof of what’s possible when two people focus on reconnecting, communicating, and becoming more present. This year wasn't our best....

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December 15, 2020 34 mins

In this episode, I talk with the brilliant Japji, an interdisciplinary qualitative researcher, a playful yogi, a poet, a dancefloor mama, a mom of two, and a Ph.D!  Japji shares her powerful story of allowance, betrayal, and finding the strength to leave an unhealthy relationship with her two young sons. She also opens up about learning to trust again with someone new. 

You can follow Japji's journey...
On Instagr...

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December 23, 2020 42 mins

In this episode, I talk with Mary, a former bikini competitor, grandmother of 2,  and one of my dearest friends.  Mary explains how the loss of her unborn son resulted in infidelity and divorce from her husband of 5 years (15 years together). She also shares her uncharacteristic method of coping, and what she wishes she would have done differently. Mary's story is one of heartbreak, loss, and reinvention. I hope you're in...

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In this episode I talk with Simon Ravona, a trained mediator, lawyer, negotiator, and divorce coach. Simon helps clients (including myself) manage the realities of relationships, break ups, and divorce by creating a life of purpose and meaning. For today's conversation, Simon and I talk about the top reasons for couples to break up, the differences between coaching and therapy, what keeps couples together, and his top tips for...

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In this episode I talk with Lauren, a podcaster, mindset coach, and entrepreneur on the rise! Lauren shares her unique story of finding love, asking for an open relationship, falling in love with someone else, and then marrying the man of her dreams.  Her experience is far from traditional, but that is what makes it powerful.  If you're looking for a modern alternative to the typical relationship, this episode is a must listen...

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January 13, 2021 37 mins

In this episode I talk with my dear friend Sedalia.  She is a mother of 6, a fitness lover, and a survivor of a brain aneurysm! After Joe and I broke up, Sedalia was the first person to share her story of infidelity and forgiveness with me. She was a listening ear whenever I needed to vent, she offered me advice with no judgement or criticism, and she answered so many of my random questions. Before I heard Sedalia's story, I t...

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March 11, 2021 40 mins

In this episode I speak with Chloe, a wife and mother who uncovers her husband's acts of infidelity one month into their marriage. Chloe shares how professional counseling and the support of their family, gave her and her husband the strength they needed to stay together. 

Her love story is far from perfect, but her and her husband are committed to creating their own version of happily ever after. 

Follow Chl...

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March 19, 2021 29 mins

In this episode I talk with Elizabeth, a single mom from Little Rock, Arkansas.  Elizabeth explains how her experiences with infidelity drove her to work on herself, put her needs and wants first, and strengthen her ability to talk candidly about her failed relationships.  Elizabeth's story is one of love, betrayal, confusion, and reinvention. I hope you're inspired by her honest perspective!   

You can follow El...

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