Episode 15: I Didn’t Call It Abuse | Surviving Myself

“They were having a bad day.”
“That’s just how they are.”
“But they never hit me.”

What happens when the explanations we give don’t match how we feel?

In this episode of Seen & Heard with Monica, we continue the Surviving Myself series with an honest conversation about recognizing abuse—especially when that wasn’t what you called it at the time.

We talk about questioning yourself, why the good days can make things confusing, and how to listen when someone you love opens up. If you’re understanding your own experience differently now, give yourself some grace. You don’t have to have everything figured out to deserve support.

Content note: This episode discusses domestic violence and emotional abuse. Listen at your own pace.

U.S. support: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org. If your device may be monitored, consider using a safer device. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 if you can do so safely.

You are seen. You are heard. You are valued. You matter.

What happens after someone trusts you enough to say, “I need to tell you something”?

In this installment of my Surviving Myself series on Seen & Heard with Monica, I’m sharing as a domestic violence survivor about being heard, feeling judged, and wondering whether it’s safe to open up again.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re talking about how to support someone without taking over, why their story belongs to them, and what our response can mean when they’re already feeling alone.

You don’t need perfect words. But how you show up matters.

Content note: This episode discusses domestic violence without graphic details.

U.S. support: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.

Your most dependable employee always finds a way. But what is that costing them?

When every missed deadline, unfinished task, and urgent assignment lands on the same person, being trusted can start feeling like a punishment.

In Episode 13 of Seen & Heard with Monica, we explore the hidden cost of being the employee everyone counts on—and why a once-engaged team member may stop volunteering, sharing ideas, or going the extra mile.

Monica shares a personal leadership lesson about recognizing this pattern in herself, plus practical ways leaders can offer support and employees can ask for clarity without guilt.

If your most dependable employee stopped rescuing the team tomorrow, what would fall apart?

Listen, reflect, and share with someone who needs this conversation.

Ready to strengthen communication and trust in your workplace? Send Monica a message with the word WORK on Instagram: @seen_and_heard_with_monica.

People stay where they feel valued.