Narcissistic Abuse, Divorce & Healing: Rya Hazelwood on Relentless Optimism

What happens when the life you fought so hard to build falls apart?

In this deeply powerful episode of Dishing on Divorce, author and speaker Rya Hazelwood shares her journey through narcissistic abuse, divorce, emotional manipulation, grief, heartbreak, and ultimately healing. Through the pain of betrayal and rebuilding her life as a single mother, Rya discovered what she calls “relentless optimism” — the choice to keep believing in hope, even when life feels impossible.

From love bombing and gaslighting to parenting through heartbreak and learning to trust herself again, this conversation is filled with raw honesty, wisdom, healing, laughter, and practical tools for anyone navigating life after loss.

Topics include:
• Narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulation
• Love bombing and gaslighting
• Divorce recovery and rebuilding after heartbreak
• Parenting while healing
• The difference between optimism and magical thinking
• Anxiety vs intuition
• Learning to trust yourself again
• Healing through vulnerability and community

Rya Hazelwood is the author of Relentless Optimism and Other Life Goals, a moving blend of memoir, mindset, and hope that reminds readers they are not alone and that healing is possible, even after life’s hardest chapters.

Connect with Rya - https://www.ryahazelwood.com/

Connect with Deanna and Mandy- concierge@vestadivorce.com