As a teen my family spent hours in family therapy. I was the focus, as I was the "problem". I was the 1st of my siblings to fall apart, calling attention to our family. As I deteriorated, we were all forced into increasingly awkward hourly sessions, during which my parents recounted my transgressions and called … Continue reading Stories Become History
therapy
Escaping Narcissistic Abuse – the Mt. Everest of Recovery
If you are stuck in a toxic relationship, there are concrete steps you can take to escape. Comparing this endeavor to climbing Mt. Everest, here is a list of steps to take to begin recovery. Using these steps to establish a new base camp for your life.
Narcissists, Stress & Health
After the first few years of chronic illnesses my family started to say to me "do you think it's stress?". I was flummoxed as to how to answer. Of course it was stress. I was a mother of 3 young children, I co-owned a restaurant with my spouse, he was never at home, and when … Continue reading Narcissists, Stress & Health
Who Must Bridge The Divide?
How do I put this into words......... While I am not proud of how I behaved, last weekend I finally lost it with my parents. After spending the past year, hell - my entire life - trying to keep them happy, do the "right" thing, meet their needs, I lost it. I was accused of … Continue reading Who Must Bridge The Divide?
Alimony & The Narcissist
I work with a lovely woman who has been divorced for 7 years from her philandering husband. I know nothing about him except that he called her on a Monday morning and said "I'm moving out, I'm moving in with my secretary and filing for divorce". They had two daughters, one a Senior … Continue reading Alimony & The Narcissist
Love
passive aggressive relationships Last week I ran into the spouse of one of my BFF's. They are currently separated, at her request. The only impediment to their divorce is her inability to afford a lawyer. He wants them to get back together, and he took the opportunity to plead his case. He has 3 reasons … Continue reading Love
I’m Moving On!!!!
What a week! In my wildest dreams I could not have envisioned the week I've had. Three Huge Things Happened. I'll explain them in reverse. The 3rd thing happened today. Today I had another divorce hearing. I assumed it would amount to nothing, especially when my attorney called me at 9AM to tell me … Continue reading I’m Moving On!!!!
My Stupid Inner Critic
At therapy this week my therapist said "we have to get rid of that inner critic, always putting you down" and the 1st thought that popped into my head was "I know. I'm so stupid for doing that". What a predicament! How can I get rid of the voice that constantly criticizes me, when I'm … Continue reading My Stupid Inner Critic
Personality Traits: Both Good & Bad
The Real Me - I've been trying to figure out who I am. I was the bad seed in my family; the one who didn't quite fit but gave others a great laugh (not with, but at). I've worked hard all of my life to not be who I am, and now that I'd … Continue reading Personality Traits: Both Good & Bad
Share Your Fondest Childhood Memory
Brene Brown is one of my favorite authors, and I've devoured each of her books. As much as I love her writing, her Ted Talks and her website, I've not been able to do much with her information. The only step I've taken is this blog, in which I'm trying to re-claim my authentic … Continue reading Share Your Fondest Childhood Memory
Groomed but Escaped 