AKB

Totally get it and you re: your mom. The past 1.5 years I haven't been "talking" to my parents have been a godsend for my healing. Not having to pretend that everything's A-Ok with my mom especially has been so freeing. She too wants it all to be about her & I played that game for 40 some years. No more. Yes there's guilt and yes many people don't understand. Just showing up and putting on a show for everyone else doesn't mean that there wasn't abuse happening, whether emotional or physical. I've always been called "too sensitive" also and it's a really heavy burden. Good on you for doing what works for you. Sending you safe hugs, if ok.

The way I like to think of it is as a transformation after a period of cocooning - like a butterfly. The caterpillar goes into their pupa and all of this miraculous stuff happens where they are no longer a caterpillar but they transform into a butterfly. And maybe some pieces of the caterpillar are still there they're just different now as the wings emerge and after time spent in the sun drying and curing their wings the butterfly is truly ready to fly. Sending you big hugs, friend! And a swift punch to the throat for Oompa that she won't see coming because no one thinks someone that looks kind like me can hit people.

Sitting with you as you wait to hear. I'm sorry that this is happening to you (again). The waiting for results is never an easy thing. Since there has been a holiday earlier this week perhaps that has delayed the results? Have you contacted the Dr's office to follow-up? It often amazes me how truly thoughtless the medical establishment can be here sometimes when there is a question of further ailments. Sending you healing and positive thoughts for a healthy outcome.

I heard James Hollis speak at the Conference I went to recently and this quote exemplifies what he was talking about to us. “How different the world would be if each parent could say to the child: “Who you are is terrific, all you are meant to be. And who you are, as you are, is loved by all of us. You have a source within, which is the soul, and it will express itself to you through what we call desire. Always respect the well-being of the other, but live your own journey, serve that desire, risk being that which wishes to enter the world through you, and you will always have our love, even if your path takes you away from us.” Such persons would then have a powerful tool to enable them to change their lives when it was not working out for them. Such persons would be able to make difficult decisions, mindful always of the impact on others, but also determined to live the life intended by the gods who brought us here.” ― James Hollis After hearing this I felt as though he had been somehow listening in on my recent sessions with my therapist. If only my all of our parents could be like this. I'm so pleased to know that you have made the conscious choice to NOT parent like your Mother. I knew that I didn't have it within me to break that sort of pattern nor did I have the energy to do so which was one of the reasons I chose and continue to choose not to have children. And I'm completely ok with that choice. I do sometimes pine for the loving, easy ways of relating with family that social media portrays that other people have with their family. It's so instinctual to want to belong like that and so incredibly painful when our own experiences aren't like that. I'm so glad though that we have our AS family as a loving surrogate family to somehow make up for what we may not have with our own family of origin.

Wow. Just wow. When I thought Oompa couldn't get anymore narcissistic she manages to top, even herself! I would've struggled mightily to not knock the shaking wooden spoon outta her claw-like grasp! That's truly unfortunate that your stepfather is a mumbler and that there wasn't another person around to hear what he was saying that cause so much agita in Oompa. Glad you could process this here and here's hoping all else is going well for you with school prep.

Hello and Welcome to AS @Serenity165! You are not alone and have found a supportive community. I wish you lots of courage as you walk your healing journey.

Hi and Welcome to AS @Zazka!

Hi and Welcome to AS @PhoenixRoxanne! I love the name and can relate to the phoenix legend.

Hi and Welcome to AS @KeLLe!

Hi and welcome to AS @sybilscrush! It is a great thing that you are here to support your survivor. Take good care of yourself too.

Hi and Welcome to AS @Rosebud93! I am sorry for the trauma that has brought you here to us. You have found a safe and supportive community here. Take your time to look around and find support. I will send you a private message (PM) about your question and thoughts on how to receive supportive replies in a different forum as this forum is public vs. private like some of the other forums. We are all here to help you find your way. I wish you lots of courage as you walk your healing journey! Kind regards, AKB

Hi and Welcome to AS @Hugakeribear! I am so glad that you have found a supportive T to help you heal. A strong therapeutic relationship can really support healing from what I've found. I wish you continued strength as you walk your healing journey! Kind regards, AKB

Hello and Welcome to AS @Warriorgirl1! I am sorry for the trauma that has brought you here. I really your choice of name. As you can see from my avatar I'm a big fan of warrior ladies myself! There are many of us that can relate here and you are definitely not alone. Take your time to find your way - there is a lot of information to sort through. I wish you lots of warrior girl courage as you walk your healing journey! Kind regards, AKB

Hello and Welcome to AS @Free4ever! I am sorry for the flashbacks and trauma that have brought you here. You have found a warm, supportive community here. There are many of us that can relate here and you are definitely not alone. I wish you lots of strength as you walk your healing journey! Kind regards, AKB