My First Soberversary is Today!

My First Soberversary is Today!

It’s my first soberversary today! A lot of changes have occurred in my world that would not have happened if I had not removed alcohol. I have learned a lot this year. There is still a lot to be done.

Introvertism: The (not so) New Superpower

Introvertism: The (not so) New Superpower

Being an introvert has saved me time and time again. I look back on my life, and I know that I would not be where I am without my introverted superpowers. Sure, I have had some slips, trying to fit into a world that values extroverts more than introverts.

The Christmas of Many Firsts

The Christmas of Many Firsts

This year is going to be especially difficult for so many people. There are many ‘firsts’ this year. It is almost overwhelming when I sit and think about the holiday season this year.

The Importance of Bearing Witness

You see, walking into the light meant leaving survival behind and entering into thrivival, the place where I could truly be myself, without the armor, without the defenses up. The more I stood there, the more I wanted to be out in that light.

Life of Contradicting Information

Life of Contradicting Information

When a person is struggling with cognitive dissonance, you most likely will never know. The conflict occurs within the person. Although you may notice that person is contradicting themselves.

Traumatic Memories Come Unbidden

Traumatic Memories Come Unbidden

The interesting thing about childhood trauma and memories is that those memories will come back during a moment that you think has nothing to do with a traumatic experience. I had one of those recently. I have had more and more of those lately.

Why Am I A People-Pleaser?

The attachment to an abusive caregiver that starts as an infant continues through a child’s young life. At least that was my experience. I remember having a strong need to maintain and protect the relationship I had with my caregiver.

What’s The Harm in People-Pleasing?

What’s The Harm in People-Pleasing?

I remember thinking that I would be letting so many down if I didn’t keep doing what I was doing – making them happy and making sure they were pleased. What was going on was that I was letting myself down, and worse, I was hurting myself.

People-Pleasing Makes Me Miserable

People-Pleasing Makes Me Miserable

I never realized that being a people-pleaser is not a good thing. I suppose in order for me to realize that I would have also had to realize that I was engaging in that very thing. People-pleasing ends up making everyone involved miserable.