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anita

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Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 2,817 total)
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  • in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444458
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa:

    Your post above is truly perfect. You showed up for me in the most thoughtful and meaningful way, and I’m in awe of you at this moment.

    * Taking a moment to share my thoughts after writing the above:

    I worry that other members might feel offended because I didn’t tell them their posts were perfect.

    When I wrote “at this moment,” did I inadvertently imply that I’m not in awe of her at other times?

    These are the kinds of thoughts that have tortured me repeatedly. They stem from my mother’s relentless scrutiny—she would find fault in anything I said, accusing me of ill intent, regardless of how well-meaning my words were. She’d point out where I went wrong, where I slighted her, or where she felt I subtly tried to insult her.

    Back to my opening two sentences: they were genuine, no ill intent. Nothing to fix.

    Thank you so much, Alessa, for caring for me and showing up with such thoughtfulness and empathy. It means a lot to me. I truly appreciate the effort you put into being present, especially when discussing something as sensitive as trauma. Please know that I don’t want to trigger your PTSD in any way, and I’ll be mindful of that as I share more about how our experiences are similar.

    It means a lot to me that you care about how I feel and want to support me in the best way possible. I promise to let you know if something isn’t helpful, and I also want you to know that I’m here for you too. If there’s ever anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

    * After reflecting further, I realized this post was becoming quite long, so I’ll wrap it up here and continue in a separate post. ❤️

    anita

    in reply to: Passing clouds #444456
    anita
    Participant

    Thank you so much for your kind words, Zenith! That means a lot to me 💙 You’re so sweet!

    anita

    in reply to: Feeling Stuck #444455
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Mollie:

    Welcome back to the forums! I re-read your earlier two posts from Nov 1, 2021 and May 2022. While your current struggles are different, I see similar patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, and a desire for clarity. But your ability to reflect on your needs and make thoughtful decisions shows real growth.

    Life transitions, like the ones you’re going through, can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel stuck when reality doesn’t align with expectations. What really shines through in your post is your hopefulness and self-awareness, even in tough times. That resilience will guide you forward.

    Here are a few thoughts that came to mind:

    1. Career Path Resigning from your job sounds like a difficult but necessary decision. Recognizing that a role isn’t helping you grow takes courage. Feeling renewed confidence about your career is promising, and returning to university could open exciting opportunities. Taking small steps toward your goals—like networking or exploring creative projects—might also help ease the transition.

    2. Loneliness: Living alone can feel isolating, especially when work drains your energy. While you value solitude, you’ve highlighted how meaningful social connections are for your well-being. Could you schedule intentional time with friends or explore local activities to meet new people? I hope university brings the connections you’re hoping for.

    3. Relationships: Your reflections on your past relationship show personal growth. Knowing what you need in a partner—dependability and mutual effort—is key. If you reconnect, sharing your thoughts might bring clarity, whether for closure or exploring the relationship’s potential.

    4. Hope and Gratitude: Missing the joy you once felt is natural, but this phase may be laying the foundation for brighter days. Gratitude practices can help ground you, and spending quiet weekends exploring hobbies or journaling might add a sense of meaning. It’s okay to feel both gratitude and discontent—they’re valid emotions and can coexist.

    Finally, your post doesn’t feel ungrateful at all. It’s clear you appreciate the blessings in your life while being honest about your struggles. Life’s transitions can be messy, but the effort and reflection you’ve shown will help guide you forward.

    Wishing you peace, clarity, and joy as you continue this journey. You’ve already come so far, and I truly believe brighter days are ahead for you.

    anita

    in reply to: Inspirational words #444431
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Peter:

    Anthony de Mello says that everything is deeply interconnected. When we stop seeing the world as divided (by labels, ideologies, religions, ethnicities, social classes, etc.), and ourselves as divided ((observer vs. observed, thinker vs. thought)- we can move beyond the illusions of separation and the sufferings that go with this illusion.

    He says that happiness is not something to chase or acquire—it’s already within us. Children, for example, are naturally happy because they haven’t yet been influenced by societal pressures or labels. The problem is that we become polluted by ambitions, cravings, and illusions that block us from experiencing the happiness we already have.

    To rediscover happiness, there is no need to add anything to our lives; instead, we need to let go of the illusions and labels that weigh us down. In essence, happiness comes from simplicity and shedding what isn’t real.

    Thank you for posting these Inspirational words this Thursday afternoon , Peter 👭👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🐶🐱

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444430
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa:

    Thank you for caring to be here for me at a time when I need help, it means a lot to me. ❤️

    I am looking forward to your next reply and will process all tomorrow morning.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444427
    anita
    Participant

    Typing on my phone, feeling better after eating some peanuts. Was feeling very sad a little earlier sad for my mother. I wonder (and it’s a scary thought,), how much of what we consider evil, and which is evil in objective terms, how much of it. from the offenders perspective, is nothing more than defending oneself against pain, that and nothing more.

    I am inviting my sadness, my pain- to be, to not be pushed down, minimized, but to have the space to breathe. For the sadness is not my enemy, not if I don’t go against it and take it’s oxygen away.

    Redirect suppression to expression, self fragmentation to self integration, self aggression, really to acceptance, expansion.

    Anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444423
    anita
    Participant

    I am coming to understand that my mother perceived my empathy and sincere efforts to help her as something that exposed her vulnerabilities, making her feel weak. Rather than feeling supported, she felt threatened—interpreting my care as shining a light on emotions she preferred to keep hidden, such as her feelings of inadequacy. This triggered a defensive reaction, and she responded with aggression as a way to protect herself.

    At the same time, when I expressed empathy, she seemed to experience it as a shift in power—placing me in a position of emotional strength and leaving her feeling weak in comparison. For someone struggling with feelings of inadequacy, control can become a way to cope, masking or managing those insecurities.

    By exerting authority over situations or people, they create an illusion of competence or strength.

    For her, any sign of strength on my part—whether it was showing empathy or believing I had the ability to help her—felt unsettling, prompting her to react aggressively in an effort to reassert control.

    anita

    in reply to: Moving on from the past break up #444422
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Clara:

    Thank you for your kind reply. I truly appreciate your words and the acknowledgment of my experiences—they mean a lot to me.

    It sounds like you have an exciting trip ahead! I hope it brings you joy, relaxation, and a refreshing change of pace. Take all the time you need to reflect and reply—there’s no rush at all.

    Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful time on your trip. Take good care, and I look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready. 🙂

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444421
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Jana:

    I want to follow up on my recent message and say that if sharing feels right to you, I would truly value reading your thoughts. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing is deeply appreciated. Most importantly, I hope you feel safe and supported here—both in this thread and throughout the forums.

    I value how you reflect on your own way of thinking and learning—it’s thoughtful and insightful. I admire your self-awareness in recognizing what works best for you, such as focusing on practical, real-life situations rather than abstract concepts. I also appreciate the balance you found in giving yourself the freedom to take breaks and return with a refreshed mind—it’s a thoughtful way to care for yourself while still engaging meaningfully with others.

    Also, thank you for the care and openness you have shown in distinguishing your preferences from the freedom of others to express themselves in their own way. It’s such a kind and inclusive perspective, and it adds so much to the welcoming space you help create for meaningful conversations.

    You wrote, “My mother misunderstands compassion. She often thinks that I ‘pity’ her when I express something nice or want to help her (she cannot walk well) and it makes her upset. That’s why I keep my compassion mainly in my heart, too.”- It’s very sad how something as inherently positive as compassion can be misunderstood to be something negative. I experienced a similar dynamic with my mother. She often misinterpreted my compassion for her, seeing it as something entirely opposite—aggression toward her—and, in turn, responded with her own aggression against me.

    As a result, I doubted my emotions, including empathy. I came to see that it was a harmful feeling that had hurt my mother. Later in life, whenever I felt empathy for someone, I couldn’t shake the fear that my empathy might actually be causing them pain.

    Thank you so much for your kind words, Jana. I feel grateful for the thoughtful connection we’ve built here.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444420
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa:

    Of course, it’s okay to share the story you read to your son! I looked it up, and it seems to be The Invisible String, a children’s book by Patrice Karst, originally published in 2000. The author created the concept of the “invisible string” to comfort her son, who struggled with separation anxiety when she dropped him off at preschool. What a beautiful way to address the universal need for connection!

    Speaking of children’s books, I noticed you mentioned feeling overstimulated yesterday. There’s a lovely book called Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutiérrez, a children’s picture book (with notes for caregivers) that encourages self-soothing and regaining calm during moments of overstimulation. The line, “Too loud! Too bright! Too itchy! Too tight!” resonates so deeply. I wonder if it might bring you comfort—like a gift from “Alessa the caregiver” to “Alessa the little girl.”

    “As you start to explore I’ll be just over here, even at night I’m quietly near. You are never alone.”—This line from your story speaks to the nurturing caregiver within each of us. It’s something both you and I, as adults, can whisper to the little girl inside us who might still need to hear it.

    Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and meaningful story, Alessa.

    “My perspective is slightly different on helping. I believe the little things matter. Sure, we can’t fix each other’s problems, but we can show each other that we care. I feel like that is really all that is needed. I love this caring little community that everyone has built here! ❤️”—Your words capture something so profound. They remind me that even the simplest acts—like a kind word, a listening ear, or a moment of presence—can make someone feel less alone.

    Thank you for this heartfelt reminder that caring doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. This space is so much richer and more comforting because of voices like yours. ❤️

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444418
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Jana:

    I will reply further later, but for now, in regard to “I wanted to share some memories about anger, abuse… but I don’t know now if it is appropriate or useful. I’m glad there’s a happy atmosphere here and these topics could ruin it.”- please do share, it will ruin nothing for me and I am very interested in reading your thoughts about any topic, 🥲 or 😔 and all in between.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444405
    anita
    Participant

    Thank you, Alessa ❤️and yes, I do love dancing- not structured dancing but free style. I will reply further tomorrow.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444403
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Peter:

    As I read your profound insights and the quotes you included, I find myself- as i often do- developing my own thoughts alongside them.

    “I can hear myself saying ‘family can’t help family.’ I do not recall the events leading up to that realization… or maybe I do…” — Perhaps the mind shields itself from painful or complicated memories, hesitating to fully confront and process the events.

    For the longest time, I didn’t remember that my mother found pleasure in seeing her shaming words register on my face. When that memory resurfaced about a year ago, I saw her more as a villain—a further shift from viewing her as a victim to seeing her as a victimizer. Over the past couple of days, as my anger seems to have untangled, I no longer view her solely as a victim or a victimizer. I see her as both. And now, instead of anger, I feel compassion for her.

    “In trying to help family our ‘ghosts’ can’t help themselves from ‘playing’ and haunting, triggering old pains. Pain that only distance is capable of seeing…” — I am learning that recognizing and working through my own emotional pain is critical to ensuring that I don’t unintentionally complicate or hinder a family member’s healing process.

    Acknowledging my emotional pain helps me differentiate my feelings from theirs, preventing projection. If my pain remains overwhelming or unresolved, it blurs boundaries—causing me to take their pain too deeply or feel drained in my attempts to help. Addressing my own pain makes it possible for me to be present without overextending myself.

    Unresolved pain can cause me to dismiss, amplify, or misinterpret a family member’s feelings. By working on my healing, I can empathize genuinely, without reacting from my own hurt.

    Demonstrating emotional resilience and awareness may create an example for loved ones—showing them the importance of personal growth and the value of addressing their own challenges.

    Supporting someone doesn’t mean “fixing” their pain—it often means simply witnessing and validating their experience. When I work through my own emotional pain, I am better equipped to offer this kind of nonjudgmental support.

    “I wonder if in such moments witnessing is the role left to us, perhaps to acknowledge the ‘tears in things’… doesn’t feel enough. The Hawaiian ritual Ho’oponopono coming to mind as memory of family, mother, father arise… I love you; I thank you; I forgive you, please forgive me…” — Witnessing their pain means being present, empathetic, and nonjudgmental—not trying to fix or change the situation, but simply acknowledging it.

    “I recently came across a Youtube video – Like Stories of Old – ‘Why We Can’t Save Those We Love’ that explores this notion. That in the stories we tell and witness we are not alone… It’s worth watching.” — For some reason, I feel reluctant to watch it. Maybe I will. As to the question, “Why can’t we save those we love?” an answer that comes to mind is that we care too much. The saying, “anything in moderation,” seems relevant. How do I not care too much? By resolving further my own pain.

    “It is true we can seldom help those closest to us.” — Our own unresolved issues and emotions—our “ghosts”—often resurface. These ghosts can unconsciously shape how we perceive and respond to their struggles, complicating the situation rather than helping it. In close relationships, blurred boundaries can make it difficult to differentiate between their pain and our own, leading to either overinvolvement or detachment—both of which are counterproductive.

    Even with the best intentions, our ability to help is limited because no one can truly “fix” someone else’s inner struggles. We can offer support, but the work must be done by the individual themselves.

    “Either we don’t know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted.” — Even with the best intentions, the support we provide may not align with what the person actually needs or is ready to accept. For instance, offering advice when they only want someone to listen, expressing concern when they perceive it as judgment, or taking action when it feels patronizing. This makes me think that the most effective way to help is to simply be present—bearing witness to their experience and respecting their autonomy to heal in their own way.

    “And so, it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them – we can love completely without complete understanding.” — This highlights the individuality of human beings. No matter how close we are, there will always be elements of mystery in relationships. While complete understanding may elude us, it doesn’t have to limit our ability to love fully. Love isn’t conditional on perfect comprehension; it is rooted in acceptance, empathy, and presence.

    “What I saw might have been just another winter scene, although an impressive one. But what I knew was that the earth underneath was alive and that by tomorrow, certainly by the day after, it would be all green again. So, what I saw because of what I knew was a kind of death with the marvelous promise…” — Maclean beautifully reflects on the contrast between the apparent “death” of winter and the vibrant life hidden beneath it. By recognizing the earth’s cyclical transformation, he captures the promise of renewal.

    The strangest thing just happened. I just felt something entirely new: a sadness, a goodbye to the winter of my life— a goodbye to the old me. I felt as though I will miss the old me, however painful my life has been, because it will soon be gone. This transformation—from anger to compassion, from duality (this OR that) to inclusiveness—marks the death of the self I’ve known and experienced until now. I will miss me. strange..?

    anita

    in reply to: Moving on from the past break up #444397
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Clara:

    I can see how much thought and care you’re putting into understanding yourself and your relationships, and that’s truly admirable.

    As I read your post, I noticed how it reflects some of the themes we’ve discussed in the past, particularly around anxious-avoidant attachment. I went back to some of our earlier communications and found even more commonalities between your experiences and mine. This will be a long post, and I hope you have the time and patience to read it.

    You shared last year: “My father was very explosive (emotionally). He would force me to go eat breakfast with him, but there were times when I didn’t want to, to the point I cried really hard wondering why he was forcing me to do something I didn’t want to. He had a problem when people got emotional or cried, and I still remember that he scolded me for crying. He couldn’t tolerate people having vulnerable emotions—he would go head-to-head and get very confrontational or explosive. This happened with… basically anyone who was against him (even the slightest). He was also very judgmental… he called me useless and a loser because I didn’t get married. It was so hurtful for me, I almost ran away from home that time. So, from a young age, I learned to hide my emotions… I swallowed my emotions and didn’t let [my girlfriend] know when I was sad. When she came home late, I didn’t often text or call her because I didn’t want to upset her. Once she got home, she realized I was upset and was caught by surprise.”

    Like your father, my mother was also emotionally explosive, confrontational, and intolerant of vulnerability on my part. Her behavior created an environment where my emotions were met with scorn and punishment rather than understanding. From a young age, I learned that expressing my feelings was dangerous and would lead to rejection or conflict.

    I can also relate to the pattern of control you described. My mother’s disregard for my autonomy left me feeling helpless and resentful. Your father’s judgmental words, such as calling you “useless” and a “loser,” are painfully similar to my mother calling me “a big zero.” Such comments deeply damage a child’s sense of self-worth, reinforcing the belief that love and approval are conditional on meeting impossible expectations.

    Growing up in environments where emotions were invalidated or punished led both of us to suppress our feelings and deal with them alone. We learned to hide our emotions as a defense mechanism. In adulthood, this carried over into relationships. For example, you mentioned not texting or calling your ex when you felt upset because you didn’t want to upset her. This fear of expressing emotions and the resulting miscommunication—where your partner didn’t realize you were upset—ties back to your early conditioning that expressing emotions is dangerous. But as you’ve likely noticed, suppressed emotions don’t stay buried; they eventually erupt, sometimes in ways that harm relationships.

    Your father’s unpredictability and emotional volatility shaped your anxious-avoidant attachment style, just as my mother’s behavior shaped mine. The combination of suppressed emotions and internalized fears has led to patterns of emotional withdrawal or intense reactions in relationships—something I can deeply relate to.

    What stands out to me, though, is your resilience and self-awareness. You’ve been actively reflecting on these patterns and working to understand and improve yourself, and that’s truly inspiring. It reminds me that, even though these early influences left a mark, we both have the capacity to grow, heal, and build healthier relationships—with others and, most importantly, with ourselves.

    Your kindness, responsibility, and empathy shine through every time you share, Clara. These are such powerful strengths, even as you navigate challenges like anxiety and emotional struggles. The fact that you’re asking, “How do I accept myself and handle these?” is a huge step toward building a healthier relationship with yourself. Your willingness to move forward with understanding and self-compassion is such a beautiful thing.

    In terms of changing the habit of suppressing emotions to a new habit of expressing them, I am finding it helpful to type out my emotions as they are, right here on the forums—without giving in to my old tendency to intellectualize. Just letting the raw emotions flow onto the page. Is this something you would like to explore more, perhaps using your thread for this purpose?

    anita

    in reply to: Passing clouds #444395
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Zenith 🌸

    It’s important to remember that your health matters, and Islam makes room for compassion and flexibility in such situations. I just looked up a couple of quotes on the matter:

    “My mercy encompasses all things” (Qur’an 7:156)- This verse highlights Allah’s boundless mercy and serves as a reminder that compassion is central to Islamic teachings. Compassion includes self-compassion.

    “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Qur’an 2:286)- This verse reflects the understanding and flexibility in Islam, acknowledging individual limitations and encouraging self-compassion.

    Trying your best under the circumstances is enough, Zenith, and it doesn’t make you a bad Muslim—it makes you human.

    Be kind to yourself, and know that your efforts and intentions are meaningful. I hope you can find peace and let go of guilt as you continue on this journey. Sending you support and encouragement. ❤️

    anita

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 2,817 total)