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Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 2,834 total)
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  • in reply to: 9 year Old relationship is becoming bareer for me #444462
    anita
    Participant

    Dear devesh tiwaro:

    Thank you for sharing your situation so openly—it takes courage to express these feelings. It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to move forward.

    It’s clear that your girlfriend deeply values and cares for you, which is why she wants to marry you despite the challenges. At the same time, it’s just as important to honor your own feelings and needs. Staying in a relationship when you’re not happy or fulfilled might end up hurting both of you in the long run, as well as complicating things further.

    Perhaps having an honest and respectful conversation with her about how you feel could help. It’s important to express your thoughts gently but clearly, so she understands where you’re coming from. While it might be difficult, being transparent will allow both of you to consider what’s best for yourselves and for the relationship.

    If you’re feeling anxious or confused, it might also help to talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or even a counselor. They could provide guidance as you navigate these emotions and decisions.

    You’re in a tough spot, but taking the time to reflect on what you want for your future—and communicating that openly—can help you find clarity.

    Wishing you peace and clarity as you work through this. Please feel free to post again for more input.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444459
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa and everyone reading this:

    * trigger warning *

    Alessa: “our trauma is so similar”- Our trauma is indeed so similar—it’s about a mother betraying the trust of her little girl in deeply painful ways. Ways that cut to the heart and inflict wounds that linger in the depths of the soul.

    I want to respond to your yesterday’s post, Alessa: “Regarding your question about evil. I read that evil is a lack of empathy… I don’t think that hurting people is about defending oneself. There is a very clear difference between defensive aggression and someone who is actively trying to hurt another person. There is a joy that is taken in harming others… someone who is being defensive takes no joy in it.”- (1) I appreciate your firm tone here—it was exactly what I needed. In the posts earlier, I found myself going soft, soft for my mother. Your firmness helped balance that softness, which could have otherwise pulled me back into the depths of my trauma,

    (2) I looked up the terms “defensive aggression” and “offensive aggression” (often just called “aggression”). Here is what I am learning this morning: Defensive aggression occurs when someone feels threatened and reacts to protect themselves, like a shield. It’s driven by fear and is typically reactive, arising from perceived threats or a need for self-defense.

    Offensive aggression, on the other hand, is deliberate and intended to harm, like a weapon. It stems from a desire to dominate or hurt, such as insulting someone to make them feel bad.

    The key difference is that defensive aggression reacts to fear, while offensive aggression is calculated and hostile. Offensive Aggression by a parent leaves deeper emotional scars on a child, and fosters more distrust in a child than defensive aggression, as the child perceives these actions as deliberate.

    Examples of Offensive Aggression: Insults- “You’re useless—you’ll never amount to anything in life.”, Humiliation- “I can’t believe you’re so stupid. You embarrass me in front of everyone.”, Threats- “If you don’t do as I say, I’ll make your life miserable.”, Manipulation- “After everything I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me? You’re selfish.”, Blame- “It’s your fault this family is falling apart. You ruin everything.”

    Examples of Defensive Aggression: Deflecting Responsibility- “Why are you always blaming me? I never did anything wrong!”, Overreacting to Criticism- “You have no idea how hard my life is—how dare you judge me!”, Physical Reaction- Slamming a door or raising a hand in frustration when feeling cornered, Defensive Statements- “You always make me out to be the bad guy—I’m just trying my best!”, Dismissive Behavior- Ignoring the child’s emotions by saying, “Oh, stop it! You’re overreacting again.”

    Offensive Aggression is direct and intentional harm, aimed at degrading, intimidating, or controlling the child.

    Defensive Aggression stems from feeling threatened or cornered. While it may hurt less because it’s not maliciously intended, it can still make a child feel unsafe and uncertain about a mother’s emotional stability.

    I don’t remember my mother being defensively aggressive although she may have been. What I do remember is her being offensively aggressive. I clearly remember is her being (I am typing as I think), I remember her being strong and dominant.. with me. Weak and submissive with others, but strong and dominant with me (I am thinking about you, Alessa, hoping this .. hoping you are not reading this if it’s triggering. Please feel free to not read).

    I think that this is occurring to me for the first time in my life, that our relationship was special after all, in a way. With me, she felt Strong and Dominant and that felt good to her, so different from the Weak and Submissive experience otherwise.

    I accommodated her. I knew what she needed although I couldn’t articulate it, not even to myself.

    With me, she felt powerful, at least during the times she hurt me and could see that she did. I can almost remember this: submitting to her because she needed it. I LOVED her so much! I would have done anything for her! I’d climb the highest mountain for her, but when what she needed was to see me humiliated, trapped in a hole, then yes, this is what I’d do.

    Standing up for myself, being strong, that would have taken away her way to be strong, to feel strong, that is, to feel powerful.

    So, yes, what I remember most is her taking advantage of this opportunity to feel powerful in relation to me. She said to me: “You are one big zero”- that made her feel like a 100.

    Strange thing is (and I figure I am sounding crazy)- I don’t regret making her feel powerful. I know it was a very good feeling for her. I am happy that she felt good in those moments. All I ever wanted was for her to feel good.

    I don’t regret that it felt good for her.

    I just dived into crazy land, didn’t I.

    When love is misused and abused, Crazy is the consequence.

    I LOVED her so much. I tried not to, for the longest time- placing Anger in between me and my love for her.

    I cannot deny that love, Love for her.

    She needed me to be “a big zero” and I accommodated.

    Looking into my soul this Friday almost-noon: there’s that love in it, dominant love, would-do-anything love.

    I feel in-touch with myself more than ever right now. I understand more than ever. I don’t know what I will be typing next. No planning, no agenda.

    I was a very loving little girl after all, not at all the selfish, evil girl she said I was.

    Oh, I was a good girl after all. I didn’t know!

    Back to your yesterday’s post, Alessa: “I feel like people use flimsy excuses for these types of behaviours. They are looking for opportunities to hurt others and re-enacting their trauma by role-playing the aggressor. The sad truth is it is easy to do, because it requires nothing in the way of self control and there has been cultural acceptance of children being possessions and child abuse being legal worldwide for a long time.”- Perfectly said.

    anita the possession. An item to be possessed. No wonder I felt claustrophobic being trapped in a 2-dimensional trap, that of being an item.

    You ended your today’s post with: “I’m sorry to say that I don’t feel sad for your mother. I care that you are suffering, worrying about her and that you suffered at her hands and she falsely blamed you for it. ❤️”- someone taking my side? Unheard of! Now heard, lol.

    (I just got scared that you will somehow get offended, Alessa, by my comment “Now heard, lol”. I hear her saying: what do you mean by “lol” why, you- anita- are a terrible person by lol-ing me, something like that).

    It’s not yet Friday noon time yet, but it feels like way later.

    There was always criticism coming from her, always the “You are BAD anita” message. A message that made her feel good, so she kept repeating it.

    Connecting this to the news I heard a few days ago, that at 85, she is severely hunched over, can’t walk straight, won’t let people help her (because it makes her feel weak to be helped)- I don’t have any bad wishes for her, don’t have the desire that she hurts. Have the desire- as always- that she’d feel good. There were moments when she loved me, or cared for me, like taking a few buses so to get me my favorite marzipan cake. Although I don’t know if it was an act of love, or an investment in keeping her Feeling- Powerful- Over possessed item (anita) invested in the dynamic.

    I remember that cake as if it was yesterday.

    anita

    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

Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 2,834 total)