The more I learn the more compassionate I feel toward myself

[Lotus]

Wow, now I think that my mother might have NPD. She makes me feel so. Looking back, I realized now that my childhood self carried far too much on her shoulders. I feel more connected to the identity of a "survivor"!

[bloomie]

Welcome, Lotus! Thankful you have found this supportive community and that you are experiencing a huge shift in your identity and able to show compassion toward yourself.

I look forward to hearing more and supporting you in your healing journey when you are ready to share.

[Blueberry Pancakes]

Hello Lotus - I think so much changes as the "FOG" lifts. If you see yourself as a survivor, I hope perhaps you also have clarity on your strengths and skills that enabled you to deal with difficult situations and make it through to the other side. I hope you have increased appreciation for who you are as a person. It is amazing how far you can go when you can see the wonder of all that you truly are. 

I too see myself as a survivor and have used the words brave and courageous to describe myself. Earlier in my life, I always found stories of survival and escape to be fascinating and was sort of embarrassed about my interest in it, but later came to think that I was connecting on a personal level to what some of them had gone through.