Posted by ClearSkies on January 13, 2006, at 5:01:41
In reply to More of the same., posted by Racer on January 12, 2006, at 14:57:31
Being labelled a survivor is kind of like being given a dx of MD or GAD - something that might help in being given the correct medication or type of therapy, but won't make you feel any better.
So - I would say, "you know, I realize that I'm a survivor. That really bad things have happened to me in the past. What I am interested in doing is going forward with my life. What can I do now that can help me feel better about myself, help me get some self esteem back?"
I think it has to do with not being so judgemental about ourselves. And that includes not labelling ourselves Survivors, or Victims, or whatever. How about that we are g*d's perfect child? That we are the best we can be at the moment, which is pretty darn good?
Never mind that I know from personal experience that you are the smartest person I have ever met. That you have an encyclopaedic knowledge of just about anything I can bring up in conversation; and that you aren't the least bit weird or condescending about it, but make your depth of knowledge something that you love to share with others and that brings us all joy and happiness.
Oh, and that you are beautiful. Oh, and that you have a Wicked sense of humour.Understanding our past is critical to being able to go forward. But labelling ourselves in this process is NOT critical in going forward. We just need to be able to understand and tell our story. Ask ourselves questions about it. Question our feelings about our past, perhaps challenge those feelings. And in doing so, we allow ourselves to go forward with our lives.
That's what I think, anyhow.
from your friend,
ClearSkies
poster:ClearSkies
thread:598377
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060110/msgs/598592.html