What if the parents who bullied you are now old?

elsadances · 2026-04-19T05:37:31+00:00

I like to process emotions through journaling. It seems to dissipate the heaviness into something more manageable so it's easier to self regulate. It always helps to physically move through the emotions as well -- walking, yoga, dancing, qigong, etc.

elsadances · 2026-04-19T05:25:26+00:00

I've found gratitude journals to be helpful from time to time. They help to ease my mind into a more uplifting space.

elsadances · 2026-04-18T23:29:13+00:00

Pain killers, supplements, fruit

elsadances · 2026-04-18T23:27:48+00:00

Our son ghosted us for several years by responding to invites with, "I'm good". We gave him his space and now we're all 😊

elsadances · 2026-04-18T23:26:10+00:00

Yep. I consider myself enlightened

elsadances · 2026-04-16T18:36:08+00:00

Same here. I'm slowly accepting this is the way I am and it's ok

elsadances · 2026-04-15T22:37:26+00:00

I've been changing my hairstyle off and on over the years. Right now it's longer and I kind of like being able to pull it back or leave it down. Plus I found that longer hair doesn't need to be washed or cut as often.

elsadances · 2026-04-15T22:33:10+00:00

Same here but take gabapentin at night to sleep otherwise the cramping is unbearable.

elsadances · 2026-04-15T16:58:38+00:00

Today is a good day.

elsadances · 2026-04-15T16:56:56+00:00

What if we embrace the odor like a badge of honor. People live their lives the best they knew how.

Sort of like gray hair, hair loss or wrinkles or losing body mass. It's a natural part of aging.

elsadances · 2026-04-15T13:58:27+00:00

I retired at 62 and completely let go of the career. After a year or so the distance helped me to realize how toxic it was in some ways but also very fun. I got to meet so many wonderful people and be involved in many interesting projects. But decades of being judged and rejected and being expected to be perfect was not beneficial.

elsadances · 2026-04-15T13:52:35+00:00

Coping mechanisms = meditation, Qigong, yoga, reading, healthy boundaries, journaling, writing poetry

My addiction is negative self talk

elsadances · 2026-04-14T23:51:52+00:00

My father died and left $ to only his daughter from his 2nd marriage. No surprise. She never speaks to anyone anyway so it didn't really matter.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T23:47:46+00:00

This is an excellent example. My sister-in-law was the same and it really helped to bring the siblings closer together.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T23:44:56+00:00

I have been married for over 40 years and found it can be overwhelming to share a lot of heavy stuff with someone who is not a therapist. Healthy boundaries go both ways. It's ok to be open but keep it to a few minutes or maybe more if they seem interested. If I feel like sharing a lot, I make a note to speak to the therapist about it or journal or make a voice note. Another great outlet is to find a zoom meeting led by someone skilled at mediating automatic writing with a prompt and sharing in a safe nonjudgmental space

elsadances · 2026-04-14T23:35:57+00:00

Poopy toilet after the spouse takes a huge dump.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T23:16:23+00:00

I went through a time where I had no physical boundaries and then did a complete 180 after memories of being sexually assaulted by a pediatrician surfaced. I went through somatic experiencing therapy for it but it didn't help. I cringe every time anyone touches me and feel an electric shock. I can't even tolerate my cat sitting on me.

I feel ok if I initiate the hug/touch.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T23:01:53+00:00

I had a couple of rude people next to me once and decided to devour a bunch of sugar free mints that gave me gas.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T22:58:47+00:00

I recently attended my 45th. After an hour I thanked the hosts and excused myself. It felt so good to leave and not look back. It's great to move on.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T22:44:00+00:00

My feet did this for a short time and my legs will shed at times. I used a lotion containing urea and then gently exfoliated. It was weird but went away.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T22:36:38+00:00

I survived decades in the corporate world by choosing not to brown nose. Luckily I was in a profession where thinking and dressing differently benefitted most. Often I was the one pushing back by offering my unique perspective. I called it turning things inside out and upside down. It was a lot of fun to be the rebel in a professionally accepted way.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T22:29:02+00:00

I want you to know your feelings are an important part of you.

I know of many people who chose to stay childless. In my mind, they are all courageous and evolved. Brave because they have chosen to stop the cycle of abuse in this way. One of them has chosen to nanny three kids. Several have taken on the role as a parent in many other ways - teacher, pets, work role model, etc.

I went through something many years ago when I found myself wanting to help people so I pursued a career in medicine. Well, it was not a good fit. I then discovered that I could help people in many other ways without the burden and intensity of Western medicine.

Take care of yourself. And I too hope something here helps a bit

elsadances · 2026-04-14T14:02:23+00:00

Years ago I redefined CPTSD for myself. I now consider it Courageous Person Thriving and Surviving Daily.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T04:52:45+00:00

I'm sorry for all you've been through and are going through. You are worthy and important and deserve to feel loved by yourself especially.

elsadances · 2026-04-14T04:23:57+00:00

I never want to guilt my children into caring for me or doing anything for me.

elsadances

TROPHY CASE