Once I was able to access my Self, my true essence (the topic of my last blog, “In Relationship with My SELF”), I was able to respond to the hurt and damaged parts of my inner system. Yes, these are the parts we often try to cut off and out. We bury them, consider them dead to us, but are they really? Only you truly know the answer to that. Mine come up in my daily communication with others and the world. They jeopardize old and new relationships alike. They definitely threaten the relationship we have with ourSelves.
How do we recognize these parts that have manifested in response to the negative and damaging situations/experiences we endured as younger versions of ourselves? They are things like uncontrolled rage/anger, overwhelming fear/anxiety/panic, addictions, eating disorders, narcissism and the list goes on.
These are the things, the situations, that cause us pause and, if we reflect on them, we can recognize them as parts of ourselves that maybe we don’t like very much. I challenge myself, and you, to begin to love them. They are merely extradited parts that have already been beaten and bruised, exiled and forgotten, likely never loved. Imagine younger parts of yourself that have never experienced the nurturing they needed, the love they deserved. What if we can give that to ourselves? If you have access to your true essence, that Self I talk about in my last BLOG, you can do this! I’ll even bet, you already project this kind, loving nurturance to certain individuals. What if you could do it for yourself?
I have suffered with depression (lost myself) and anxiety (feared other’s judgments) to the point that I have self-harmed and attempted suicide twice; I have suffered from suicidal ideation (the longing to commit suicide) since I was 15. Now, at the ripe old age of 62, I am finally loving myself. It is a direct correlation to my work with Internal Family Systems and when I say work, I mean it. I don’t want to portray an easy walk, but it is profoundly freeing and worth it if you are suffering.
Get to know yourSelf and your Parts. Free yourself from the restrictions placed on you in your youth. Learn to love yourself, and others, with so much understanding and compassion that you’re able to act and love in a positive relational way and be satisfied and happy doing it. Would you like to transform your life and become who you are authentically? Travel with me OR check it out on your own, but do this for you! You are worth it! You deserve it!
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Life's Lessons and Mental Health 