I would say that when you feel like you can accept what people say at face value, life takes a lot less energy and uses up a lot less angst. I still continue to work towards this goal; it's definitely an ongoing process. I believe you can do it.

I also relate to the feeling of hopelessness. I think this comes from my childhood and the endless hope (which never came) for rescue. Until, of course, I became a self sufficient adult. But I still feel as if I am broken in a way that can't be fixed, which only has the benefit of driving my T up the wall

But, more seriously, I think I am coming around to feeling okay with my brokenness, as if the whole of me is inside of it.

Anne