Thank you so much for sharing your story, Marylin. I'm glad this thread helped you gain some clarity

You're absolutely right, it's not too late! You know, I once read a book written by a counsellor that started with a story about a woman who'd gone to his office and told him, 'I want to deal with the demons from my childhood' - the woman was 80 years old! It ain't over till it's over

From everything I've learned, I'll also tell you that we humans form out sense of self in relation to other people. So, to heal, I think you need to find and let in people who are good to you, who can see you as you are, who will show you you're worthy and wonderful just as you are! People who are different from your parents.

It's not easy when our view of ourselves has been skewed from the start.. As much as it hurts, there's also safety in viewing ourselves as we always have - we know how to be in that scenario, that world, that bubble. As much as it isn't true. It's a slow process that we might even resist at times. We may have to walk through immense pain.. But we can make it to the other side! And it's SO worth it

I'm so glad you're taking the steps towards finding out and becoming who you were meant to be All the best on your journey!