So You've Survived. Now What?

I should start this first blog post by stating that my parent (mother) is as yet undiagnosed, or has been diagnosed but is keeping that diagnosis to herself.  In fact, if you were to ask my mother if she had any type of personality disorder she would tell you that she's the only sane person she knows.  She'd then proceed to tell you that there is clearly something wrong with you, just so you're aware of your own issues.  Be prepared for a lengthy discussion with her regarding what is wrong with you and everyone else in your life.  It will take several hours as she succinctly dissects your life and everyone in it.  If you give her any numbers of contacts, be prepared that she will contact them to inform them of how unbalanced you are and that you cannot, nor should ever be trusted.  She will do her best to convince others that she is the only one who can help them, deal with you.  Your friends and family members will be angry, confused and will probably tell you that they do not want to hear from that person again.  My mother will tell you that they were very grateful for her call, that they agree with her regarding her analysis of your unstable nature and that they said, "This about you."
 
It would be wonderful if I were exaggerating the above situation but it has happened many times before to relatives, friends and innocents who still believe that people are essentially rational and good.  So, I am asking you to imagine a radical idea, a mother can in fact be her child's worst enemy.  I have found that most people believe in the "mother as martyr for her children" so strongly that they find it impossible to imagine that a "mother" may not feel that way about her children at all.  I understand how hard it is to imagine, but in order for you to go on this journey with me you must at least entertain the possibility.

This blog is not about, "Why my mother sucks."  Instead, it is about where I was versus where I am now and pretty much how I got there.  Like any process it isn't a straight climb toward recovery.  In fact, you have to first define what recovery means to you and then devise a plan for getting there.  The entire process is bumpy and frought with setbacks but, hopefully, worth it.

Welcome to my recovery process!