It’s hard to forgive other people, but it’s far more difficult to forgive ourselves. I know this is true, because I’ve struggled with it for years.
I listened to a podcast episode tonight about how victims of narcissists often lash out at other people in behavior that seems remarkably similar to the behavior that was done to them. I’ve known for years that this is true, but I prefer to avoid the subject.
Thinking about it makes me feel guilt and shame. I struggle to give myself the grace of self-compassion and forgiveness.
I’ve talked with you over and over about my struggles with coming to understand the narcissistic abuse I went through as a child. The thing I seem to have struggled with the most are my fears of having learned too many of my father’s dysfunctional ways. (Here‘s an example from about 18 months ago.)
As I listened to the podcast discussion tonight of how easy it is for victims to repeat some forms of what was done to them, I felt the shame return — and I was reminded that I still haven’t mastered how to give myself compassion and forgiveness.

I can change my appearance, but my inner self will stay the same
Some people hate their enemies so badly that fairness doesn’t matter
Honesty, wisdom and insight teach that we have to live with uncertainty
I’ve struggled to finally believe there’s more than one ‘right way’
Those Libyan ‘freedom fighters’ we paid for? They’re murdering thugs
There’s a lot to complain about, but miracle is so much goes right
Political satire works best when exaggerated truth is at its core
I am angry that life doesn’t work the way I once learned it should
I’d be thrilled if Ron Paul were elected, but I won’t vote for him