🌹2026 IM CHOOSING ME🌹

I’m walking into 2026 with clarity, not excuses.
I’ve learned that staying silent doesn’t make you strong , choosing yourself does.
This year is about truth over comfort, peace over chaos, and freedom over fear.
No more shrinking. No more explaining. No more surviving what keeps breaking me.
I don’t know everything this year will bring, but I know this: I am done sacrificing myself to keep others comfortable.
2026 is my year of boundaries, healing, and quiet strength.
A year of becoming whole again.
If you’re starting this year tired but still standing, choose yourself.
That choice changes everything.

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Coralmist · 41-45, F

This is exactly what I need. Great post. I've been making myself small everyday for everyone, and I feel I have NO SELF. How is one supposed to live without a SELF???? TO STAND IN MY TRUTH too? I agree, Lady, no more shrinking!! I found this woman on FB and YouTube, called Memaw Talks. She makes advice videos and they talk about similar issues you posted here. I learned more from a few of her videos than I did a year in therapy!! 🪻

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

@Coralmist There are many of us who have tangled with narcissists at some point in our lives. And yet, asking "What's in it for me?" is perfectly fine to say. It's healthy. It's not selfish at all.

LadyGrace ·

@Coralmist Right. I just wrote on that this afternoon and I hope many people will take it to heart. We have to all find this out for ourselves and this poster has found her way, and I'm so proud of her.

https://similarworlds.com/struggles/5482305-Building-and-Cultivating-True-Happiness-from-Within

LadyGrace ·

@Coralmist

We're never entrapped unless we allow it. We must tell ourselves the truth.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@LadyGrace The only exception might be malignant narcissistic abuse. It will entrap you and you are in horrible fog not of your control. But the good thing is I'm seeing now at least it's effect, and reversing it is Very hard, but I will continue at it.

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LadyGrace ·

@Coralmist If we are not in control, then that means the abuser is in control, and that must change.

LadyGrace ·

@Coralmist Don't forget. Wishful plans don't work unless you enforce them and carry them out.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@LadyGrace That's the key yes, an understanding of myself. I barely believe I have a RIGHT to a self. It was that awful and corrosive for decades. So I'm starting to find a new template in my mind of WHO I really am. Then I think taking steps won't be as anxiety filled. Thank you Lady🌟

LadyGrace ·

@Coralmist Now you got it! 🙏 🙌 Narcissists are good at making one feel that way. They program their victims. You're making great progress. Keep it up. You have EVERY RIGHT to be free and not infringed upon. Only a person like the narcissist, who has an extreme alter ego, thinks they have the right to control others, thinks like that.

LadyGrace ·

@Coralmist
Maybe this one will help you as well. You know sometimes it really does take a person who can look at the situation from the outside in, to help others. While you're in a mess, it's hard to be objective and see things for how they truly are.

https://similarworlds.com/struggles/5482521-From-Victim-to-Victor-Break-Free-from-Abuse-and-Live-the

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@LadyGrace This was very eye opening. Thanks my friend. I think that's a huge part, that the narcissist wants CONTROL of you, and you absolutely become brainwashed. They twist your words, reality etc so that you believe you are defective. Yet THEY are the manipulator, enjoying every second of power they can unleash. It's why I'm quiet and make myself small .. thanks again for your insight 🐞