Narcissists are always very careful to say things in a way that allows them to explain it away especially when they're being abusive. It's literally like you can't get a straight answer from them. They will also change how they talk about everything, so you never really know the truth. They know what they're doing! #grownostr

The feelings we had for even toxic or abusive people is real no matter what anyone says about it. Shame and judgement from ourselves or others does not help us to work through these emotions. It will often push people away instead. What we really need is kindness and compassion from ourselves and everyone else. #grownostr

We all go through it. It often feels like a struggle, but it doesn't mean it is or it has to be. It usually feels worse than it is and it's good when we allow it to surface, even though it doesn't feel that way. We get better over time and our capacity and capability grows. Releasing these things is life altering! #grownostr

Narcissists are masters of deception. If they think you are going to leave and they don't want you to, they will change things. Let's be clear though, this is only enough and for long enough to keep you there. Then it's back to business as usual. The only reality they live in is their illusion! #grownostr

We often want to jump right into solving the problems in our lives, our relationships, or within ourselves. This is great, but it's not so good if we don't acknowledge the issues first. It's essential to first acknowledge what we're going or anyone else is. Then we can work towards solutions to them. #grownostr

This is not easy with seemingly more and more narcissists everywhere, or perhaps our awareness of them now. It is possible to greatly limit interactions and connections with them. They don't need to know any more than is necessary to interact with them and only if we must. #grownostr

Abusive is subtle and deceptive, very much the way the heat was today. There was enough breeze and cloud cover to make it seem like it wasn't as hot as it was. In toxic relationships it's very much the same way. We don't realize how bad it is because there's little sprinkles of breadcrumbs occasionally. #grownostr

The reason healing work is so essential is because it affects every aspect of our lives. If we don't heal the wounds, they will affect us and everyone around us forever. It doesn't mean we must be "healed", but it's essential to continue doing the work and growing our awareness. If we want to move forward in our lives anyway. #grownostr

Narcissists thrive on making others feel small by undermining their confidence and self-worth. They manipulate, belittle, and devalue others to maintain a sense of superiority and control. This allows them to feed their own ego while keeping others dependent and insecure. #grownostr

We all go through hard things and many times it feels like a disaster. It rarely is even though it often feels like it. It's often simply a season we must work through. You've made it through hard seasons before and you can make it through this one. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself compassion. #grownostr