Welcome to The Path Forward Forum! We're so happy you found us. My books and our forum are intended to help you "Wake Up, Get Real and Heal" with the support of real people who understand exactly what you're going through. I know how hard it is to face the truth about a relationship we once thought was everything we ever wanted and more. It's not easy to accept our soul mate is not at all who we thought in any way, shape or form.
While in my twenties and married to a narcissist, I spent much of my time in denial refusing to look at the reality of my situation. It took me a long time to wake up, but for good reason. Being in a relationship with a narcissist is like riding a roller-coaster you can't get off. It is exciting and exhilarating at one moment and confusing and demoralizing the next.
I don't believe anyone can understand what it is like to love a narcissist unless they have experienced it themselves, which is why I created our on-line forum of support. We can relate to one another and help one another on a level no one else can.
Knowledge is power and when you finally understand the narcissist, only then are you able to break free. Through knowledge, we come to understand that a narcissist will never change and begin to accept that the only person we can change in life is ourselves. We must let go of that which we cannot change and begin to focus on that which we can change - ourselves!
The key to recovering from a narcissist is to find ourselves again. We lose ourselves in the narcissist. Instead of lavishing others with love and affection, we must start practicing self-love and self-compassion on ourselves for a change.
Many of us here are "Empaths" or what is also known as a "Highly Sensitive Person." We feel the emotions of others as if they're our own. We are known for our empathy. Narcissists seek out overly compassionate people.
It is important to note, we are NOT "Codependents" nor are we needy. While we may be targeted for being overly giving and compassionate, we must remember, it is a gift. We have an overwhelming sense of conscientiousness and an undeniable urge to help others. The narcissist knows this and preys on us for this reason.
The only way to true healing is to break free from the emotional abuse of the narcissist, process your pain and find yourself again. YOU can do this. WE can do this. Together, we can and WILL help each other find the Path Forward!
Love & Light,
Lisa E. Scott