I think it’s important for this to be said. If we have come from a dysfunctional family of any kind – but particularly narcissistic – we owe zero explanations to them  for how we choose to live our lives. And, further, it’s okay if our family of origin is disappointed or disagrees with our choices. This is OUR life to live. And, from the experiences of many, living our lives in accordance with other people’s instructions often leads to regret and other challenging issues.

So, that disappointed look that a narcissistic mother gives or the condescending comments by an enabling father, for example, are not our concern. And we should think long and hard before we act on those things. Yes, we’ve been conditioned to believe that we need to make everyone else happy and “do as we’re told”. But that isn’t something that will hold us back if we don’t allow it to do so. Narcissists and enablers are great with guilt-tripping and disappointed expressions. Let them! Seriously…let them do what they need to do while we live out our own plans and achieve our own goals. Take those risks, make those choices, bring those dreams into the realm of reality. It’s okay! In fact, it’s 110% okay. Live life and make zero apologies for it to parents or other family members who think it’s appropriate to not only make someone’s life choices for them, but to react with guilting, shame, silent treatment or other controlling tactics if those choices are not made as ordered.

We all need to live our lives as we choose. Ignoring pressure from other people gets easier the more we practice it. Exercise those self-acceptance muscles every chance that presents itself. And remember, it’s their choice to behave in the controlling and manipulative ways they do about OUR lives. O-U-R lives. Not theirs. So many people struggle with not having validation from family when the only validation that is needed is their own. The rest of it is simply other people’s opinions, which are often based in stereotypes and biases.

Live life to the fullest!

**Here are some book ideas for dealing with dysfunctional people, if you’re interested: https://amzn.to/3qGnUHk

Until next time,

~Heather~ Natural Clarity Coaching naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

*Let’s all take care of this planet of ours *