I can totally relate to this! I’m only at the beginning of making huge change in my life. I wouldn’t say I High-Five myself, probably should, but I note the peace and freedom I feel from calling it all out, being done, and walking away. It sounds badass but feels like I’ve walked into a void.

I divorced my Narcissistic husband 5-years ago and High-Fived myself then. I did a lot of “fake it till you make it” to survive with our 4 kids on my own. Then, about two years ago, I realized my whole family and childhood growing up was a Narcissistic Family System. I knew it was messed up but I kept hoping and trying to be accepted and loved. Now, I’m weirdly thankful in a way that they scapegoated me my whole life. Blamed me for everything and treated me badly. Made up lies about me to spread around. It’s made it very easy to walk away. My other siblings are so entrenched in it all they’ll never see it.

They don’t get it now. Still gaslighting and ignoring my side of things up until I blocked them.

I feel free to finally chase my own dreams. I only wish I’d done it all sooner. I’m 44 and going to back to college. My Mom would always discourage me from going to college. Well, she discouraged all of my interests really. We’re doing great things fellow Redditor *High-Five