My [22f] mother [45f] is never there for me when I need her, I'm not sure what to do now.

So, I only scanned your article. Sorry. After a few sentences and catching a few here snd there it's very clear that you need to take some time away from your mom and really heal. I am from a similar situation, here is what helped me.

Get a day planner and USE IT. Write down tasks you need to do everyday, and do them. You can only do the dishes today? Check it off. You want to make your bed every morning? Write it in every day with a box and check it off. Routine, consistency, and forming good habits are going to get you SO FAR.

  • develop a goal system. Whenever I am stuck, or lost, I go to Starbucks with a notebook and a pen and indulge in a drink. Then, I write down the following questions and answers them honestly:
  1. What's my present situation? ("Figuring out what to do about mom"/"I failed my math test")
  2. How would I like my situation to be? ("To establish a healthy relationship with myself"/"I would like an A on my next test") <--- this needs to remain PERSONAL. From now on, you motivate yourself.
  3. What are my possible choices? ("Talking to mom, asking her to help me, asking my brother for help, grinding at a shitty job so I can find a place to live, going back to school, read a new book, complain to anyone who will listen, wallowing in self pity, letting myself worry about things I can't fix, EXAMPLE, ETCETERA"/"speak with my teacher, review my homework, take better notes, complain to a friend about how awful the teacher is and how she grades unfairly, request an opportunity to retake the test")
  4. What are the likely outcomes of each possible choice? BE HONEST. You know complaining isn't going to help, but finding a job will. Make sure you elaborate on these points, and answer every one you come up with. You can always go back and add more.
  5. Which choices will I commit to doing? Positive, positive, positive, or whatever will generate the least unfavorable outcome.
  6. When and how will I evaluate my plan? Make sure you choose a realistic time frame. Utilize your daily planner. Be detailed and make sure you aren't stressing yourself out.

From there, I now have a goal. My goal the past two weeks has been to study for a math exam on Friday, because I didn't do so well on the first and I need to bring my grade up. Going over all possible outcomes will help you decide what is best. Don't be afraid if you have trouble coming up with positive ones, they will come in time as long as you make positive and personal choices.

My goal setting chart is: Dated: goals have specific deadlines ("I will ace my next math exam"/have a job by next Thursday/buy myself the mv agusta brutale 800 going into my junior year for maintaining a 3.8 gpa or higher)

Achievable: make sure your goals are challenging but realistic. Don't go from zero to hero, and don't try to put too much in your plate.

Personal: these are goals for YOU. Do not accept a goal given to you by someone else. You have lived under your mother's foot for too long. This will be hard at first, so don't be afraid to start small.

Positive: don't waste your time focusing on what you don't want.

Specific: be specific, don't just say "I will get away from my mom's influence", say "I will get away from my mom and focus on the things I have always wanted to do"

Ok, so now you have a goal. Maybe it's something like, "I'll buy a day planner tomorrow", and then "I will make it a habit to use my planner daily", followed by "I will continue to use my planner while I pursue my degree in AWESOME DEGREE FIELD"

If you're having trouble figuring out a passion, spend your down time watching documentaries. VICE is a news source that hits some very intense subjects. There is a /r/documentaries if you need it. You can still fill out a FAFSA and may be eligible for state grants in some states. I honestly can't stress how important school can be in assisting you in getting your feet firmly rooted. Start at community college, the network is built to nestle you and support you, but only if you start to pull your own weight. Do not worry about taking out an extra loan to cover cost of living expenses. You're so young. If you do decide to and are scared of loans, stick with subsidized, as they do not acrue interest and will stay in deferment as long as you are taking enough credit hours (6, which is two or three classes) and enrolled in school.

There are going to be a lot of days where getting out of bed feels impossibe because it will feel like you have the entire world crushing you. You will not feel human, and like an outsider, and wonder what this is all about, but don't give up, reward each goal with a treat, and do not get discouraged when you do not reach your goal -- go back to Step 1. It is so easy to listen to your negative voice. Don't let it tell you that you can't do something.

Quotes and speakers that bring tears to my eyes. They are on YouTube for your viewing pleasure: "Do not let somebody's opinion of you become your reality." - Les Brown

"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present." - Marianne Williamson

Watch Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, and Mrs. Doubtfire, in that order, and then read a biopic on Robin Williams' childhood.

Get the book called "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism" even though it sounds pretenuous as hell. Find a spiritual path, even if you wander off at some point. Yoga and meditation also help, if you have classes near you.

Work hard, and focus on your goals, and be a good person. Most of all, don't worry about your mom. It's going to take time, but she is not ready to accept the love you have to offer. Be patient, work on yourself, and take a few deep breaths. Focus the love you have for her on you. You deserve it.

/r/relationships Thread