Your parents are divorcing...

...Your mom left your dad and your whole family was broken up. Your childhood home was sold and you had to split your holidays between the two. You and your siblings are all out of the house as young adults tackling the real life. The way you see it, is that your mom was selfish to do such a thing to the family. And, your dad is still upset about it all, even if he might have found someone else... 

You feel that whatever your mom tells you about the situation on why she left are lame and still very selfish and you have stopped to even listen. In fact you rather not talk to her at all unless it is via texts every now and then. Seeing her is almost too painful. Seeing her happy and moving on with her life is like a slap in the face for what you had to go through with them getting a divorce. 

You feel that your dad needs your support still since he is taking this whole thing so hard. He is telling you how much your mom hurt him by leaving and that he never deserved this. You believe him. You believe him because you too got hurt by her leaving. His truth becomes your truth. Your dad starts to feed you things that you didn't know about your mother growing up. He shares secrets that your mom has always been selfish, that she never really cared, and that she always seemed to be out to hurt him by lies, all with associated stories to back up his points... It all kind of lines up with what you are feeling about the whole thing.. You believe everything he is saying, how could you not - they guy is almost crying when he is telling you this. 

Your distant to your mother grows and you feel it in yourself that you could never really see or understand why she did what she did. And in fact you don't care besides for that she hurt you all so deeply. Your trust and maybe even love for her seems to drift further and further away. And the resentment you feel grows bigger. 

...Then, one day, maybe it is years later... something happens. Maybe it is a thought, an event, a story... It is something that triggers something that has been deeply buried. You start to realize little by little that the nonsense your mom was telling you on why she left becomes a little bit more understandable, a little bit more true. You start to realized that maybe she was telling the truth. Maybe she was put in a situation where she had no choice, that if she would have stayed she would have diminished as a person. You start to remember the controlling things your father used to do to her and that she never really seemed to have any life outside of the home. You wonder if she was even allowed now when you think about it. Did she even have hobbies? He was controlling her? "My own father I have been protecting was being mentally abusive to my own mother? And I took his side??" you ask yourself.  

Wow! what an emotional roller coaster filled with guilt. What the heck do you do now? If it is not too late... (and I mean that if she is dead) reach out to her. She is waiting... She will forever be waiting for her child to come back... She will never punish you for what happened - remember she was not the one that was controlling and abusive. She will forgive you and she will embrace you. Because she really knows no other way - that is why she stayed with your father for as long as she did in the first place...   

This post is dedicated to those women who has been abused by their husbands, gotten safely away from the situation and now have their children turned against them, siding with the abuser... 

We are the Heroes of our time

When Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöv won the 2015 edition of Eurovision song contest last Saturday with the song Heroes - chills were running through my heart. It is so beautiful... just listen to it...

(and if you are like me and can listen to this over and over watch the live performance too)

 

hug me please...

I am trying to figure out a balance.
I love the freedom I have now but I can't really stand being lonely.
There is something missing.

I don't want to let go of this freedom I have but I could use some company.
Company means compromise, if ever so slightly.
But company also means love, care, compassion, strength, support, and friendship.
Am I ready to give and receive all that?

So many feelings and so many thoughts...
So many roads to pick from and so many options...

I am not used to it.
Maybe I can just let time work its magic?!

All I know is that I wish I didn't feel so lonely at times.

Me without You

Giving this a try... if you haven't read the romantic versions this won't seem too interesting but I figure I would put a little twist on the original cuteness of Me Without You... 

Me without You... 

is like a peaceful nap without interruption.  

a government without corruption.

It is like a sun kissed skin without the burn, 

and a happy vacation without return. 

A drink without the tab, 

and a hug without a grab. 

A summer night without mosquitoes, 

and a romantic dinner without orange Doritos. 

It is like wearing sexy high heels without the feet getting sore, 

and cuddling with someone who isn't asking for more. 

It is like eating unlimited amount of chocolate without the risk of getting fat, 

and having a stomach that is flat. 

It is like a rainbow without the rain, 

and a trip back home without having to be on an expensive plane.  

It is like a beautiful evening under the moon and the stars

and getting a plastic surgery without any revealing scars...   

I admit...  

Me without You, 

is ME...  

All you need is love...

Love is generally the source of good in our lives: it motivates us, it comforts us, and it heals us, among many other things. But, in the instances where abuse is present in a relationship, love can keep us trapped...

“But I love him so much” is a common response from a woman when asked why she is not leaving the relationship. For many years I convinced myself that my purpose in life was to just give love to a broken soul who was abusing me while receiving no love in return. And while I cannot speak for other women I can say that my love finally ran out. And in retrospect; the feelings I had wasn’t really love – it was fear – mistaken as love. 

The abuse, in the disguise of love, kept me in the loop of always having to try harder, do better and love more… because if I didn’t the abuse would follow. And I am sure that it is the reality of many relationships, were a woman thinks she loves him. 

When I was in the abusive relationship I kept looking for ways to love better and I learned about the theory of the 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. I truly believe these languages are true for most people and can be used in every relationship from work colleagues to soul mates. But, for an abuser it doesn’t matter; what was right yesterday isn’t right today. 

The five languages of love are: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. As much as they are a tool to show love and appreciation to someone you care about, the abuser can turn your own love language into a very painful trap in the name of love instead. 

Words of Affirmation – “I appreciate you because…” 

This language uses words to affirm other people.  Specific statements of why you feel a certain way about another person will be remembered.  Verbal abuse with specific personal statements is what hurts the most to this person. And we all know an abuser is very good at telling his significant other how bad and horrible they are all the time.

Acts of Service – “Let me do that for you” 

For these people, actions speak louder than words. Help them out with their tasks, even if it is just taking out the garbage or cooking dinner. Instead of a helping out an abuser would never lift a finger to help with even the smallest everyday tasks while also having an excuse of why they can’t help or more important – why they shouldn’t. 

Receiving Gifts – “I have been planning this gift for you for weeks” 

For some people, what makes them feel most loved is to receive a gift; a thoughtful gift that shows that you care and thought about them. For an abuser it is very easy to neglect someone’s birthday, special occasions or holidays. And what’s worse is that they will use your day to doing or getting something they want instead and tell you that it was for you and you should be grateful.  

Quality Time – “I am yours for the rest of the evening, my phone is off” 

This language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention. Being there is all the matters. Spend the time talking uninterrupted or do something together. The opposite of this would be the dreaded silent-treatment. The abuser will be a silent member of the household or they will leave the home for however long they feel is appropriate based on how much they feel you should be punished. Or it could also take the turn on if you want to spend time with them - you have to do it on their terms.

Physical Touch – “Let me hold you until you fall asleep” 

To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate touch. Hugging, high fives, gentle touch, massage, holding hands, cuddling… With an abuser this can get ugly. You may submit yourself to having sex just to feel somewhat loved or maybe even prefer violent physical treatment than no physical touch at all.

While all types of abuse that I briefly mentioned are horrible and I have been feeling the pains of all of them, some just digs deeper into my soul and leaves a scar and I would assume the same is true for other women. The cycle of abuse and the love trap gets even crazier when you put the two together. The abuser will use your love language to hurt you AND to get you back….

For me, who is a combination Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch person, I was abused verbally and mentally. He told me how horrible I was at most tasks that I did and after a blow out where I would cry profoundly he would comfort me with a long hug which made me think things were ok again.  

For someone else the opening could be physical violence and a nice gift to get you back, or the silent treatment for weeks to you coming home to a three course meal with candles…

… And that is what I mean when I say that love can keep us trapped. Not because it is love, but because we hope and think it is.        

The three yellow cars

When I am down, God throws me a little joke. It is funny - silly, playful, funny. I can only explain it with that God is kind of telling me "relax, you are OK - I got your back". And he does it in the way that I can't do anything else but to smile.

Today it happened, again.

God shows me three yellow cars within minutes. It is always three, like the Divine Trinity: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - or as I like to see it: The spiritual, the mental and the physical (in my world). And it is always yellow - like the color of gold that is the color of the Divine.

Today driving to work for a meeting a yellow car drives by me, then an orange car, then a school buss. I laugh out loud and said: "that was not three YELLOW cars, that was only one". Sitting by the light only a few seconds later, waiting for it to turn green, the second yellow car drives by. I smile and I said "ok, you got two! I am not counting that orange car..." 

I pulled into Starbucks not even a minute later, sure I was going to see a third soon. And yes! behind me in the drive-through line a yellow car pulls up. And I felt a smile not only on my face but in my heart. God was once again telling me that I should not worry because he has my back.

I know this may sound so silly - but to me it is so clear.
And the beauty is that I chose to believe :)
Well, I not only believe - I know!

a beautiful surprise

In pain to the point where I really just wanted to hide under the blanket I went to see him anyway. The need for company and the longing of his arms around me was far greater then the pain I felt. After I walked in to his place and as soon as I had kicked off my shoes I went over to him as he sat in the sofa to give him a kiss. I found myself reaching for a hug and he guided me on to his lap. Instantly my whole being took a big sigh of relief. I felt so safe and so complete in that moment in his arms. It took me by a beautiful surprise...

When I looked up on his face a few moments later, I cannot tell how long because the moment stood still, I saw that he, too, had his eyes closed and had embraced the moment completely. 

I know I haven't mention this person here ever but he is in my life and in my heart and have been for a few months. I don't know what the future will bring for us but I am excited to find out. 

I am ok, thank you for asking

Vulnerability. Beautiful and scary at the same time. It can be beautiful if you allow it to be, but most often it is scary because you just have to let go. Give in. Let it take over. But once you do, let go of that sense of control it most often will be beautiful... and scary... 

I think during the past week I, in my silence, saw the peak of my vulnerability. I was in a car accident that could have ended much worse than it did. It still have me sitting here with a very stiff and sore back, neck and body along with having a concussion that is pretty much in control of my life at the moment. But I am alive. It happened on a snowy highway driving to get my hair done. Now I not only have these pains I also never got my hair done and my car is no more.

On the outside I paint up this picture to be this strong woman...

~ I am ok ~

~ I will be just fine  ~

~ I am thankful to be alive ~

~ Oh, it is nothing, don't worry ~

~ I can do this ~

~ I will manage ~

~ I can juggle (read ignore) this concussion while also working  ~

~ I am in control ~

~ I am strong ~

~ I am lucky ~

It is all a lie... I feel none of these things in this moment. I feel lonely. I feel naked. I feel like I have to prove myself to everyone, even myself... I cannot ask for help because I don't know what to ask for. And if I in an instant think of something to ask for; I quickly kick it off my mind and convince myself I can deal with it on my own - It all happens automatically without me even realizing it.

This is the moment we need people that not only say "let me know if I can help you in any way" but the people that actually do without even asking. Because the truth is - I still don't know what to ask for because I don't even know what I need. The people that do can't do anything wrong in a situation like that. Anything and Everything will be appreciated.  

I hope that I someday become a doer for someone else. And maybe along the process I can make my vulnerability into something beautiful because right now - all it is, is scary. And I am living in a lie by not allowing it to come out...

Back to being me

Today I can officially change my name back to my maiden name! It came like a gift in the mailbox (that I paid for and had "ordered" but still...)

What a step. I will no longer be "attached" to Thunderstorm by name. I can't wait to actually get my new Social Security card, drivers license and everything else updates. I cannot wait. :) - even if I kind of have to wait due to a small incident that have me a little off.

A word from a dating expert

One of my new-found favorite business men: Matthew Hussey just sent "me" an email saying "Are you dating a narcissist?" So, let me share his words with you too as they are very valid in the dating world...

Does he like me?
Why didn’t he call?
Should I text him first?

How can I get him to commit?

No matter what city or country I’m in on my live tour, no matter how many emails are in my inbox, I can guarantee that I’ll be asked these common questions (multiple times). But just as I was starting to think I could read your mind, a surprising question started popping up again and again recently:  

Am I dating a Narcissist?  

Whoa.  

“What do guys mean by ‘I need space?’” – THAT I’m used to answering. But “does my boyfriend have a major personality disorder?” THIS was going to take some research… I put my brother Stephen to the task of tackling this tough topic and he’s composed a checklist of 11 (sometimes subtle) traits that can help you determine whether your guy qualifies as a Narcissist, so you can get out before you get in too deep.  

Here’s Stephen…  
*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
Narcissists fall in love every day. It’s just always with the wrong person.
Many disturbing statistics have shown just how easy it is for narcissists, sociopaths, and the dangerously self-obsessed to thrive in the modern world.

Whether in business, fashion, or the movie industry, a delusional belief in one’s own talents and superiority can be just the quality one needs to bloom in professions that rely on selling an image of confidence and self-assuredness. 

It doesn’t help that narcissists are great seducers too.

Narcissists can be rich, powerful, talented, clever, charming and keen to please. Sounds too good to be true, right? 

Here’s the downside of dating a narcissist: It can take a really long time for you to notice the enormous downside (namely his complete lack of empathy with other people)!

What will likely happen is you’ll be with a guy who seems to have his life together, takes care himself, is highly successful, and even wants to take you out and treat you well. But you’ll notice something missing. Some form of caring and human generosity that he doesn’t show. You might not even be able to put your finger on it, because a narcissist, being someone who is eager to be loved, will tell you everything you want to hear. 

11 Warning Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist 
How do you spot these creatures then? The signs are subtle, and it’s not usually just one behaviour. You need to look for repeated patterns of the following kinds:

    •    Needing too much attention for minor accomplishments.  
He does most activities for people to cheer and tell him how great he is, and acts like a child if people don’t give him the attention he craves. He is extremely sensitive about the slightest criticism. Most guys want their girlfriend to be their greatest cheerleader, but only a narcissist wants her to be as blindly devotional as a Justin Bieber fan.

    •    Selfishness with giving praise. 
He rarely, if ever, will give you praise for your own achievements or parts of your character he admires. In fact, he’s likely threatened by your success, and will become colder when he sees you rise up the ladder.

    •    Every story you tell becomes a story about him. 
You’re in the middle of telling him about an argument with your parents, and before you know it you’re talking about his relationship issues with his Dad. Somehow every conversation turns to his own grand internal struggle because, frankly, yours just isn’t that interesting to him.

    •    Envy. 
He is insanely jealous of other people’s achievements, and tries to belittle their success. If he can’t bring himself up, he’ll show why others are worse than he is.

    •    Lack of curiosity about you. 
Your inner world and thoughts are of practically zero interest to him. He is never truly interested in getting to know you as a person. He tends to ask superficial questions and only takes an interest when he’s told to.

    •    Takes credit, avoids blame. 
He takes credit for everything good, and rarely apologises for anything bad. He is awful at sharing his wins with anyone else, and will need to regularly prove how others played no role in his successes.

    •    Thinks he is never the problem – it’s just that you “have issues”. 
He assumes all faults in the relationship must be because you’re erratic, needy and unreasonable, not because he’s acting badly. If you’re upset, he blames you for being emotional, and makes you somehow feel bad for unfairly putting pressure on him.

    •    Ignores your plans. 
Your dreams are disposable and do not feature on his radar when he makes plans. His dreams, on the other hand, are of life and death importance and are a daily obsession.

    •    Does things to fuel his image of himself as a ‘great guy’. 
He only does things for you because he thinks they make you like him more or make him look better, rather than because he is interested in making you feel happy and fulfilled. The same goes for his friends and people around him. Anyone that threatens this identity he will swiftly disposed of, or instinctively avoid.

    •    Won’t assist with your projects. 
If your path to fulfillment somehow conflicts with his happiness and feelings of superiority, he’ll convince you to not to follow it. After all, what are your meager projects compared to his epic quest for glory and domination?

    •    Unable to apologize. 
He just cannot say sorry. No matter what he’s done or how obvious it is, he finds a way to justify and explain why in this instance it wasn’t his fault, or finds a way to excuse himself for having done something bad. Or he’ll just pounce and attack your character as a means to defend himself.  

I know nobody’s perfect. Even great people may have one or two elements of narcissism lying within them, ready to come out unexpectedly. But stack enough of these behaviours on top of one another, and you’ve got a man who will sooner or later leave you desperately wanting for affection, love, and kindness that you just won’t get.  

He’ll say all the right things when you’re upset. Of course he will. That’s because he’s seeing your view of him for the first time. And he’s scared that it doesn’t match what he sees in the mirror.  

And the mirror always comes first.  

(Back to Matthew…)  
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<You> belong with a man who will cherish you, love you, and put you first in his life.

Whether you’ve been wasting your time on a bona fide Narcissist, or simply not getting your needs met by a guy who’s not living up to your standards, you deserve better.