A health, fitness, and weight-loss story.

6.26.2011

Facing Demons

Today I faced some demons. I've had some for awhile, one for about three years, another for a year and a half. It's all centered around people, one in particular that is toxic, and other people that have been influenced by the toxic person.

I called my mom's best friend today. Mom died a long time ago but I've kept in contact with our friend, whom I've known for 40 years. I asked her, "Will this ever go away?" She knows the whole history, all the story, all the background players. She told me that it would not ever go away.

We had a lovely chat and I'm so glad I called her. When we hung up, I knew I was just going to have to face this demon because it eats away at me. I came to my computer, and lo and behold, there was an email from someone somewhat involved. I haven't spoken to this person in many years, so it was quite a shock--especially since I had just been asking for advice about this moments earlier. It set things in motion. This person shared some things with me about her relative that wanted to contact me. I finally bit the bullet and made the phone call.

I had so many fears. I was actually shaking when I made the phone call.

Fear is a stupid thing. It was unfounded--completely unfounded. We ended up talking an hour and a half, had a lovely conversation, and I'm so glad I called. With that one phone call, many things were taken care of--things that had been a burden on my mind and heart and soul. I learned that I was not the only person who knew the toxicity of another player, the person whom I fear so badly. (That fear is not unfounded at all.)

So in the course of an afternoon, I resolved two major issues and two minor issues. Issues that had been such a heavy burden to me.

Two steps forward. I needed to do this to heal. I don't share any of this story here on the blog, but it all centered on a life-changing event for me. I feel such relief, such peace.

There is one final demon left, and it was the biggie that sends me into anxiety mode whenever I even think about it. At this point? That anxiety has been released to a great extent. The power of the toxic person has been greatly reduced. I have a better understanding. I have taken my own power back over the situation.

In this whole confusing drama that I'm sharing but not really sharing, I do have one responsibility to own up to that I have not met. I admit when I'm wrong, and I have done one wrong thing. I can right this by the end of the summer. I now no longer have the fear to do that. Fear was holding me back.

If you've ever been traumatized by physical and emotional abuse, you know how it wreaks havoc on your life. It effects every cell in your body--if you let it, and I did. I'm finally in the stage to release that. I know now that I can.

The ball is in my court, I now feel able to complete this final task to reach my complete peace with this situation.

I'm feeling very empowered.

This was a birthday gift to myself. It was a birthday gift to my father as well. Today was Dad's birthday. Tomorrow is mine. It just amazes me how everything just fell into place. My phone call to my old friend, the contact immediately after that from someone else involved, and resolution. Dad would be happy. I am, too.

11 comments:

  1. YES! hunt it down, dig it up and do what is required to 'fix' it. Sounds like you are almost there. All the hurdles have been jumped. Just the last one to go. Sooner started, sooner finished. Big hugs and congratulations. It's good to see.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy Birthday Jo and congrats on resolving important issues in your life. I see the quote just to the left of where I am typing "Everything is possible." :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Birthday Jo! I know the feeling of facing those hard memories. I remember after a particularity rough therapy session, shaking and anxiety attack of calling a few family members. Sometimes the hard part is that first step.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm glad to know you're feeling very empowered. What a wonderful birthday gift to yourself. Have a marvelous birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like you are getting some peace and some power. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jo,know that you aren't alone and that many people have demons they fight all their lives. I never realized the impact having an alcoholic father had on mine. I always believed it made me stronger, complained I had to grow up too fast, and when in reality... I never developed coping skills to deal with those emotions and events. We're a work in progress. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. It made my day.

    ReplyDelete
  7. One little bit at a time!
    Knowing we can do it -
    even the rough stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You deserve ALL the happiness this world has to offer Jo!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great birthday gift you are giving yourself today and to your future. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Happy Birthday!!! Great gift to yourself. What is it - your saying for 2011 - Slow and Steady Wins the Race...I do believe you are doing it!!!

    Staying MOtivated MO

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy birthday to you! So glad you are taking care of these items that weighed so heavily on you. Remember" nothing o fear but fear itself!

    ReplyDelete