58 Quotes by Jackson MacKenzie

As we learn that we’re responsible for our own emotions, we become more comfortable with the idea that others are responsible for their own emotions too. With this mind-set, we can finally relax – and begin to heal.

Many survivors find that they didn’t really know how to express sadness or anger throughout most of their lives. They were instead expected to be a cheerful servant to everyone around them. And so they developed this stubborn light in their hearts that always sought to see the best in everything, no matter how much the evidence pointed to the contrary.

Forgiveness starts with understanding the true severity of these disorders. The disorder is so ingrained in the fabric of their personality that any promise of change must be disregarded as part of their disorder.

The problem is when shame goes from an emotion to an identity.

Codependent forgiveness is this fantasized tear-filled beautiful reconciliation where everything is magically cured by love and compassion. As with most codependent issues, it’s focused on other people. Their problems. Their childhood. Their past. You think you understand them so much, maybe even more than they understand themselves! You make up excuses and reasons for them, your heart melts, you take them back, and then they hurt you again.

As you begin to accept the numbness as it is, you form a stronger relationship with your body. You are no longer at war with it, but rather genuinely interested in hearing its message. And even if it refuses to share that message with you, you’re still willing to stay with it. You might grow frustrated and impatient every once in a while, but that’s okay. You can recognize that too, and accept how frustrating it is to be locked out of your own body.

Spirituality makes a really nice companion to therapy, because it provides love and warmth that you can tap into any time.

You’re a human being worthy of love and mercy.

In the time we spent with the wound, we learned patience and compassion – not the type of savior compassion that can be exploited, but a genuine understanding and empathy for the human condition.