Memorial Day Reflections on the Price of Freedom

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The Price of Freedom The price of freedom is steep.  Sometimes, it comes at the expense of a human life. That’s something we ponder deeply on Memorial Day. But the benefits of freedom can far outweigh its costs. Still, to ensure those benefits, we must have character.  (See: Preserving Freedom Demands Character.) For without character, … Continue reading Memorial Day Reflections on the Price of Freedom →

Understanding Covert Subtle Narcissistic Rage

Abuse, Aggression, Covert-Aggression, Entitlement, Integrity, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, Responsibility, Self-Esteem, Social Issues, , , ,

Even when it’s subtle, a narcissist’s rage is a way of saying: “How dare you even think of dethroning me!! Just who do you think you are?”

Covert Self-Monitoring and Reinforcement

Abuse, conscience, Entitlement, gaslighting, Integrity, Intimacy, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Mental Health, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Psychology, Relationships, Responsibility, Self-Esteem, Social Issues, Therapy, , , , , , ,

Our high capacity to learn distinguishes us humans. And even some character-impaired individuals can choose to grow. But no new learning takes deep root without reinforcement.

Trauma Recovery and the Present Moment

Abuse, Addiction and Recovery, Covert-Aggression, Depression, Empowerment, gaslighting, Integrity, Manipulation, Manipulators, Mental Health, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Psychology, Relationships, Therapy, , , ,

The thoughts running through our head are either secure or insecure, positive or negative. But in any given moment, we have the power to change them. 

Strengthening New Habits with Self-Reinforcement

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Affirm yourself when you recognizing when you recognize old habits or self-defeating cycles. And affirm yourself again for every step in new, positive directions. You’ll be well on your way to more empowered living.

Empowered Living in the Here and Now

Abuse, Depression, Empowerment, Integrity, Mental Health, Psychology, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Social Issues, Spirituality, Therapy, , , , ,

Abuse victims and toxic relationship survivors are used to doing all the suffering while their tormentors seem to get off scott free. But with time and dedicated rehearsing, survivors can cultivate empowering habits. And when they remember the all-important task of self-reinforcing their efforts, the quest for empowered living gets a bit easier.

Avoid Self-Blame to Maximally Empower

Abuse, Covert-Aggression, Depression, Empowerment, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, , , , , , ,

Self-blame in the aftermath of a toxic relationship is common. Victims blame themselves for not realizing things sooner and for tolerating things too long.

When the Mask Comes Off a Covert Character

Covert-Aggression, gaslighting, Integrity, Lying and Deception, Manipulation, Manipulators, Narcissism, Personality and Character, Personality and Character Disorders, Psychological Manipulation, Relationships, , , , ,

Under the gaslight, you stop trusting your gut. But once the mask comes off your manipulator you realize your gut was right all along and you’re free to start trusting yourself and your instincts once again.