Journal October 2026 Special DISPUK Release_Full Version - Flipbook - Page 110
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evident to me that I was quite competent. I knew what I had to do,
and I did my best.
The episode no longer weighs on me the same way. In fact, it weighs
on me very, very little.
The difference between the two episodes has become so much
clearer. I have a feeling that time with my ex-husband has had the
greatest impact. It has affected how I see myself. For most of my
adult life, I9ve felt like I had to prove I was good enough. To others
and to myself.
When I read your repetition of my words, I realize that I managed to
do so much more than I was aware of. That it was largely about a
lack of appropriate social response. Stubbornness has taken on a
different meaning; I no longer need to be stubborn in the sense of
being strong and able to endure (does that make sense?); it9s okay to
let go when something doesn9t feel good or right.
It wasn9t me who was wrong or not good enough. I was held captive
by the norm that material values were most important, and that I
should be able to endure staying in a relationship even if it wasn9t
good. It seems completely crazy now.
I hardly know what else to say. I feel better than I9ve ever felt before. I
have an inner peace, and I no longer feel the need to prove anything
to anyone. I can hardly believe that the feeling of being worthless
ever took root inside me. THANK YOU, LONE.
I9ve noticed that I dare to give a little more of myself in my
relationships; I no longer need to keep my distance to guard against
what others might see (that I am worthless). I9ve also noticed that I
care less about what others think or feel about what I say or do. It9s a
relief.
Writing Letters as Therapy
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, October 2026 Special Release, p. 92-112
www.journalcnt.com
