Coming Soon: The Six Steps to Surviving a Toxic Relationship

Lisa...this is very exciting, indeed! I so wish you were around when I went through a really abusive relationship...emotional that turned physical, years ago. I recently ended a narcissistic relationship, but that one...wow. It took me over a year to first escape from that first narc, and then heal. What you are doing is life saving. Really. It's a blessing to have stumbled into this site. Or maybe God pointed me here. Either way--I'm here, and forever grateful. ~D

This is very exciting. We'll have a forum that is structured along those steps to actively focus on them while working them. And some other places where I can plaster you all with pictures of my animals :D

I am so looking forward to the launching of the new site. There is absolutely no need to "apologize" you really do not know how important this board has been to my recovery. I don't believe, know, can understand or explain how quickly I have overcome. There is still work to do, but I am not that depleted empty shell that I was 15 or so weeks back. Seriously, this experience was devastating - not just because I had my heart broken - but had no idea how many traumas I had suppressed - that is why I was so totally devastated. That SOB triggered them ALL and they came back full force and in effect. You would not believe the difference in the girl who came here a few months back and who I am today. I have a ton more work to do...but I was not exaggerating, or being dramatic when I said, I was ready to check into the psych ward. The pain - my God unimiaginable...and yea, he triggered it - but he did not create the 43 years of suppression... I can't articulate clearly enough...but I am getting there. I have to take a moment to truly commend you for what you have done for all of us - by creating this board. I am skeptical of guru's...and in this Narcissistic society, there are a lot of snake oil salesmen out there. You deserve to make a profit from your book - work, effort, information are all commodities worthy of compensation; however, the fact that yes, you are an author who obviously and understandibly expects compensation for their book - what I admire and appreciate the most is your allowing others the freedom to really "get it out" even when that means suggesting someone else's book, article, etc. I have browsed other sites - however, I have been a member here because this is a community, a family - and what has developed here, could only have developed as a result of the "leadership" who sets the tone. It is so apparant that EGO is not running this board, but people who truly do have empathy, compassion and understanding and who provide much needed support. I wrote a letter to Oprah a few months back when I first joined about you, your site and what you are doing...because even in the middle of my insanity, this board was keeping me somewhat sane, and I felt this place was worthy of such recognition, more than some of the other things she's touched her golden wand to...I want to cry because I am so emotional just thinking about where I was and all of you were with me...and it's so strange cause we've never seen eachother or been face to face and I marvel at how you could feel such a bond with people you don't know and it is amazing, and moving, and validating that no, all of humanity is not dammed despite what we see and hear on tv. Unfortunately, Oprah never responded:( The truth is - I could have gone to therapy - and the jack rabbits here in my city would have called me depressed, gave me a pill and sent me walking - and I never would have realized or understood what has held me back and tortured me all of these years...I don't know if you really get Lisa how monumental that is... That you provided a safe haven for so many... In a world that for the most part - doesn't get it...just look at the APA... Lisa, thank you so very much. I wish Oprah would have responded, you deserve the recognition and so much more for what you have done for all of us by providing this place here. I remember when I used to be in management - one of many goshdarned careers I identified more with the phrase: "The best leaders do not create more followers but more leaders" that was what I tried to live by... I think here - and especially in your position as a leader...that rings true but more that: The strongest of survivors do not create more victims (by exploiting) but more survivors. God bless you Ms. Scott and a heartfelt and sincere Thank You... I hope and pray your new book makes Oprah's list;)