Divorcing a Narcissist: How to Survive
by Tina SwithinThis year marks my first drama-free, narcissist-free Christmas (happy dance!) since my divorce began in 2009. Six Christmas' in a row that were controlled by Seth in various ways: money (lack of support), demands (changes to the schedules, pick up times, drop off times, etc), control (bizarre phone calls, manipulative emails, etc). I remember the Christmas of 2009 when I discovered (days before Christmas) that Seth never paid the girl's preschool tuition as he claimed. I had two weeks over Christmas break to: a) come up with $3,000 or b) find a new preschool. I didn't have $300 to my name so I began scrambling to find a more affordable preschool so that I could keep my job.I recently read a comment on a Facebook page that described me as someone who had not healed and someone who was holding on to the past. There is nothing further from the truth. I have healed. I don't hold onto the past. I reflect on the past when I am trying to empathize with those who are still on the battlefield. Everyday I receive emails that break my heart. Everyday I am reminded how lucky I am to have made it to the other side of this nightmare. Everyday I am humbled when I hear someone say that my story gives them hope....my story inspires them to keep fighting.This blog and movement has zero to do with Seth. This was never about him. This is not about my inability to move forward...I have done that. This blog is my way of saying, "Hey - I get it. I've been there. It is hell BUT you can do it. Don't give up....you never know what tomorrow holds." I am living proof of that.People often ask how I survived this battle. There were a few things that stand out to me:
Gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for. Always. Gratitude has never failed me and the simple practice of gratitude carried me through the darkest times and changed my life.
Persistence. I refused to give up. I refused to settle. I often hear that the biggest regret people have (in this battle) is settling when they knew in their heart that they shouldn't. It's not an easy battle but I needed to go to sleep at night knowing that I did everything in my power to protect my children. The courts may not protect your babies this month or next month....never give up. Keep documenting. Keep the battle gear on.
Love. Treat yourself kindly. Don't beat yourself up. There isn't a manual for this battle. We all make mistakes. You are allowed to have bad days but you are also allowed to have good days. Stop and give yourself credit for how far you've come. Treat yourself with love and kindness.
Positive People. I love the quote that says, "“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” (Jim Rohn). This is powerful. When I left my marriage, I had to rebuild from the ground up. The material items were easy compared to the friendships. I am very careful about the friendships that I keep. A friendship should not leave you feeling drained. A positive friend will build you up and not tear you down.
This is the season of hope and the season of gratitude. Keep both alive...keep lighting your spark when it begins to flicker and fade. You CAN do this. The holidays can be difficult. I know this firsthand. I remember it all too well. Listen to your inner voice. Take it easy. Be gentle with yourself. Find something to be grateful for today....and find two things to be grateful for tomorrow. Eventually, your mindset will begin to change. Being grateful may feel like work in the beginning but as time goes on, it becomes part of who you are. It is life changing.As one door closes (2014) and another door opens (2015)....lets all stop and reflect on what we are grateful for...I am grateful to this community of amazing warriors. I always say that this is the sorority/fraternity that you never want to be a part of BUT if you are here....welcome. It's the most amazing group of people you'll ever meet.###“Like” One Mom’s Battle on Facebook or “follow” on Twitter.Seeking a Private Forum for advice, inspiration and support? Join Tina and the Lemonade Warriors in The Lemonade Club! For more information, please email Tina@onemomsbattle.comSeeking a Divorce Coach for your high-conflict divorce and custody battle? Tina Swithin will help you to establish boundaries, navigate the system and regain your power. Contact Tina Swithin at Tina Swithin, LLCSeeking insight, encouragement and advice while divorcing a narcissist? Tina Swithin’s books, “Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom’s Battle” and her new book "Divorcing a Narcissist: Advice from the Battlefield" are available on Amazon or through Barnes & Noble. Learn how to set boundaries, navigate your way through the divorce and see the narcissist for who he/she really is. You will learn to forgive yourself and you will begin to heal.[wp_ad_camp_1]