If you feel like a victim
Because I was abused as a child, I felt like a victim for most of my growing-up years. To be honest, I kind of reveled in my victimhood, because with that label came a sense of identity. It gave me a “poor me” feeling that translated into “I’m special” in my head.
In my late teens, my identity went from “victim” to “survivor.” That seemed better, but I still felt vulnerable, emotionally bruised, and irreparably damaged by the actions of people in my life who should have known better.
It sure seems as though we’re the product of our environment, doesn’t it? Who we are appears to be a combination of genetics, upbringing, and our past experiences. It’s easy to feel victimized—and even defined—by all the things that happened to us that we couldn’t control.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
