It helps me to see that the LBS has a story and journey too, that is more complex than ending up as a survivor who is emotionally maimed to varying degrees.
That is why doing the mirror work, and giving yourself the time that it takes, is soooo important.
To not end up this person. (Not you Flowmom, who you speak of).
It is the difference between survivor and success.
"Acceptance doesn't mean resignation. It means understanding that something is what it is and there's got to be a way through it."--Michael J. Fox