Getting back on the horse gracefully....

[Wonka]

You're a shining star, Val! Wonderful job of being aware of the pitfalls and acknowledging them. Yes, XW is on her own path.
Sometimes our own self-doubts trips us up and hearing others tell us "you...this....and you ....that" makes us wonder if we're perceiving ourselves in the correct light.

Then when we say, "no, no...that doesn't sound right and this is my truth" ...then we take back our own power and OWN it!