Confessions of a (Former) Doormat

For a very long time, I had a desperate need to believe that there is good in everybody.  I thought the best of people.  I made excuses for people.  I was forgiving. I gave people second chances… and third and fourth  and... ugh..

I was hopeful.  Optimistic.  Hurting.

I now know that I had this self-inflicted doormat syndrome because I needed others to believe the best about me.  I needed to know that people believed that I was trying; that I was a good person who sometimes made stupid mistakes.  I gave people what I was starving for: acceptance.

Unfortunately, this unfiltered, unchecked, misguided way of thinking led to heartache and frustration.  Unfettered tolerance is as good as a kick in the teeth.  (Hello, fellow do-gooders, can I get a witness?!)

Since my weary, dreary doormat days, I have learned to balance grace with justice; wisdom with kindness, and desire with goodness.  I have learned to offer all of these things to myself.  And to, above all, receive them from God.

Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Just be.

Credit: doormat photo emaze.com

confessions of a former doormat, healing from codependency, therapy blog, mental health blog

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