Scapegoating to Thriving

I have been a scapegoat (too many times)

Blamed/shamed for every problem as a distraction from other people’s growth

Used as a pawn in other people’s desperate need for power and control

Cut to shreds

 

A familiar role:

Cowering and deferring

Waiting for permission to share the truth

Prioritizing other people’s opinions and needs over my own

 

A form of codependency:

Enforcing my feelings of not mattering

Protecting (hiding) parts of myself

Sacrificing my devalued needs

 

Turn down the part:

Time to stop protecting the people who cause me harm

Have the courage to speak up when I feel hurt

Remember that my needs matter

Take a new path:

Assess other people’s motives

Advocate for myself

Trust my instincts

Thrive