Becoming self-empowered is a slow process. I truly believe that everyone has a little bit of DoorMat in them. I still do, though now I’ve become stronger about managing my need to be liked. I love myself enough to stop DoorMat predators and stand up for what I want. I admit to sometimes reading my own books to remind myself when I weaken. 🙂

Stubborn old habits can be hard to break!

Even people who seem to have perfect lives, gorgeous looks, hot bodies, tons of money, etc., still have needs to be liked.

People are good at hiding insecurity but it’s there in us all, even if it’s deeply buried in some folks. I’ve had self-empowerment counseling clients who had all the goods that would seem logical to make the need to please irrelevant. But they too discuss what they can’t express themselves or set boundaries for what they do for others. And the also feel a need to please everyone, except themselves!

The profusion of comments I got to my introductory post increased my blessings since I want to help as many people as I can! I wish I could respond to every comment from my first post but you’d probably never find it since there are so many. Please know that I’ve read them all and greatly appreciate them. Some of you asked questions and I plan to address the topics you asked in future posts. Please read through the 300+ posts that are archived here. Together they probably at least somewhat address everything and there’s more advice than in most books. Several people asked how to subscribe to this blog. It’s easy!

You can subscribe to this blog by putting your email address in the appropriate box on the right side near the top or clicking on the RSS feed button. Then you won’t miss any of the new ones.

The train out of DoorMatville is a slow one. Some of you expressed frustration at not being able to get a seat on it yet, or feel you’re not going anywhere. It takes time to get used to handling people differently, and for people to get used to your new attitude. I’m still a work in progress but I’m GREATLY enjoying the journey. That’s the most important thing–enjoying every little thing you do differently. Feeling good because you said “no” to someone you always say “yes” to. At least considering what’s best for you before you make a decision.

Baby steps are the critical asset for leaving DoorMatville. They truly add up if you’re conscious of each one.

DoorMats are victims. Many of you say that people have taken great advantage of you unfairly. Well I have news for you. Years ago someone told me that nobody makes you a victim. You volunteer. It’s always YOUR choice to go along with how people treat you or to walk away. I don’t care who it is. NO ONE has the right to abuse you–not a romantic partner, parent, best friend, child, etc.–and that includes verbally.

Years ago I had a counseling client who was physically beaten harshly by her father from young childhood till she was in her early twenties and got married. Not surprisingly, she attracted a physically abusive husband, so much so that she ran away to her abusive father. She eventually left and married a man who put her down and was very mentally abusive. I was stunned when she said her 2 years of verbal abuse with this man was much worse than all the physical abuse/beatings for over 20 years.

Yes, mental abuse hurts your soul, keeps your self-esteem low and makes you feel unworthy of leaving for something or someone better.

Someone taking advantage of you or treating you in ways that hurt is giving you mental abuse. No excuses for it! It’s critical to recognize the damage mental abuse can cause. If you don’t feel strong enough to walk out of DoorMatville yet, stay where you are and work on making yourself stronger. Build your self-esteem and become more loving to your needs. Awareness and self-love are 2 of the best currencies for buying your ticket.

Every time you do something loving for you, you get credit towards your ticket out of DoorMatville.

When you follow the advice in my blog and books, you can become strong enough to get out. I can’t do it for you. My writing provides effective tools. Reading won’t change your life but it can change your mind. Then it’s up to you to take steps to not allow your life to continue on an unhappy, people pleasing path. For just today, do ONE small thing differently that shows you’re standing up for YOU. You CAN! I know the pain of feeling powerless but also know it’s possible to do one small thing differently. Then do another. Each act can lead you slowly out of DoorMatville like they did for me. I will continue to provide suggestions for these steps so you can follow what’s right for you.

Please leave comments under my posts so we can stay connected.