Cognitive Psycho

So, you want to “find yourself”? A fascinatingly overused pursuit, but hey, go ahead and look under all the rocks you want. Just don’t be shocked if it’s a little more complicated than a few personality quizzes and “vibe-check” astrology apps. Why Should I Care About Identity? The whole “Who am I?” question isn’t just existential navel-gazing, though it’s often treated that way. Without a clear personal identity, you’re at the mercy of every passing trend and opinion – a walking, talking sponge for other people’s agendas. Building your identity is like installing mental armor; it won’t solve everything, but it’ll at least stop you from drifting into life like a wind-blown plastic bag. How Do I Figure Out What I Stand For? Look, if you don’t know your own values, don’t worry – society is dying to tell you what they should be. But if you’re feeling bold enough to think for yourself, ask which principles resonate with you, not just which ones will look good in your Instagram b...

The collapse of identity in the wake of a toxic relationship is no trivial matter. Toxic relationships corrode the very foundations of your being. To rebuild, you must start with the truth, however uncomfortable it may be. Confront Reality and Abandon Denial The first step in reclaiming your identity is to confront reality head-on. You must recognize that the relationship damaged you, likely more than you even realize. This isn’t an exercise in self-pity but in radical honesty—facing the parts of yourself that were stifled, broken, or warped by the toxicity. To move forward, you must abandon denial. People stay in unhealthy relationships for years, clinging to the hope that things will change. But this delusion only extends your suffering, and the first step toward renewal is the decision to face what is, not what you wish it could have been. Acknowledging the damage doesn't mean you were weak for staying; it means you're strong enough now to face the truth. It takes courage to...

Life is a series of ordered relationships, but not all of them are beneficial. When you've been entangled in a toxic relationship, you emerge confused, battered, and disoriented. Establishing boundaries is crucial to restoring order, rebuilding your identity, and protecting your well-being. Recognize the Chaos and Set Order The first step is to recognize that you’ve been in chaos. A toxic relationship throws you into disarray by dismantling your sense of self. In this mess, boundaries were shattered, leaving you vulnerable to manipulation, control, or neglect. Order must be restored, and that begins by reclaiming your personal space—emotionally, mentally, and physically. A boundary is not just a line; it is a form of structure that keeps chaos at bay. Without a clear line separating "me" from "you," you fall into an abyss of confusion. To rebuild, you must confront the truth about what you’ve allowed into your life. This isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Once you ...