| The self-help psychology movement has provided | | | | actions, you are a victim no more; instead, you can |
| hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of people | | | | stand in your own power and direct your own life. |
| with the tools they need for healing their body, mind, | | | | This doesn't mean that the bad things that have |
| and spirit. On the whole, these tools are wonderful | | | | happened to you are your fault, but it does mean |
| and bring those who implement them a sense of | | | | that your personhood and your life are not defined |
| purpose and fulfillment. There are some aspects of | | | | by a single event. |
| the personal-growth movement, however, that can | | | | Labeling yourself a victim often leads to |
| lead down a path of disempowerment. The most | | | | self-judgment, and to a life of loneliness and isolation. |
| notable aspect is the label of "victim." Once a person | | | | When you move away from identifying as a victim |
| assumes that label and identifies herself or himself as | | | | and instead choose to identify as a survivor who |
| a victim, it's virtually assured that she or he will not | | | | takes responsibility for her or his life, you open doors |
| experience their full human potential. Indeed, it's only | | | | that were previously closed to you. Instead of seeing |
| by making the decision that you will be a victim no | | | | dead ends, you begin to see possibilities. You begin to |
| more that you can truly be free. | | | | entertain thoughts of taking center stage in your |
| That's because, when you label yourself a victim, you | | | | own life and determining your own destiny. |
| are giving your personal power away to the person | | | | When you shed the label of victim, you can begin to |
| or entity that victimized you. Words are very | | | | acknowledge your value as a human being. People |
| powerful, and defining yourself as a victim - whether | | | | who have value take responsibility for every arena |
| it's a victim of domestic abuse, a victim of an | | | | of their lives, including their relationships, their careers, |
| eating-disorder like bulimia, anorexia, or obesity, or a | | | | and their personal appearance. It may seem like being |
| victim of childhood abuse - gives your personal | | | | a victim is easier than taking responsibility, but the |
| power to the person or people who wronged you. | | | | truth is that being a victim keeps you prisoner. Being |
| When you take responsibility for your life and your | | | | a victim no more, on the other hand, sets you free. |