I Have the Right to Be Healthier Than Those Surrounding Me

Growing up in an alcoholic home had a major impact on the person I am today, but it isn’t who I am today. I used to be scared of my own shadow, lacking confidence and self- esteem. This stemmed from a father who used to insult and criticize everything I ever did. Belittled every achievement I ever made. Nothing I ever did seemed to be good enough, I either made par or I constantly disappointed him. A small example of this was before graduation, my father told me he didn’t think I was going to graduate. He didn’t think I was smart enough to pass high school. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in a class of over 500 students. I was afraid of authority figures and criticism. This was evident in my work environment. I constantly avoided situations where my boss would have to speak with me and would never miss a day of work, even if I was sick, because I never wanted to be scolded or reprimanded. Both of my parents instilled that fear into me. I always wanted to be a people pleaser even if it was at the expense of my own happiness. I had and still do have a very hard time saying no to someone. I have before, and continue to put myself in situations that make it hard on me in order to make it easier for someone else. An example would be picking up shifts at work for a co- worker even when I know that working a double will leave me with little to no sleep and a lost opportunity to complete homework. My emotional needs were never met, so in turn, I have always found it difficult to get close to others, in relationship and friendships, because I lack the ability to feel an attachment or connection to other people. I am thirty- one years old and I have only one friend that I have known for over 5 yrs. All the other people I have met in my life I would categorize as acquaintances at best. Personal and professional