28 | Why You Feel Behind in Life After Narcissistic Abuse

Do you ever look around and feel like everyone else got the life you were supposed to have?The stable relationship. The career. The home. The confidence. The clear direction.Meanwhile, you're trying to rebuild after emotional abuse, betrayal, divorce, coercive control, or years spent surviving instead of thriving.In this episode of The Messy Middle, Erica explores the painful belief that you're somehow "behind" in life, and why that feeling is so common for survivors of narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationships.When you've spent years managing someone else's moods, walking on eggshells, second-guessing yourself, carrying the mental load, or simply trying to survive, it's easy to look back and feel like you've lost time. But what if you're comparing yourself to a timeline that was never yours to begin with?Together we unpack: Why survivors often feel left behind while everyone else seems to be moving forwardThe hidden cost of spending years in survival modeHow social media and comparison can distort realityWhy you're not comparing apples to apples when you compare your journey to someone else'sThe grief of the life you thought you'd have by nowWhy healing isn't about catching up, it's about creating a life that actually fits youThis episode is a powerful reminder that you're not failing, broken, or late.You've simply lived through experiences that shaped your path differently.And from here, you get to build a life based on what matters to you, not what looks good from the outside.If you've been carrying that quiet ache that says "I should be further along by now," this conversation is for you.📩 Send in YOUR questions and get them answered on the podcast!📢 Get a Laster Coaching call for only $150. A 45-minute session to get to know me, experience my approach, and receive a personalized plan to kickstart your healing journey. Perfect for testing the waters before diving deeper.🎬 Watch Unfu*kwithable Boundaries Masterclass for FREE. Learn how setting clear boundaries can change your life for good and where to start! 📝 Get the Somatic Keys Course. Learn how to recognize your signals, regulate your responses, and reclaim your nervous system as a place of truth.