@rosey - I think you are onto something with the concepts of core beliefs and pay-outs. For sure. I remember reading about this. I believe I've forgotten more than I've already about trauma and therapy - so many books and articles and websites! I think most of us have. Thank you for the reminder. Also, the concept of saving others because you feel you can't/couldn't protect or save yourself is spot on. Thank you.
@missy meier - I can't put a link for CODA out here, but if you Google it, you'll find a lot of info. There are different types, mainly those who yearn for control of others and those who just concentrate on being helpers/perfectionists. We have groups for that here in my city. At any rate, if you're interested give it a search. Re: taking time for myself, you are correct. I'm trying to make my healing the time I spend on myself as there are many areas to heal, I have a variety of ways to express this. It's that old frustration of having tools and not applying them, then that turns to guilt and then condemnation. I'm trying very hard to get at the beliefs and then oppose the thinking as I catch it. It's just taking forever and the back and forth of it all is exhausting. Thanks. I've found a Families Anonymous group and a Christian yoga glass at a local church that I'm thinking about checking out, there's always Al Anon and then church (it's so large though and kind of daunting), then I found a smaller Community class at the church where I might be able to connect with others. Those are for later though as first I feel like I need to find some stability within myself again - a connection with myself and a routine.
For example, I'm trying to manage real-time concerns like the job search, keeping up with bills, and taking care of my health. Without these bases covered, the rest is kind of futile. Also, self-care that doesn't demand that I necessarily interact so heavily with others. It's taxing for me to behave normally as I've got all this stuff on deck spinning me down. Then, I can pull in some belief/thought work and try to move on. That's where I'm stuck. A solid job would be a great step in the right direction for me. Something solid in my life - ah, salary and benefits. I pray the next job is one with a collegial group. Thank you for your thoughtful replies. VB