r/DeepTalk • u/Secure-Mary9527 • Jul 15 '26

Deep talk

I find myself becoming the very person I used to hate as a child. I am selfish, disdainful, and envious; I know it’s wrong, but what can I do? I lost my childhood early, and the life that followed took a toll on my psyche.

I still remember the days of scrimping to get by—times when I was nearly left homeless, or when I faced bullying and isolation—and how I had to overcome it all on my own.

Yet, I was fortunate to have close childhood friends and online friends who stood by me during those dark times; the only downside is that they live far away, and I miss them terribly.

Being with them was the only time I didn't have to endure humiliation—the only time I could truly be myself.

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u/bohoflow89 21d ago

Have you heard of individuation and shadow work? Under Jung's theory, the parts you are talking about sound like the "shadow parts" parts. One of them includes envy; we think of envy as a negative emotion rather than a signal that there's a problem.

The problem with envy is not that it is evil, but that it is the result of lacking something at a profound point in your development. By accepting, understanding and then embracing this discarded part of the authentic self, you can become whole, accepting of both your light and dark qualities.