"Biting Back takes a compelling look at self-care, setting boundaries, and protecting ourselves from friends, loved ones, enemies, and sometimes even ourselves. Written in a page-turning and warm style, Claudia’s refreshing addition to the self-help shelves offers empowering solutions to effectively remind us to stop inviting troubleinto our homes and souls." -- MELODY BEATTIE, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CODEPENDENT NO MORE































Tuesday

To Whom It May Concern

I don’t want to offend you or anything, but is this for real – an advice column for vampire slayers? Aren’t you talking about, well…a sort of specialized audience?


No offense taken. And, to answer your question, I think it all depends on how you define the word “vampire.” I mean, if you’re thinking sharp fangs, pale skin, and silly accents, then what you’re probably talking about are classical vampires – like Dracula. But… if you’re thinking hurt feelings, drained energy, and stolen property, then what I think you’re talking about are practical vampires – like the kind that show up in our lives every day. Fortunately for us, both are evicted from our lives in the same way: with clear and precise revocations…and always in the light.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Slayer
Which was (or is ) your worst vampire?
Sincerely
Sister Slayer

Claudia / PVS said...

This was such a great question I had to think about it for days! For me the most effective vampires (with the most painful bites) are those who collaborate with my inner vampires (the self-critical, mean-talking voices in my head) -- so it could be a controlling boyfriend or even a manipulative girlfriend who spots an insecurity I have and exploits it. This is why "being in the light" is so important for us. If we are hiding from our own insecurites (keeping them "in the dark") a hungry vampire will be able to spot them easily (vampires can see in the dark!).

Kind of a huge subject...this idea of staying in the light and using what we like to call "spiritual garlic." I'll try to post something about it this week. THANKS!!