You Can Handle Anything, and That's the Problem: Capacity vs. Capability When You Were Raised by a Toxic Parent
Dienstag, 23. Juni 2026 · 12 min
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Shownotes
Too many cycle breakers know that moment when your phone lights up with the latest family emergency and you drop everything to try to calm the storm.
When you grow up with a narcissistic parent or a parent with unmanaged borderline personality disorder, you learn early on that keeping the peace is what keeps you safe. So, when there's a crisis, of course you spring into action.
In this episode we dive into:
• The difference between what you're capable of and what you actually have the capacity for
• The cost of being designated the family fixer
• The "I should be able to handle this" story, and how it keeps you stuck in burnout and self-blame
• One honest question to ask yourself this week that brings real clarity to how you spend your time, energy, and resources
Ready to go deeper?
Stop Getting Pulled Back Into the Chaos (confidentboundaries.com/course) is Torie's self-guided course on how to set and enforce boundaries with a parent who has borderline or narcissistic traits. It covers why your boundaries keep failing, what to do instead, and how to keep going when your parent pushes back.
Learn more and get started: confidentboundaries.com/course
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Need help getting ready for your next interaction with a difficult parent? Check out, Surviving Interactions With a Narcissistic, Emotionally Immature, or Otherwise Toxic Parent. (confidentboundaries.com/the-guide)
Get instant access to the 12-page guide: confidentboundaries.com/the-guide
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Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in crisis, please call the 988 Crisis Lifeline.
You're Not Crazy is owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.