The last couple of days could have been emotionally draining. They definitely could have been upsetting and even depressing. There is no doubt in my mind that they would have been even just a couple of months ago. However, something absolutely remarkable has happened. I have discovered I can laugh about the horrible things Joe Bob says to me.

The electricity at the house I used to live in with Joe Bob was in my name. I had not told the electric company to disconnect it, because I was under the impression that Joe Bob would have some difficulty having it transferred to his name. However, the situation never felt quite “right” to me.

Last week, the electric bill became two months past due. Joe Bob could only afford to pay for one month of the past due balance. Unfortunately, the electric company has a policy that once an account is two months past due, the whole balance must be paid, or they will still disconnect the service. Which is exactly what happened on Monday.

After thinking about the situation, I decided to not allow it to be reconnected in my name. I do not live in that house anymore and since it had been disconnected I thought it would be a good time to get it transferred into someone else’s name. Joe Bob was less than pleased with my decision.

He voiced his displeasure in the his usual way – insulting me. He even went so far as to tell me that I “could not function” without my medication. Rather than upsetting me, his insults actually made me chuckle.

I guess I have finally reached a point where I finally  understand that his insults are nothing more than words. The words only have the power that I give them. If I do not give them power then they cannot hurt me. It is rather freeing to not feel so emotionally tied in to what someone says to me and about me.  I like this feeling. I wish it had not taken me so long to get to this point with him, but everything is a process and at least I am now.