Because of the Narcissist, I Know – By Monica Dane

I know what love-bombing is

I know what idealizing means

I know that “gaslighting” was not just a movie

I know where “hoovering” gets its name

I know what it’s like to be “projected” on

I know that being “mirrored” doesn’t involve an actual mirror

I know what it’s like to be lied to

I know what it’s like to feel trapped

I know and have experienced being “hollowed”

I know and can recognize “flying monkeys”

I know what “intermittent reinforcement” is

I know what it feels like to be devalued

I know what it feels like to be disrespected

I know what it feels like to not be cherished

I know what it’s like to be criticized and condemned

I know what it’s like to be spoken to in a condescending tone

I know what it feels like to be emotionally abandoned

I know what it’s like to see my children witness psychological abuse

I know what it’s like to not do anything right no matter how hard you try

I know that a “smear campaign” happens outside of the political arena

I know that drama isn’t always on stage

I know what a lack of empathy in a person looks like

I know that life-sucking vampires really exist

I know what it’s like to see a toddler in a grown man’s body

I know that “discard” has nothing to do with a deck of cards

I know how important “NO CONTACT” is

I know that at times “detached contact” is best

I know what boundaries are and that they were completely disregarded

I know that abuse doesn’t always leave scars and bruises

I know what it’s like to see evil in human form

I know that “Jekyl and Hyde” is not just a great musical

I know what a “mask” is and have seen it taken on and off

I know what codependency is and realized I became one

I know what “covert” and “overt” are

I know what it feels like to “walk on egg-shells”

I know what it feels like to think you’re going crazy

I know that “triangulating” is not a symbol played in music class

I know what it feels like to stop trusting people

I know what it feels like to be skeptical of everyone

I know what it feels like to be anxious all of the time

I know what it feels like to be isolated and alone

I know what it’s like to be controlled

I know what it’s like to want to be perfect

I know what it feels like to be a puppet on a string

I know when my prayers changed

I know what it feels like to break free

I know what it feels like to climb out of the pit of despair

I know what it feels like to trust my judgement again

I know what it feels like to educate myself on what I’ve experienced

I know what it feels like to peel back painful but necessary layers of healing

I know what it feels like to not be consumed with anxiety

I know what it feels like to smile

I know what joy feels like when it enters your soul again

I know what it feels like to spend time with my family and friends again

I know what it feels like to restore my relationship with my children

I know and have witnessed my children healing from psychological abuse

I know what it’s like to be independent again and financially not tied to anyone

I know what it’s like to care for my well-being

I know what it’s like to not be depressed

I know what it feels like to be hopeful for mine and my kids future

I know what it’s like to exercise and eat right

I know what it feels like to breathe again

I know what it’s like to not allow a person to signify my worth and beauty

I know what strength and courage look like

I know what it’s like to learn to love again

I know that God loves me…no matter what

I know I can be healed

I know I can be redeemed

I know I can be restored

I know I am a daughter of the Most High

I know I don’t worry about people judging me

I know I no longer judge people who are in/or have been in toxic relationships

I know I no longer judge anyone who chooses divorce

I know I have been there

I know someone needs to hear my story…BEAUTY FROM ASHES 

Pass it on….

Call Monica at 817-846-6331 or email monica@southlakecounseling.org