Do you ever catch yourself procrastinating on something truly important to you? Or maybe distancing yourself from others just when things are going well? You’re not alone. These behaviors might be signs of self-sabotage.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that deeply impacts its victims by causing them to doubt their own sense of reality, personal memories, and even their sanity. This insidious tactic is often employed by narcissists, toxic parents, controlling partners, or manipulative coworkers, making it a covert but profoundly harmful form of emotional abuse. Gaslighting leaves emotional wounds that can take years to heal and often results in long-lasting psychological scars. If you've ever found yourself feeling as though you're "too sensitive," constantly being told you're "overreacting," or questioning the accuracy of your own memories, there’s a chance you may have experienced the damaging effects of gaslighting.

My healing truly began when I finally gave myself the permission I needed to believe me and trust in my own truth. I began the process of writing down all the memories that had haunted and burdened me for so long—not as they had been explained away by others, but as I had personally experienced and felt them deep within. I made the conscious decision to stop editing and filtering myself for someone else’s comfort, allowing my voice to exist freely and unapologetically.

For years, I walked through life with a voice in my head telling me I wasn’t enough. Not capable. Not worthy. Not lovable. I assumed it was my own thoughts—just a harsh inner critic. But eventually, I realized something shocking: that voice wasn’t mine. It was hers.

For years, I couldn’t understand why I kept sabotaging my own progress. Every time I moved closer to something I deeply wanted—success, love, inner peace—I found a way to derail myself. I’d procrastinate on important goals, settle for far less than I knew I deserved, or convince myself I wasn’t ready. To others, it might have looked like fear or even laziness. But deep down, it was something far more profound: survival. It wasn’t until I began to unravel the patterns of my past that I realized how deeply my subconscious was trying to protect me. Old wounds, unhealed traumas, and limiting beliefs I had unknowingly carried for years shaped the way I viewed the world and my place in it. My self-sabotage wasn’t random; it was a misguided attempt to keep me safe from potential pain. The real challenge wasn’t just breaking those patterns—it was learning how to rewrite the story I told myself about who I was and what I deserved.

Self-sabotage often feels like a personal failure—procrastinating on big goals, walking away from healthy relationships, or shrinking ourselves just when things start going right. But what if it’s not a flaw in your character? What if it's actually a survival mechanism, deeply rooted in trauma?

Do you ever feel like just as you're about to achieve a breakthrough, something holds you back? Maybe you convince yourself to pass up opportunities. Perhaps you keep putting off that dream project. Or you stay stuck in relationships, jobs, or situations you know are draining your energy and happiness. This isn’t laziness. This isn’t failure. It’s self-sabotage—and you’re not alone. Understanding the root cause of self-sabotage is the key to breaking free. Often, it stems from deeply ingrained beliefs, fears, or patterns developed over time. Fear of failure, rejection, or even success can trigger behaviors that hold you back. By identifying these mental blocks and addressing them with self-compassion, you can begin to rewrite your story, unlock your true potential, and take confident steps toward the life you truly deserve.