Step Into The Light

From the Collection – In The Narcissist’s Shadow

This is a gentle yet powerful call to rise, reclaim, and re-enter the world with confidence. It’s not just a poem; it’s a threshold.
For those shaped by control, isolation, and the slow erosion of self, survival can masquerade as stillness.
Conditioned to doubt their independence, survivors often learn to stay small. These lines offer a soft rebellion — a hand reaching toward the light after long rehearsals in the dark.

You think your strength is found in staying there,
But being still won’t let you breathe the air.
Your garden waits, yet weeds are choking blooms;
It’s time to rise and clear away the gloom.

I know you kept the peace to calm the strife,
Believed that silence shielded home and life.
But quiet never truly soothed your pain—
It slowly drained your truest self in vain.

The world awaits; your canvas lies unmarked,
Each choice a brushstroke, waiting to ignite.
No longer bound by fear’s relentless chain,
Step out—beyond the shadows, claim your light.

You thought that hiding filled your heart with ease,
But sweeping dust beneath won’t bring you peace.
The rug grows thin, prepared to give away—
Clear space for light, let new joys find their way.

The clouds above now beckon you to soar,
They lift your heart, invite you to explore.
You’ve held on long enough to endless blame;
Now step into the light, and claim your name.

Narcissistic Trait Reflection

Induced Dependency/Learned Helplessness

Trait Insight:
Narcissistic abuse often conditions you to believe that you are incapable of surviving without them. They may isolate you from support, undermine your confidence, or punish your independence — until staying feels safer than leaving.

Awareness Reminder:
If you’ve been made to feel that your strength lies in silence, stillness, or self-sacrifice — pause. That’s not love. That’s control. This trait often shows up when they discourage your growth, mock your dreams, or make you feel guilty for wanting more. Reclaiming your autonomy is not betrayal — it’s healing.

Poetic Reflection:
You stayed because they taught you stillness was strength.
You shrank because they called it grace.
But your roots were never meant to rot.
You were always meant to rise.

Journal Prompt

What have you been told is ‘too much’ about you?

Write it down.

Now write why it’s your power.

*** You may journal in the Comments Section or keep your notes personal, but do take this chance to scribble a tiny bit of your pain away and open a window to healing.