Hello MindFull Readers,

Let’s find out.

This poem above described what it felt like growing up with a narcissistic mother. As a child, I saw her behavior as love and care. Only later did I realise it came with a heavy price. Here’s what I’ve come to understand about those childhood years and what I didn’t see then:

1. Lack of empathy: My mother expected me to be there for her emotionally, but my own feelings? They were sidelined, left unvalidated.

2. Self-centeredness: Sacrifice was a one-way street; my needs were never on the map.

3. Emotional abuse: She wielded threats and gaslighting as control tactics.

4. Sibling favouritism: Our mother pitted us—my two younger brothers and me—against each other, stirring up tension. As adults, we’ve created an inside joke about her “flavour of the month” approach to showing favour, a little nod to how we’ve processed that experience.

5. Fear of independence: As I grew older, she clung on, sowing fear so I’d think I couldn’t make it on my own.

And here’s what those early years shaped in me as I stepped into adulthood:

1. I craved validation in almost everything I did.

2. I became a people pleaser.

3. I learned to hide my negative feelings rather than express them.

4. I used to take blame for things beyond my control.

5. I’d instinctively slip into the caretaker role.

6. Setting boundaries felt foreign to me—something I had to learn much later in life.

Do you see yourself in any of this? If so, remember, you don’t have to carry the weight of it alone. Support is out there, and I’m here too. You’re always welcome to reach out; you know where to find me.

With warmth and mindfulness,

Michelle Lim | Reparenting Life Coach - I help you break the generational trauma cycle and support inner child healing.

P.S. If you'd like to set up a free, 30-minute, no obligation, Healing & Growth Call with me to explore whether I am the right Reparenting Life Coach for you please book a slot at this link https://calendly.com/michelle-lim-tmp/healing-and-growth-call

_{If you have enjoyed my work and wish to support what I do, please consider buying me a coffee!}

_-Or-

🗞️👉 _{Refer your friends to sign up for the newsletter here!} 👈🗞️

_-Or-

💌 _{Send me an email at [email protected]} 💌

💡 For more useful tips and resources go to our website The MindFull Parent

_{(Under Development)}

Follow The MindFull Parent on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook!

You can also follow Michelle’s story about her chaotic yet loving parenting journey and other adventures on her personal Instagram.