I Stopped Gaslighting My Own Knowing
I’ve spent years trying to soften myself so I wouldn’t disrupt the room.
Now I’m learning to say things without shrinking.
My essay, Permission to Be, is part of the upcoming anthology Avoided No More — 14 writers telling the truths we once avoided or explained away.
For me, it comes down to this shift:
I didn’t reinvent myself; I just stopped gaslighting my own knowing.
The book releases 11.20.2025.
I added images of the cover at the end so you can take a closer look.
This part of my life feels less like performing and more like finally exhaling.
The upcoming anthology "Avoided No More" is a profound collection of essays where 14 writers bravely explore the truths they once avoided sharing. These stories reveal a universal experience—the fear, shame, and self-doubt that often prevent us from fully expressing our authentic selves. Through candid reflections and companion behind-the-scenes insights, the contributors show what it takes to move past these barriers and embrace vulnerability. One of the central themes in this anthology is the courageous act of stopping self-gaslighting, a process where individuals doubt their own feelings and perceptions to fit in or avoid conflict. This internal silencing can lead to a chronic sense of performing or softening oneself to fit expectations, rather than living in alignment with one's true knowing. By choosing to stop gaslighting their inner voice, the writers reclaim their identity and find liberation in honesty. Sharing these stories fosters a powerful community connection, reminding readers that despite personal struggles with identity, shame, or fear, no one is truly alone. The anthology emphasizes that telling our stories is not only an act of personal healing but also contributes to collective empowerment. Readers involved in identity journeys—including late-in-life identity discoveries or navigating queer experiences—will find both solace and encouragement within these pages. This literary work underscores the importance of giving yourself permission to be authentically and unapologetically you. Through these essays, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and consider what truths they might have avoided. The anticipation surrounding the book’s release on November 20, 2025, marks an important moment for those seeking inspiration to embrace their own voices without shrinking. In summary, "Avoided No More" and the essay "Permission to Be" serve as vital reminders: addressing the internal struggles of self-doubt and fear is the first step to authentic living. The anthology offers a valuable roadmap for anyone ready to stop silencing their inner knowing and start sharing their truth with confidence.
