I Chose to Be the Mom I Needed

#dearmom They say a mother is a child’s first home but what happens when that home is built on control, guilt, and manipulation?

This image of a butterfly tied to a rock? That was me growing up. 🦋I was the butterfly; delicate, full of potential, but constantly anchored by the emotional weight of a narcissistic mother. I was taught to doubt myself, to serve someone else’s ego, to confuse control for love.

But today, I’m a mother. And I made a vow: The chain ends with me.

My daughter turns 12 on Monday. My son is 9. I’ve spent every moment doing the opposite of what I was shown. I support, not control. I validate, not manipulate. I listen, not gaslight. I love them fiercely, and gently. And I still battle my own mother’s attempts to control, shame, and re-enter the narrative I’ve rewritten with boundaries and self respect.

Mother’s Day isn’t just flowers and brunch for everyone. For some of us, it’s grieving the mom we never had while becoming the one we always needed. To the cycle breakers out there, you’re not alone.

And to my children: Thank you for showing me what real love is supposed to feel like.

#lovelettertomom

#momdiary

#inspiredbymom

#cyclebreaker

#adultchildrenofnarcissists

#motherhoodjourney

#gentleparenting

#healinggeneration

#lemon8diaries

#mentalhealthmatters