Seven short stories
Let’s get to know each other…
A month ago I launched this newsletter, with the aim to share my personal experiences and thoughts on narcissism, grief and identity; alongside a few other topics close to my heart.
Since my first post, I’ve been blown away with the number of subscribers I've had to The Stories of Us and for all the support I've received in sharing my history. I feel incredibly honoured to have in turn learned more about all of you reading my words.
It is for these reasons and more, that I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your sign ups, comments and for making it to the end of my very long newsletters!
This time round, I promise to make things a little snappier with seven short stories from my life, aka some random facts about me…
By profession, I’m a freelance features writer and although I’m a ‘professional’ writer, I still get very nervous putting my words out there. Note to self; discuss imposter syndrome sometime soon. If you’re curious, click here to view my published work.
I’m a proud mum-of-two, but I often feel very insecure about my parenting. Knowing how I feel about my own mum, I live in fear of making huge mistakes that my children will hate me for in the future. Although I know rationally that any mistakes I make won’t be on the same level as what I experienced with my mum, I still live in fear of certain aspects from my past repeating themselves. Does anyone else relate to this feeling in any way?
My children are the reason I finally went to therapy and I will be forever grateful for all the ways in which they continue to inspire me to keep trying, healing and accepting myself. I sometimes worry that what I have written and have chosen to share, paints the picture of a very depressing life; and while I have had hard times, there have been many happy moments too. My daughters are of course my happiest blessings and I love them so much. Even though parent life can feel incredibly challenging at times too!
More on that in the future and the ways in which becoming a parent, felt as though old wounds from my own childhood were triggered.I would love to write a book one day and, before my mum passed, I had a literary agent. I couldn’t believe that someone in the publishing industry was interested in my work and wanted to represent me. However, during the time in which I was grieving for my mum, my agent dropped me over email… just needed to get that off my chest!
As you already know, my mum died earlier this year and although I love her and miss her, she was a narcissist and had caused me a lot of emotional pain over the years. If you’ve missed any of my earlier words on growing up with a narcissistic mother, you can read the full posts here…
One of my current goals, and mind distractions, is to improve my fitness. I’ve been going to a functional fitness class twice a week and as I type this, I’m very aware that my whole body feels extremely sore! If it hadn’t been for my most recent session, I’m sure I wouldn't have just shared this.
Anyone else ever tried jumping single arm plank jacks for a minute?!I love food and one of my favourite things to eat is seen by those close to me as a little bit random… I love yogurt! Specifically Greek style yogurt. Fage anyone?
Over to you…
I would love to hear from you! Are there any stories you would like to share with me? Can you relate to having a narcissistic parent? Do you also love yogurt? Use the comment box below to share with me anything at all about yourself. What’s your story?
More from me?
I’d also love to hear if there are any particular topics you would like for me to write about in more detail. Would you like to read more on my experiences with narcissism, grief, race, motherhood or therapy? Would you like to learn more random facts about me, like how I used to write dog obituaries for a living?
Thank you for reading and I look forward to hearing from you,
Chloe xx