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Writer's pictureLoveday Funck

Start the Journey towards Healing

While whimsical fairy tales have always captivated me, I never saw myself as a political artist. My art, teeming with surrealism and whimsy, existed as snapshots of imagined stories, open to interpretation. The viewer could conjure the past and future of these scenes, creating their own narratives.


However, escaping an abusive relationship shattered this naive perspective. Witnessing the shocking prevalence of emotional abuse, along with the struggle to break free and navigate the complex support system, awakened a new purpose in my art. Now, creating stories becomes more than escapism; it's an act of resilience, a means to process my own experiences and offer solace to others facing similar battles.


This shift isn't a conscious choice, but an inevitable evolution. Art becomes the lens through which I frame my journey, transforming pain into understanding and fostering the emotional healing I, and countless others, desperately seek.




This, dear reader, is a realm of pure imagination, distinct from my own lived experiences. But tell me, do you find that sometimes, fictionalizing life offers unique insights and empowers us in ways beyond our daily reality? Perhaps within these stories, we find unexpected control and understanding.

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A covert narcissist, also known as a vulnerable narcissist, exhibits narcissistic traits but in a more subtle and hidden way compared to an overt narcissist. Here's a breakdown:


What is a Covert Narcissist?

  • Deeply craves admiration and importance but hides the need behind a seemingly self-deprecating or shy persona.

  • Feels superior to others but projects this through passive-aggressive means like guilt trips, victimhood narratives, or subtle criticisms.

  • Lacks empathy and uses manipulation to control others, often leaving victims feeling confused and questioning their own perceptions.


Why are they difficult to recognize?

  • Master manipulators: They can be charming and even appear empathetic, making it hard to see their true intentions.

  • Feign weakness: Their self-deprecating attitude masks their need for control and can evoke sympathy, blurring the lines of who the victim is.

  • Passive-aggressive behavior: They avoid direct confrontation, making it harder to pinpoint their toxic behaviors.

  • Social isolation: They may isolate their targets from friends and family, further limiting outside perspectives.


Factors:

  • Recognizing a covert narcissist often requires paying attention to patterns of behavior over time, not just individual actions.

  • Their victims often doubt themselves due to the manipulation and gaslighting tactics employed.

  • Seeking professional help for personal boundaries and emotional intelligence can be crucial in protecting yourself from their influence.



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The widow's paintbrush danced across the canvas, whispering stories of sun-dappled meadows and children's laughter. Clara Brooks, her heart etched with the quiet ache of loss, found solace in the vibrant hues, each spoke a testament to the life she nurtured alongside her two blooming children. Yet, a yearning for connection flickered within her, a gentle ember waiting to be fanned in a flame.


Venturing into the digital wilderness of dating apps, Clara swiped through profiles like a seasoned archaeologist sifting through dust scrolls. Most were duds, their attempts at humor falling flat like yesterday's souffle. Just as she was about to abandon the digital hunt, a profile caught her eye.


Miles Hunter, his bio a tapestry of introverted charm, mirrored her own quiet nature. His awkwardness, instead of repelling, resonated with a familiar melody in her own soul.


Intrigued, Clara Brooks sent a message, a tentative pebble tossed across the chasm of cyberspace. To her surprise, it landed with a gentle splash, and soon, their messages flowed like a babbling brook, exchanging stories and dreams under the watchful gaze of the algorithm. He spoke of his love for old movies, his passion for restoring antique clocks, and a vulnerability that resonated with Clara's own quiet strength.


As their online connection deepened, a spark ignited, a shared laughter echoing across the miles. Hesitantly, they agreed to meet, a nervous excitement fluttering in Clara Brooks's chest like a trapped butterfly.


The cafe buzzed with life, but her eyes found only him, his smile as warm as the mug of tea cradled in his hands. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by comfortable silences and stolen glances. That first date was followed by many more, each one a brushstroke painting a brighter picture of their connection.


Miles Hunter, with his gentle soul and quirky humor, felt like a missing puzzle piece, slotting perfectly into the mosaic of Clara's life. But, even as love bloomed, a seed of doubt, faint as a whisper, lay dormant in her heart. Could this newfound happiness be real, or was it merely a carefully crafted illusion waiting to shatter?



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