Gaslighting Glow-Up: How I Stopped Doubting Myself

Gaslighting Glow-Up: How I Stopped Doubting Myself

For the longest time, I second-guessed everything—my choices, my feelings, even my own memories. It wasn’t because I was unsure of myself, but because I had spent years being subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) told that I was wrong. That I was overreacting. That I was imagining things.

That’s the essence of gaslighting: a slow erosion of self-trust until you start relying on someone else’s version of reality more than your own. It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized something had to change. This is how I reclaimed my confidence, my voice, and my power.

Step 1: Recognizing the Gaslight

The first step in my glow-up was recognizing the signs. Gaslighting often looks like:

• Being told “That never happened” when I knew it did.

• Feeling like I had to prove my emotions were valid.

• Apologizing excessively, even when I did nothing wrong.

• Walking on eggshells to avoid conflict.

Once I put a name to what was happening, I stopped blaming myself. Instead of thinking, Maybe I am too sensitive, I started asking, Why am I made to feel this way?

Step 2: Fact-Checking My Reality

A big part of overcoming gaslighting was learning to trust my own perception again. I started:

• Writing things down—conversations, feelings, events—so I had proof for myself.

• Talking to trusted friends who could validate my experiences.

• Practicing self-affirmation: I know what I saw. I know what I felt. My feelings are real.

It took time, but the more I trusted myself, the harder it became for anyone to shake my confidence.

Step 3: Setting Boundaries Like a Boss

Once I realized how much I was being manipulated, I had to decide what I would no longer tolerate. I stopped explaining myself to people who twisted my words. I started saying “No” without guilt. And when someone tried to make me question my reality, I responded with confidence instead of defensiveness.

Boundaries didn’t just protect me—they became a sign of my self-respect.

Step 4: Glowing Up from the Inside Out

Confidence isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about feeling it. As I distanced myself from toxic influences, I started focusing on things that made me feel strong:

• Surrounding myself with people who uplifted me.

• Investing in my passions and goals.

• Speaking up, even when my voice shook.

The biggest transformation wasn’t external—it was the way I carried myself. I no longer needed validation from those who once made me feel small. I knew who I was, and I trusted myself.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Self-Belief

Gaslighting thrives in doubt, but confidence is its kryptonite. My glow-up wasn’t just about looking stronger—it was about being stronger. I learned that my reality is valid, my voice matters, and I am not obligated to shrink myself to fit someone else’s narrative.

So if you’re in a place where you’re doubting yourself, start small. Trust one thought, one feeling, one memory at a time. Because once you start believing in yourself, no one can take that power away from you.

Your glow-up is waiting—are you ready to step into it?