Published in Invisible Illness·PinnedMember-onlyThe Lost Child — The Invisible OneA small piece of my life story about living under the thumb of an abusive mother — “Leave me alone and just go outside,” my mother yells with a bitter, angry look on her face, her finger pointing to the door, “I don’t want you in here pestering me.” I can’t tell you what age I was or what I was doing at the time. What I…Lost Child7 min read
Published in Invisible Illness·PinnedMember-onlyThe Dangers of Emotional Bonding In Narcissistic Abusive RelationshipsHow Stockholm Syndrome Arises in Abusive Relationships — As someone that has survived and escaped several narcissistic relationships, I would like to share a little insight into the powerful emotions and manipulations within the mind that happen. …Narcissistic Abuse8 min read
Published in About Me Stories·PinnedMember-onlyAbout Me — Doreen BarkerReader, Writer, Marketer, Information Geek, Photographer, Mentor, and Farmer My Grandfather was the best story teller in my life. His vivid recounts of his time served in the Army during World War II, travelling the world, created a love of story telling. …Introduction4 min read
Published in Invisible Illness·Oct 10, 2021Member-onlyWhy Is It So Hard to Focus On Our Own Healing?Why is it so hard to focus on what’s best for ourselves? — Why is it so difficult to focus on what we each need? I’m not talking about food, health, and wellness. I’m talking about the soul-deep thing of loving ourselves and putting ourselves first. …Self Love7 min read
Published in Found In My Journal·Oct 7, 2021Member-onlyWhen Genetics Make You WonderI’m related to a murderer who killed her husbands, her many husbands or so legend says. — Years ago, in my quest to understand more about family habits and who my ancestors were, I discovered the tales of Red Mary. The above photo is of her beloved home, Leamaneh Castle, located in Ireland. …Murder6 min read
Sep 23, 2021Member-onlyUnrequited LoveThe majority of us have felt it but what it’s like living it? There are days I wake from a slumber that I feel so alone in this world. It’s those days when my dreams carried me away to the places I’d rather be. I wasn’t stuck here in real…Unrequited Love8 min read
Published in Invisible Illness·Sep 6, 2021Member-onlyLiving With Complex-PTSDIt's hard to be comfortable with anyone when your brain has been wired for fear and distrust. — Growing up in an abusive childhood home sucks, to say the least. When you become a prisoner of your family life, under the control of an abuser, your life can leave you battling every day with the aftermath of the trauma. …Complex Ptsd8 min read
Published in Beloved·Sep 6, 2021Member-onlyHindsight is Always 20–20Looking back gives us insight into how we got to where we are today — I’ve been sitting, contemplating a lot about the screw-ups I’ve made in the past. I wonder, sometimes, if I’m always prone to messing things up, especially the good because I can’t see them as good until it’s too late. …Hindsight3 min read
Aug 30, 2021Member-onlyWhat it’s like to be an EditorSometimes, being an editor isn’t all it’s cracked up to be — I recently volunteered to be an editor for a publication. Which one doesn’t truthfully matter. Here’s the lessons I discovered, some good and some bad. The tedious drone of the need to do’s and don’ts was ridiculous. I want to edit, not curate articles or source traffic for a publication…Editor5 min read
Published in Invisible Illness·Aug 28, 2021Member-onlyThe Gap Between Superficial and Intimate RelationshipsWhat is the fear of intimacy? Where does it come from? How can it be overcome? — When you are an abuse victim, emotions become a weapon used against you. You learn to bury them inside, never to be seen or heard. You begin feeling that your feelings are invalid, that you cannot trust your judgment, and it is safer to not let anyone too close. Without…Fear Of Intimacy7 min read
