We often talk about finding peace, being unapologetically ourselves, and choosing light over darkness. But what happens when someone, whether at home or work, tries to convince you that your light was never real in the first place? That’s gaslighting.

It’s a word that has grown in popularity, but many still struggle to name it when it’s happening to them. It’s subtle. It’s psychological. And it’s dangerous. I’ve seen it at work in relationships, in workplaces, even in friendships, where your instincts are questioned, your experiences denied, and your emotions dismissed. It has happened to me. It’s like being trapped in a hall of mirrors, where every reflection tells a different version of your story, and none of them look quite like you. You question your very existence if it’s done “effectively.” Some do it unknowingly, while others do it strategically.

At home, gaslighting can wear the mask of concern. A partner might say, “You’re too sensitive,” when you try to express hurt. Or, “That’s not how it happened,” even though you remember it vividly. Over time, you stop trusting your own memory, your gut, your truth. You begin to shrink, and that is what they want to happen.

I’ve spoken before about the power of peace in chaos and the importance of protecting your space, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Gaslighting poisons peace. It chips away at your sense of safety in the one place you should feel most seen and understood.

In the workplace, gaslighting can look like being told you’re overreacting to a pattern of being excluded. It can be feedback that leaves you doubting your competence, especially when you know you’re delivering. It can be a team member consistently twisting situations to make you the villain. Sound familiar?

In my journey throughout life, I have seen it happen in so many situations to a number of persons, especially those who challenge systems, question the status quo, or shine too brightly for someone else’s comfort. In workplaces that avoid accountability, gaslighting thrives because it helps preserve control and protect egos. These are dangerous places, and to survive, you must move with your back against the wall. It is so tiring.

Just know that you are not “too much.” You are not “imagining things.” If you feel something is off, it probably is; trust your gut. And while you may not always be able to change the person doing the gaslighting, you can reclaim your truth. Your peace. Your power. Start by grounding yourself. Journal your experiences. Trust your instincts again. Get support. Speak up. But the most important thing is to recognize that it’s happening. In one of my cases, it was a friend that noticed before I did and brought it to my attention. Now I can recognize it a mile away. If you don’t know, you can’t fix it.

In my blog “Light”, I wrote: “You don’t owe anyone a dimmed version of yourself to make them comfortable.” That truth remains. Especially in spaces where gaslighting would have you forget your brilliance.

If this resonates with you, I see you. I know what it feels like to question your own clarity because someone made you feel like you were wrong just for feeling. This blog, this space, this journey, our journey, is about refusing to live in someone else’s distorted version of your reality.

Stand firm in who you are. Don’t shrink. Don’t edit yourself. Don’t let anyone rewrite your truth.

Keep shining.

Let me know your thoughts; I genuinely want to know, and I’m sure others do too. Feel free to comment 👍🏽, but if you’re not comfortable, reach out to me through any medium. I’d be thrilled if you could share something, anything, and let others know. 🙏🏽 Your comments help me understand your perspective and often present a completely different view on the topic. They could even inspire another blog. 😉 And you never know how your comment might benefit others. Always remember, life is meant to be lived, and you should always strive to live your best life. #lifeisforliving #liveyourbestlife #gratefulforlife #faithgreaterthanfear

See you next Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., Bogotá time.