Triggered
On Carrying Words That Were Never Yours
You lie in wait
from a vantage point out of sight.
Cold fingers grip the rifle
in a bruising caress.
The gun is loaded
with bullets laced in vitriol.
Eyes gleaming,
searching for me.
You know the mark.
You mapped me well
my flaws and quirks,
The things that fed my doubt.
You pull the trigger with quiet pleasure.
silence whistles in the wind,
a piercing battle cry……
on its way to me.
Journal with me:
Which words or actions from others have made you feel fear, doubt, or anxiety?
How do these moments affect your thoughts, emotions, or body?
When someone says hurtful things, could those words reflect their fears, insecurities, or struggles rather than your reality?
What truths do you know about yourself that contradict their words?
How can you remind yourself that you control your own story, and that other people’s words do not define you?
Despite being triggered or hurt, what strengths or coping skills have helped you navigate these moments?
How can you use this awareness to protect your energy and maintain your self respect?
These prompts are part of a journal I’m building. It’s for the woman who stayed too long, gave too much, and is only now learning to study herself as a love note. If these words found you at the right time, subscribe to follow the process and get early access when it launches.
poems and essays that name what you feel.