Arrows of the Damaged

This content is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced or copied in part or in full without permission. Authorization by author requires a written request and approval before any form of reproduction.
​
I've been asked to write about my perspective regarding targeted lies, cryptic statements or elaborate alternate stories of one's life, and outright slander. So, this is for your consideration--just food for thought.  It has been said that when people make up stories about you and recruit others to spread them, it's to create or regain a feeling of power or control over you.  From what source do the emotions of jealousy and defensiveness spring? I suggest that the power equation over which they obsess may have manifested because they cannot control or even understand their feelings of inadequacy, brokenness, or perhaps their deepest secret--that they are unworthy of being loved at their core. If you elevate your life with success or step away from imbalanced relationships, do others act envious and angry, or abandoned? In my perfect world, a correlation wouldn't exist.  That reactive defensiveness must be a heartbreaking state in which to live.  It seems, despite their chronological years, they may have stopped emotionally evolving beyond a childhood set point when a hurtful, spirit-shattering epiphany formed in their tender hearts--ranging from what an adult might consider a minor hurt to nearly drowning in childhood abuse. There are no rules about heart wounding, especially for the very young...those with delicate tiny arms reaching for a comforting hug, unconditional grins of joy, unexplored expectations for loving care and bright days.  As I see it, in adulthood, professional accomplishments are not on the same life parallel with one's emotional growth, although the latter certainly can affect the former.  Though potentially mismatched, they paradoxically coexist.  As many of us have seen, some colleagues, friends, family members, and public figures can lash out as if they were unprotected fearful nine-year-olds seeking to self-soothe through harming others.  Childhood wounding or skewed imprinted beliefs, for some, can take lifelong healing pursuits to resolve, balance, and achieve a level of inner peace. Terms for this include inner child work, shadow work, and re-parenting the little child. Ultimately, they all strive to improve mental health, relationshipping, and, at the core, self-love and self-worth.

There's no mistake, gossip is a form of bullying. Despite many feeling pain from these traveling stories, I believe that love can prevail, whether it manifests outside or grows inside. Have faith. Expect patience. Take a deep breath. Get your footing. Assess if it truly matters what a particular group of people believe...it will vary for everyone in each instance. Will your response be emotional and defensive to continue a power drama--fueling their skewed desires for conflict, or from a higher untriggered perspective--perhaps to balance or restore legal or professional concerns when it hits a threshold of malice?  Their stories are not your truth, nor the life you are creating in every moment--what you think; how you love yourself; how you express your lifeforce and gifts. It is not your job to heal your offenders, even if it is a loved one. That is their work when they are ready. Our Light is already seen by others, and, first and foremost, it is our honorable mission to tend that magical core of self.

I  recall a verse familiar to many, "for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."  I believe with every fiber of my being that Divine Justice--AKA karma--is real, and literally no one is beyond it, whether they believe in it or not. I've often seen the wonderment of it happening, experienced it personally, and read extensively about its effect upon the lives of others.  This likely means that a higher realm sees everything and plans equal emotional lessons for the harm caused that may impact the offenders on multiple levels at the same time.  I suggest that Divine Timing means the wait is longer than you often hope, because Spirit lovingly gives each of us several opportunities to self-reflect and self-correct before the hammer comes down.   If you want to watch the public drama, please do so with emotional detachment.  One may or may not play a role in the growing awareness or revelation of truth; however, truth always rises. I wish you all love and strength. So, wake up with joy for your day and your life. Count your blessings, keep a gratitude journal, or upon seeing first light, feel and acknowledge the support around you seen and unseen--the third one is my go-to. I believe you are loved at an immense depth that you may not yet see, and that protective power can be beyond breach. My parting suggestions for dealing with the arrows of the damaged: Act in integrity. Use discernment and seek higher guidance. Do not step into their world of drama. And, stay in gratitude--it is true power.--Jeannette Bondurant©2025
Photo: jhenning, Pixabay