This first chapter covers the story of my childhood, which was marred by my parents’ violent arguments, and my subsequent job to “clean up their messes.” Their own deep-rooted wounds caused me to suffer both their verbal abuse and parental neglect. I show the reader how and when our true selves and inner child morph into what others need us to be. The reader can then know the point at which to begin their own inner work. As in each of the other chapters of the book, I include my own adult reflections at the end, so that the reader might draw vicarious lessons. I also include journaling prompts that guide the reader toward further transformation and change. Short Excerpt: I’m sitting at the top of the stairs in my girly girl pink pajamas, clutching my legs in hopes that […]