I, Johnny Sage, want to share my story about narcissistic abuse and the inspiration behind my project, “The Narcissist Hunters.” This initiative aims to help people understand and identify narcissistic traits and, most importantly, learn how to heal from the impact of such relationships. By sharing my journey, my mission is to help others navigate their own paths to recovery.
The Birth of “The Narcissist Hunters”
I started “The Narcissist Hunters” to bring attention to narcissistic abuse, a topic close to my heart due to my personal experiences growing up. Narcissistic behavior was prevalent in my family, particularly on my father’s side, where the classic narcissistic family dynamics—Golden Child, scapegoat, and Lost Child—were all too familiar.
As a child in the pre-internet and early internet days, I found it challenging to find information on narcissism. The term “narcissist” was often misunderstood or trivialized. People thought of narcissists as simply being vain, like the caricatured arrogant characters in movies, rather than recognizing the deeply harmful and deceptive behaviors that define true narcissistic abuse.
My Journey with Narcissistic Abuse
Growing up in such an environment was chaotic and confusing. As a child, I often thought that if I just tried harder, I could earn love and approval. However, as I learned later, this is the worst approach with narcissists, who only take and take, leaving you drained and damaged.
The lack of understanding about narcissism made the experience even more isolating. When I was young, I didn’t have the resources to understand why my family dynamics were so toxic. I internalized the chaos, thinking it was my fault. I believed that if I could just be better, things would improve. Now, I know this is a common reaction among those who suffer from narcissistic abuse.
Empowerment through Knowledge
The key to overcoming narcissistic abuse lies in understanding it. Knowledge is power. When you’re unaware of what narcissistic abuse entails, it feels like an unexplainable, unpredictable nightmare. However, once you understand the narcissistic playbook, their behavior becomes entirely predictable, and you can take steps to protect yourself.
In 2015, after going no-contact with my family, I stumbled upon detailed information about narcissistic traits online. Reading through those traits was a revelation—I finally understood what I had been experiencing. It was a moment of clarity and validation. For the first time, I saw my experiences reflected in the stories and traits described in articles and forums. This was the beginning of my journey towards healing.
Over the years, I immersed myself in research, joined forums, and followed discussions on social media and YouTube. I even read medical journals to deepen my understanding. This journey of discovery has been both empowering and enlightening.
Turning Pain into Purpose
One critical aspect of healing from narcissistic abuse is recognizing that the abuse wasn’t your fault. Victims often blame themselves, thinking they’re crazy or defective. Understanding the true nature of narcissism allows you to start healing and reclaim your life.
I’ve learned that narcissists, through their toxic behavior, can inadvertently show you areas within yourself that need healing. They can be a harsh catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Healing from narcissistic abuse is challenging and takes time, but it’s entirely possible. You can emerge stronger, more self-aware, and more resilient.
One of the most significant realizations in my healing journey was that narcissists don’t change. They avoid transformation and continue their abusive patterns. Understanding this helped me stop hoping for change from my abusers and focus on my own healing.
A Mission to Spread Awareness and Help Others
My mission with “The Narcissist Hunters” is to spread awareness and provide support to those affected by narcissistic abuse. The more people know about it, the quicker they can start their healing journey or avoid becoming victims in the first place.
While this podcast is primarily for victims, I hope it reaches narcissists as well. Although rare, there are self-aware narcissists who seek help and change their behavior. The first step for them is often hitting rock bottom and losing their sources of narcissistic supply. By educating the public, we can reduce the number of enablers and create an environment where narcissists are more likely to seek help.
Building a Community of Support
I aim to empower empaths and those who have suffered at the hands of narcissists. My goal is to share my knowledge and experiences to help others heal. There is a wealth of information available now, and I will cover the basics and delve into specific, lesser-known aspects of narcissistic abuse.
One unique challenge I’ve faced is encountering narcissists within healing and spiritual communities. These environments are often blindsiding because we don’t expect to find narcissistic behavior there. Recognizing and addressing this issue is crucial for true healing.
The healing process can be long and challenging. It requires understanding, self-compassion, and the right resources. By building a supportive community, we can help each other through the difficult times and celebrate the victories together.
Looking Forward
I don’t have a strict long-term plan for this project. Instead, I’m motivated by inspiration and the desire to help others. I’m open to feedback and ideas from listeners. Together, we can shape the future of this endeavor.
I’m considering group sessions and sharing healing modalities that have worked for me. This is an evolving journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
As I continue to share my story and the knowledge I’ve gained, I hope to reach more people who need support and understanding. The more we talk about narcissistic abuse, the more we can spread awareness and help others recognize the signs and take action.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me on this path. Let’s spread awareness, support each other, and help victims of narcissistic abuse reclaim their lives. If you have any ideas, questions, or need support, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can make a difference and create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
By understanding and addressing narcissistic abuse, we can break the cycle and foster a healthier, more empathetic world. This is our mission at “The Narcissist Hunters,” and I am committed to seeing it through.
