When Your Light Feels Dimmed—Speaking Truth to Gaslighting

Hi friends,

Today I want to share something that’s not easy to talk about—but incredibly important: the experience of being gaslighted by a supervisor. If you’ve ever questioned your own reality, second-guessed your instincts, or wondered if you were "too sensitive," you’re not alone.

Less than a year ago, I found myself in a leadership role where I was confident in my skills, grounded in my experience, and fully committed to my team. But instead of support, I was met with subtle undermining, shifting expectations, and conversations that left me questioning my memory and my worth. The more I advocated for my staff or spoke up about what wasn’t working, the more I was dismissed, isolated, or made to feel like the problem.

This is what gaslighting can look like in professional settings: being told things didn’t happen the way you remember, having your decisions constantly second-guessed, or being blamed for circumstances out of your control. It chips away at your confidence, your health, and your sense of safety in your workplace.

Eventually, I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life—I walked away. But before that, I took a bold step—I let my director know that I had applied for a nursing director position within the organization. I had kept this quiet for a while, out of fear that I wouldn’t be supported, or worse, shut down for daring to want more after all the hard work I had put in. In that same conversation, I slipped up and mentioned that I was also enrolled in the Wharton Managing the Managerial Mindset program through the University of Pennsylvania. I was proud of the growth I was pursuing—but something changed after that.

Suddenly, I went from being viewed as a strong, respected manager to being bombarded with a long list of complaints—none of which were factual. I was accused of being overly sensitive, frustrated, and even of walking out of a meeting due to frustration—none of which were true. These claims didn’t align with my behavior or my commitment to my team, and they were deeply hurtful to hear. It was jarring and heartbreaking. I started to question whether I had made a mistake by speaking up about my goals. But now I see it clearly: I had stepped outside of someone else’s comfort zone, not my own. And that discomfort led to a campaign to dim my light.

It was painful, but it was also the beginning of something new. That experience was one of the catalysts for starting Rise Through Becoming Lifestyle Coaching, LLC.

Now, I work with women who are navigating burnout, work-related trauma, and the quiet question of "Is it me? Or is it the environment I'm in?" Spoiler alert: it’s often the environment.

Through coaching, we create a safe space to untangle those feelings, rebuild self-trust, and come back home to who you really are—not who someone tried to convince you to be.

If any part of this story resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Your experience is real, your voice matters, and healing is absolutely possible.

With compassion and truth,

Sandra
Founder, Rise Through Becoming Lifestyle Coaching, LLC

Curious about coaching but not sure where to start?

Let’s connect for a free one-hour discovery call, held online from the comfort of your own space. This is a no-pressure conversation where we talk about what’s been weighing on you, what changes you’re craving, and whether coaching feels like a good fit for your life right now. You’ll get a feel for how I work, and more importantly, space to breathe and be heard. Whether you move forward or not, the time is yours—and it's always honored.

Click on the below link to book a free discovery call or call 503-908-9968