Susan Ball

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Why I Took a Break — And What Needs to Change in the Abuse Conversation

It’s Time to Talk About What Really Matters

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Hello ,


You may have noticed I’ve been quiet lately — both here in your inbox and over on Facebook. I took a much-needed break to reflect on what I want to offer, and more importantly, why I want to offer it.


The truth is, I’ve been feeling burnt out. And after some soul-searching, I’ve come to realise that a big part of that exhaustion stems from the ever-growing obsession with one word:


Narcissist.


Somewhere along the way, the conversation about abuse and healing became tangled up in diagnosing personalities and labelling ex-partners. And while I understand the comfort and clarity those labels can seem to offer, I believe we've lost sight of something essential:


Abuse is abuse.



In many ways, the focus on narcissism has replaced meaningful conversations about trauma, recovery, boundaries, and rebuilding a life that feels free, whole, and unapologetically yours. The more we talk about them — their diagnosis, their behaviour, their possible mental health conditions — the less we talk about you.


And that’s the part I want to change.


As I return to writing, posting, and showing up again, you’ll notice a shift. My focus will be less about analysing the abuser, and more about empowering the survivor. Less about labels, more about liberation. Less about what happened to you, and more about what’s possible for you.


Thank you for sticking around during my pause. I’ve missed you. I’ve missed the real, rich, and sometimes messy conversations we used to have — the ones that felt grounded and true. I’m ready to begin again, and I hope you’ll walk this next chapter with me.


Warmly,


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P.S. I’ve been quietly creating new tools and writing a book titled Healing Without Labels: Breaking Free from Toxic Love Without the Narcissist Narrative. I can’t wait to share them with you soon — they’re designed to help you heal on your terms, not someone else’s diagnosis.


P.P.S. I've created a new group and would love to have you join. It's a safe space for messy, difficult, and healing conversations. (no narcs allowed!) Click HERE to join - it's in a very beginning state!

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