I Had to Raise Myself

How to Heal from Emotional Neglect and Narcissistic Parents, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Build the Self-Love You Deserve

By: Mara Ellison

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

What if the struggles you carry today are not personal flaws, but survival patterns you learned when no one protected you?

If you grew up with emotionally neglectful, distant, or narcissistic parents, you may still feel the weight of needs that were ignored, minimized, or punished. Those early wounds often echo into adulthood as people pleasing, self doubt, fear of conflict, perfectionism, emotional shutdown, or the painful belief that you are too much or never enough.

You are not broken.
You adapted to survive.

I Had to Raise Myself is a compassionate, research grounded guide for adults who grew up emotionally alone. With clarity and trauma informed insight, this book helps you understand the roots of your patterns and teaches you how to build a life that finally feels safe, steady, and connected.

Inside, you will learn how to:

• Identify the hidden wounds created by emotional neglect and narcissistic parenting
• Break free from survival roles that once protected you but now keep you stuck
• Reconnect with your inner child with safety, gentleness, and compassion
• Create boundaries that protect your peace without guilt or fear
• Stop blaming yourself and trust your own thoughts and feelings
• Build healthier relationships that honor who you are becoming

You do not need to keep shrinking yourself to earn love.
You do not need to repeat patterns you never chose.
You are allowed to return to the version of you who deserved care.

To support your healing even further, this book includes access to a Companion Inner Healing Workbook filled with reflection prompts, grounding tools, emotional check ins, and guided inner child exercises. These pages help you practice what you learn so your growth becomes real, embodied, and lasting.

You are not too late.
You are not too much.
You are not beyond repair.

Your younger self has waited long enough.
Your healing does not begin someday. It begins the moment you choose it.

Start your journey today.