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Hi! My name is Mudassirr. I am recording this sample for the audition of a book "You Are Not Alone: A Men's Gaslighting Recovery" by "Dennis Chapman". Imagine this: You just met the love of your life, or so you thought. Let’s call her Karen. She loves everything about you, or that’s what she says. She showers you with hugs, kisses, and compliments. You fall deeply in love with this remarkable woman. Where has she been your whole life? Karen is independent; she is loved by those around her, knows what she wants, and she wants you! It is like a dream come true. What does this amazing human being see in you? She is strong and brings stability to your life. You have never really been the type to commit, but this time is different. You quickly commit because you are afraid you might lose her. She is one of a kind, and she adores you. Slowly but surely, things start to change. You never really noticed it before, but you haven’t been out with your friends in a while because this wonder woman is taking up all your time. When Karen doesn't get her way, she lets you know she is certainly not happy. She would find a way to blame you when she did something wrong. You start to believe her. Maybe there is something wrong with you. Why have you suddenly become so forgetful? Perhaps you are insensitive for not telling her you went for coffee with your mother. You start to feel worthless, confused, and maybe a little bit depressed. You feel like you are constantly busy with a balancing act to please Karen, but nothing is ever good enough. It is like living with a woman who always wants to talk to the manager; you are both the manager and the person being complained about. When you try to speak to a friend or a family member, they look at you with disbelief, or they tell you to “man up.” Your friends tell you that she carries your balls around in her handbag. You feel like your life is out of control, and you have no idea what you are doing. Are you not man enough to stand up to her? What is going on here? If this sounds familiar, you are in good company! Moreover, you are definitely not alone. Countless men have experienced these types of relationships. Karen’s are more common than you think. And no, I am not talking about the Karen we see on YouTube complaining about the speck of dust she found on the windowsill in the fifth aisle. I am talking about Karen, who is often portrayed as this perfect woman, but behind the scenes, she preys on the honest intentions of good men. I am talking about the Karen who makes you fall deeply in love with her and then throws you a curveball. This Karen will rip your heart to pieces and leave you feeling alone, confused, and without hope. She will isolate you from your loved ones and drain you on all levels —emotionally, financially, psychologically, and physically. Karen cares for Karen and Karen alone. You are confused because one moment, she loves you, showers you with affection, and you are the most wonderful human being in the existence of the world. The next moment she tells you that you are an abusive, manipulative chauvinist because you forgot to tell her you will be two minutes late for dinner. If you feel like this, my friend, you are being controlled and gaslighted by a narcissist. Would you believe me if I told you that you are allowed to grab her purse and take back your balls? Although it seems impossible, you will be able to trust your gut again and build happy healthy relationships. This book will help you identify abuse, rediscover your identity and learn how to trust others. By the end of this book, you will have enough confidence to reach into Karen’s expensive handbag and remove your testicles for good. There is hope! Okay, that sounds cliche, but it is true. Let me explain why. I have been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. Yes, yours truly is a survivor of emotional manipulation and abuse, otherwise known as gaslighting. On a serious note, I come from a pretty broken home. My mom was physically and emotionally abusive, and my dad suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He was mostly distant and detached. As a result of often being told I was never enough my entire childhood, I suffered from self-doubt. I also survived an abusive marriage which left me feeling broken and alone. Luckily I got help and am now a successful healthcare professional, veteran, husband, and father of five children. I have 17 years of experience in the healthcare industry. For the past six years, I have worked with patients struggling to move past their pain and find healing. Being a survivor of an abusive marriage and combat veteran, I understand the isolation, loneliness, and self-doubt that comes from the experience of trauma and abuse. I worked through my pain, forgave, found myself, and am now living my best life, and you can too! I want you to know that you don’t have to stay trapped in Karen’s web. You can break free, get help, receive healing, build healthy relationships and live a fulfilled life. I am a living testament that healing and forgiveness are possible. And I urge you, whether you have children or not, you have the responsibility to stop the cycle of emotional abuse.