The Days I Pretend I'm a Villain and Sleep Better Because of It
DISPATCHES FROM PURGATORY
Valkyrie
7/4/20254 min read


Some days, I let the world think I've gone a little wicked.
Not evil. Not unhinged. Just ... selectively ruthless.
I stop apologizing for things that don't need apologies. I wear black eyeliner like a battle standard and say no without the five-paragraph explanation. And wouldn't you know it - I sleep like a cursed queen with a silk eye mask and no regrets.
Turns out, pretending to be a villain is wildly good for your nervous system.
On the Art of Being Deliciously Difficult
There's a strange peace in embracing the part of yourself that doesn't flinch at being misunderstood. The part that stops shrinking to fit inside someone else's comfort zone. She doesn't ask for permission. She doesn't wait for validation. She gets eight hours of sleep and wakes up smug about it.
Society likes its women likable. Soft. Containable. But I've found that when I let myself be sharp - when I stop sugarcoating my boundaries and start calling my ambition by its name - I become unbothered in a way chamomile tea could never achieve.
Embracing my darker side has been a transformative journey. It has led me to revel in the sovereignty of being unapologetically myself. Pretending to be a villain has given me a sense of liberation. This has improved my sleep and overall well-being.
This phenomenon is peculiar yet appreciated. As I navigate my persona's complexities, I find solace in being unapologetically bold. This journey has taught me that sometimes, embracing our inner villain is necessary for peace.
Embracing Your Inner Villain: A Surpirsingly Effective Wellness Hack
There's a version of me who wears too much eyeliner, takes up too much space, and doesn't contort herself to be "nice." I adore her. She's not here to please. She's here to reign. In the depths of my soul, a villain awaits, ready to shatter the chains of societal expectations. This inner figure, often misunderstood and feared, holds the key to a profound sense of liberation and peace.
We're taught to file ourselves down to something digestible. To play small, be agreeable, smile politely while dying inside. But villainy - true, glorious, chaotic-neutral villainy - isn't about cruelty. It's about reclaiming the parts of yourself you were told to hide. What if embracing our inner villain is not a descent into darkness, but a journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment? The act of embracing our inner villain is a revolutionary act; it's a declaration of independence from the suffocating grip of societal norms.
And here's the twist: the more I lean into my inner villain, the less anxious I become. She's not afraid of rejection. She doesn't overthink text messages. She has better things to do.
Like moisturize. Or plot.
This journey is not without its challenges. It requires courage to confront the parts of ourselves we've been taught to hide or deny. Yet, it's in this confrontation that we find a strange sort of peace – a peace that comes from being true to oneself, unapologetically.
As I continue on this path, I find that embracing my inner villain is not about being misunderstood on purpose, but about being true to myself, even when that's counter to the expectations of others. It's a journey of self-discovery, one that leads to a more authentic, empowered version of myself.
Why Being a Villain Improved My Sleep and My Sanity
Before I embraced the dark side, I spent nights spiraling. Replaying conversations. Obsessing over tone. Editing myself in real-time.
Now? I lay my head down on silk pillowcases with the confidence of someone who did exactly what she meant to do - and didn't explain it to anyone.
The villain within me knows peace isn't always found in stillness. Sometimes, it's in the audacity of self-respect.
5 Villainous Daily Rituals That Keep Me Unbothered
My journey into the heart of villainy has equipped me with daily strategies that have profoundly impacted my well-being and sanity. Embracing my darker persona has not been about adopting malevolent traits but about finding empowerment through self-acceptance.
Glorious Solitude
I disappear. No texts. No small talk. Just me, my shadow, and a playlist that sounds like thunder in heels. It's not loneliness. It's luxury.
Journaling Like a Mastermind
Every villain needs a lair and a logbook. I write everything down - motives, feelings, grudges. Especially grudges. Clarity looks suspiciously like a full notebook.
Setting Boundaries (Then Locking the Door)
I treat my time like a precious metal. No, you can't "just pick my brain." No, I won't soften the truth so it goes down easier. This isn't a TED Talk. It's a throne room.
Meditation With a Side of Vengeance
I breathe in. I breathe out. I imagine returning to sender every ounce of energy I didn't ask for. It's spiritual, really.
Creative Scheming & Physical Power Moves
Whether I'm boxing or writing something shart enough to draw blood, I let my darkness move through me. Better out than repressed and leaking out in sarcasm.
By incorporating these practices into my daily life, I've experienced a significant shift in my sanity and overall well-being. Embracing my inner villain has not been about glorifying negativity but about finding strength in my complexities.
From Villain to Anti-Hero: The Evolution of Not Caring (Strategically)
My journey of self-discovery has led me to embrace my inner villain. This path has allowed me to revel in the sovereignty of my true self. The line between darkness and light is not always clear, as I navigate the complexities of my inner world.
The villain within me is not static; it evolves, sometimes as a guardian of my deepest desires. Other times, it emerges as a fierce protector of my autonomy. This duality reminds me that balance is not about eradicating the darkness. It's about integrating it into my being.
I'm not out here cackling over cauldrons (though I could). But I've found my sweet spot between sinner and saint. The anti-hero arc suits me - complex, calculated, inconvenient to anyone trying to manipulate me. A character that embodies both the villain's strength and the hero's compassion. This balance allows me to harness my inner power while being mindful of the world. It creates a harmony that is both fierce and beautiful.
My inner villain didn't ruin me. She resurrected me.
And now? I sleep like someone who doesn't owe the world an explanation.
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