I have had to struggle throughout my life. Some were big struggles and some were normal struggles. I mean, everybody has rough times in their life. But nothing can compare to the last two years of my life! Someone came into my life and completely changed it. Someone who became my best friend and lover, only to then break me down inside and leave me a shell of my former self.
My whole life, I was a person who saw people in abusive relationships and did everything I could do to be supportive of them. I made sure those people knew I was there no matter what they chose. I was there if/when they decided to leave. I was a caring friend. But I always thought "That would never happen to me! I'd leave the first time someone was abusive. No second chances!" Boy was I wrong.
I was completely blindsided when it happened to me. I became isolated and controlled and then eventually physically assaulted before I knew what was even happening. Then I was stuck. Mentally and physically under someone else's control. And I had support. I had loved ones ready to help me get out. Yet I stayed. Or I'd leave and get sucked back in. I lost many friends and most of my family. I lost placement of my children. I lost myself.
I've finally left for good. I'm working hard to put the pieces of my life back together. There is no going back. But now I'm on this journey of finding myself. I'm still me. But I'm changed. But I still no longer consider myself a victim. I've decided to share my journey on this blog so that I have a record of it all for myself and also to share my story with others. If my story helps even one victim get help or one loved one to understand a bit better what someone they care about is going through then it's worth it!
