Speaking my truth!

 Speaking My Truth: Understanding & Acknowledging Abuse

For a long time, I didn’t realize emotional abuse was real. I thought if there were no bruises, it didn’t count. Some days, I wished there were, just so people would believe me when I asked for help. But abuse isn’t just physical—it can be the slow erosion of self-worth, the constant second-guessing of your own reality, and the fear of speaking up because it might lead to more conflict. I lived in constant fear.

I used to think if I tried harder, loved more, or fixed myself, things would change. But no amount of effort on my part could undo a cycle that wasn’t mine to break alone. Emotional abuse can be subtle. It can look like walking on eggshells, feeling small, being dismissed, or being made to feel like everything is your fault.

I spent years doubting myself, wondering if I was overreacting, if I was the problem. But I now know that love should never leave you questioning your own reality. A healthy relationship does not make you feel like you have to shrink yourself to keep the peace.

Leaving an unhealthy environment was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also the most freeing. Healing has been very hard and incredibly demanding, especially as a mother. There are days when the weight of it all feels unbearable, when I am exhausted from carrying both my own healing and the responsibility of my children’s well-being. But even on the hardest days, I remind myself—I did the right thing.

For so long, I believed the lie that love was enough. I once heard
, all you need is love, and I held onto that belief, hoping it would fix everything. But love alone was never enough. Love cannot erase abuse, nor can it make someone change who doesn’t want to. Real love does not hurt, manipulate, or make you feel small.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your experiences “count” as abuse, I want you to know—you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. You deserve safety, love, and respect, and no one has the right to take that away from you.

This isn’t about blame or seeking permission to speak. This is about truth. My truth. And standing in it without fear.

And if you need someone to remind you that you’re not alone—I’m here to support you.