(This blog was originally written by me for LifeSurfer in 2015/2016)

Recovery can be the most difficult yet most satisfactory part after abuse.

The long hours going over and over about things that you experienced or are feeling right now. Realization of what has happened, what you’ve endured, what your children endured.. The first steps of self love and setting boundaries. Facing the judgment of others. Maybe even losing friends and family.. Being on your own again maybe for the first time in a very long time, trying to get answers to so many questions that most likely will never be answered. The fear of things that might happen or have happened. Processing trauma’s, facing your deepest fears and your own monkey brain. Come to realization of what is real and what you have told yourself to be real.

It is not uncommon that even after years of hard work on yourself and your life you still feel some triggers you will have to work on.

I know it is hard and sometimes it feels that for every step you set forward you have to take a few steps back. And trust me, that’s okay. You will notice that if you are ready again to set a step forward it goes much faster, because you have already been there, deep down you know that you are capable to do it. You can do and be everything you want. Yes, sometimes it takes some time to figure things out. And you will have to hustle. Hard.

But the reward is enormous. The freedom, the joy, it is all worth it.

Believe you can do it. You have endured hardships, for god sakes you have endured abuse and you are still standing. Yes, sometimes you fall down on your knees, but you get up!
I have faith in you and I believe in you. Just move forward.