It wasn't what I thought it was going to be. And so, I've had to rework my understanding of survivors.

You've left, but you don't get to leave him fully because you share a child together and so like that goes into the healing process of I left to get better, but I can't go too far because I still have to see this man.

And so I said, now, here I am. Now I'm ready to do the healing work. Because now, I'm finally not in a situation with another individual where I'm drowning, I'm in a situation where it's me and I'm overwhelmed and life feels tough. But there's no one in my house to impede my healing.

My affirmation, which wasn't really an affirmation, it was, I'm doing it because I have to.

I speak as someone who has risen from the ashes.

I speak as someone who is proof that if you really want better for yourself, that you can achieve it, despite what obstacles may be put in your way.

I speak as someone who is proud of how far I've come.

I speak as someone who knows that her journey is going to help and empower other women.

I speak as someone who wants to be an example for what her daughter will be able to look up to and be proud.