I think going back-  back to the abuser,  that's not validated, and they may not understand why. For me, my case was because I have a child with this person, or because I thought I was in love, and maybe I was, I think I was.

Um, but it was really hard at first- learning how to use my voice and talk about what I've been through. Because it scared me to talk about what I've been through.

So it's not as heavy anymore, or at all. It's just a sense of how do I move forward with knowing that I'm not going to go back, I made up my mind.

I speak as someone who has self-doubted herself, but now, know who she is and she's strong and courageous and resilient and tenacious and beautiful and a work in progress. 

I speak as someone who learned how to love myself and know my value. 

I speak as someone who stands on my boundaries, to keep my heart safe. So I can grow and be the best version of myself.

I speak with someone who is a mother and a future leader, a present leader.  I speak as someone who desires to help others learn the skill of resiliency so they can be the best they can be.