Let’s start right here.

Hey. Take a breath.

The fact that you’re here, reading this — that’s not small. That’s your body, your heart, your spirit… reaching. Even now.

You don’t have to name it. You don’t have to label it abuse. You don’t have to prove anything to be here.

If you’re scared… If you feel like you’re walking on eggshells… If you’ve lost pieces of yourself trying to keep the peace… You’re in the right place.

And I know — you’re not ready to leave yet. Or maybe you are, but you don’t know how. Or you’ve tried before and it didn’t work, or you went back, or no one helped. There is no shame here. Only next steps.

What’s happening isn’t your fault.

It doesn’t matter what they’ve said. It doesn’t matter how charming they are to others. It doesn’t matter if it’s physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or something you can’t even name yet.

If it makes you feel small, afraid, confused, or controlled — you’re allowed to want something different. And it’s okay if you can’t change it today.

But we can get clear. We can get safer. We can plan.

Here’s what I want you to know right now:

  • You are not crazy. That fog you’re in? That confusion? That’s real.
  • You are not weak. You’ve survived every day until now. That’s strength.
  • You don’t have to do this alone. There is support. Real support. I’ll help you find it.
  • You’re not bad for still loving them. You’re human. You can untangle it.
  • You don’t have to go today. But you can start thinking about what it might look like if you did.

Your next gentle steps

  • Start noticing and writing things down (privately and safely).
  • Find one trusted person who can hold your story without judgment or panic.
  • Call a service just to talk. No pressure. No commitment. Just connection.
  • Create a safety plan, even if you’re not ready to use it.
  • Take care of your nervous system. Cry in the shower. Lay on the floor. Eat something. Breathe.

And please know this:

You don’t have to go yet. But you can start preparing your way out, bit by bit, breath by breath, decision by decision.

I created this because I didn’t have it. I stayed longer than I should have — not because I was weak, but because I didn’t know how to leave. And no one showed me.

But now you’re here. And you get to start. You’re not broken. You’re just buried. And when you’re ready — you’ll rise.

No rush. No pressure. Just this one truth: You’re not alone anymore.