9 months ago, i took my car, my dog and a duffel bag and drove non stop for 13 hours to the south. I left my abusive relationship of 4 years when I lived with him and realized a few months in that he had become so much worse. Scary. my nervous system was going insane.

An old friend knew I was struggling. She offered to let me stay with her. I stayed with her for 6 months. I built back up a wardrobe, because I had nothing. I learned how much I love thrifting and to repurpose before you purchase.

I then stayed at some short term furnished rentals as I made progress back on my feet. But today marks the day that I have a lease of my own in my name.

I haven’t fully processed it yet. It’s too new. And all my stuff? I left it up north and made peace with never getting it back. It’s what I need to sacrifice in order to preserve my mental calm and peace so I don’t have to continue communicating with the man who terrorized me for years.

What a journey. ( now I am felt the happiest version of myself i’ve ever been)