Hear me out when I say that I know how you’re feeling.
I know what it feels like to be told that you’re not good enough, that you’re worthless, that there’s something’s wrong with you, and that it’s your fault that you’re feeling this way. I know what if feels like to be manipulated into someone you’re not, to feel that you are forever indebted to someone who you owe nothing to. I know what it feels like to get your heart ripped out by the person you entrusted it with, that you thought would protect it.
Maybe you didn’t know your abuser was actually abusing you. You probably thought that he or she treated you like that because they cared about you and that their actions were normal.
Or maybe you did know, and you just didn’t know what to do about it. You felt trapped, almost dependent on your abuser because he or she was providing you with something that you thought you would never have if you left him or her – whether it be “love,” financial support, a roof to live under, or food on the table.
I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how horrible it feels to be emotionally abused. But, I have something else to tell you other than repeatedly saying you that I know how you’re feeling.
I want you to know that there is hope.
I know it sounds crazy to say that there is hope in such a situation wrought with despair, but hear me out.
You are more than what your abuser has set you up to feel. All the degrading things your abuser said to you are wrong – you are good enough, you are valued, there’s nothing wrong with you, and it’s not your fault that you were in that situation.
Although I can’t tell you why this has happened to you, I can tell you that you have a purpose in this world. Despite what you’ve been told and how you might feel, you should know that you are a beautiful woman with a big heart, endurance, and patience. Use these gifts for the good, and to spread kindness and positivity to those around you.
How you feel about yourself may not change overnight, but that’s okay. Please still have hope in yourself. There is a better future ahead of you.
With that said, here’s a piece of advice that may help you out – Step in front of a mirror, look at yourself, and tell yourself that you’re in control of your own life, and that you’re a badass who can do anything that you set your mind to. Now, go conquer the world.