#WhyIStayed

I stayed because I was in love.

I stayed because I was brought up to be a caretaker.

I stayed because I didn't know my worth.

I stayed because I lived in fear.

I stayed because I had hated myself since the first time I was sexually abused at the tender age of 5.

I stayed because I grew up around alcoholism - I thought it was "normal."

I stayed because I was emotionally isolated.

I stayed because he told me he would kill me if I left.

I stayed because I had been a stay at home mom and he made the money - I had none.

I stayed because the religion I was brought up in told me divorce was bad - Til death do us part.

I stayed because I was a shell -

#WhyILeft

I left because one night I found my children hiding under a table - my heart cried for them

I left because I promised they would never know such fear again.

I left because a voice deep inside me urged me to - and for once I heard it.

I left because I promised them and myself a home free from violence and alcoholism

I left because my job as my children's mother is to keep them "happy, healthy, and safe"

I left because I didn't want my children to grow up knowing their father killed their mother.

I left because my love for my children is deeper and greater than anything else I can imagine.

I became free when I grieved what never was - Happily Ever After

I became free when I realized that the little girl in me was never lost - she had always been there

I became free when I took time for myself and put myself first

I became free when I forgave myself for carrying other people's shame

I became free when I let go of that shame

I became free when the opinion I had of myself meant more to me than what others thought

I became free the day I looked in the mirror and saw a smile on my face.

I became free when I loved myself

I became free when I took control of my actions

Help me change the focus from questions of why to celebrations of living free. Find out more by reading about my project -