Stephani Shaner

When it comes to relationships I feel it’s safe to say that most of us want the same thing. 

While connecting with other people who have experienced domestic abuse, it seemed that many of us have something in common. Victims of domestic abuse struggle with identifying themselves as real victims.

Have you ever felt like the world expects perfection from you? Have you ever hidden away behind a mask because you were afraid it would push someone away?

Remember that every single one of us will feel pain differently. 

It won’t always be this way.

What was I really losing?

You cannot force yourself to believe in things that are not real to you. You cannot force yourself to love people who simply are not meant for you. Living life by force is a great way to lose yourself and not know who the hell you are. 

Recovery is a daily process with setbacks and a roller coaster of emotions. 

Putting your needs first is not selfish, despite what your brain tells you.

The truth is that the red flags you ignore at the start will end up being the reasons the relationship fails later on.

You deserve the kind of love that makes you smile at red lights and fall asleep at night in absolute bliss.

Truth be told, sometimes the only thing that helps an aching heart is music.