"Breaking Free from Abuse: Empowering You to Find Safety in Uncertain and Challenging Times"

Breaking Free from abuse during a recession can be even difficult at best, yet I am writing this article to assure you it is possible. If you or someone you know is in an unsafe environment, you are not alone and you can still break free.

Abuse in any form, whether it's verbal, physical, or narcissistic, can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Unfortunately, the current climate of economic uncertainty and the ongoing global pandemic have only made it more challenging for those suffering in abusive relationships to escape and find safety. But despite the challenges, it is possible to free yourself from the abuse and reclaim your life.

I know this because I've been there; as a young girl who had a family that forced me to marry before I turned 18, I found myself feeling very alone. I was in a controlling and abusive relationship for several years, and I felt trapped and hopeless. What started out as a relationship with someone who worked a full time job, was both kind and friendly quickly changed. It was like a different person showed up and he was no longer recognizable. Once fully in a commitment with this person he quit working and also slowly took away my freedoms. The best way to say it is; we were extremely different people that truly were not aligned in our life vision, purpose or lifestyle.

Freedoms that most of us would take for granted, began to quickly slip away from me. I was not allowed to visit with family or friends often or even go out alone. I was not permitted to go exercise at the gym, or to swim. In fact most of what I had always done prior to that relationship was just not permitted ever. In order to get a short visit to the gym it required hours of pleading and fights to get approval for even a small modified activity that still was not at all what I envisioned for my life. Growing up I was a cheerleader, on the dance team, the swim team and often played more than one sport. So I really had no clue that marriage would require me to give up all forms of physical fitness, which was very much a part of my regular routine. My every move was watched, I had zero privacy as I was followed everywhere and given the guilt treatment for even asking to go take a walk by myself to clear my mind the day my father passed.

My family and many friends were very adamant that I was to stay in the relationship as it was the right and religiously correct thing to do. Everything was fine as long as I lived on his terms and the mind games and abuse continued. So I was always willing to pay for and seek out couples counseling, and even went to pastors, priests and coaches for relationship help. The problem was I was the only one who wanted to have my life back, it was always just the same old situations on constant repeat. To no avail, the relationship never allowed me to be myself or live the life I always imagined I would. The abuse was subtle at first yet grew over time as I lost myself. I had great success in my work and businesses as working was my escape; although alas I was followed and sequestered at work as well.

My life is so incredibly happy and different from that young girl I used to know. I enjoy health and fitness as a regular part of each day. I have a wonderful relationship and a peaceful and happy home. Each day?I get to work helping others and truly living the life I always envisioned. Yes, it is possible to walk away from a relationship that no longer serves you and find true peace and contentment. Although many relationships can heal some are just not aligned on their values or life vision.

Our relationships, if they do not feel safe, can truly affect every area of our lives. If you are a business owner or leader in your community, learn to look for the signs. Often you will be surprised as abuse can show up in the life of a student, co-worker, employee or boss and the pain they go through at home is the same. The simple act of posting a flier with information on vital resources for anyone who may be seeking help or services can make a huge difference in a person's life. Many times people do not share what is going on in their personal life.

The red flags of living with a narcissist or someone who may become abusive in one form or another start out long before the actual physical abuse may take place. Subtle changes at first will start to get more defined and happen regularly.

Fortunately with the help of friends and a life coach, I was able to escape the abuse and start my journey of healing and self-discovery many years ago. And through my own experiences, I've learned that there are steps you can take to break free and get to safety, even in these challenging times.

The first step is reaching out for help. Talk to friends and family about what you're going through, and seek support from a professional, such as a therapist or domestic abuse hotline. They can provide you with the resources and support you need to get out of the situation. There are also many programs and services available to help people who wish to escape from unsafe partners and environments. Please check your area in the USA and Canada for programs like the 211 service that are available to help you get the help others find the vital resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Once you're out of the abusive environment, it's crucial to focus on your own self-care and well-being. Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people, and take up hobbies that bring you joy. And most importantly, practice self-love, self-acceptance, and stop comparing yourself to others.

It's also important to have a plan for your future. This could include finding a safe place to stay, getting a restraining order, and seeking legal or financial support. A therapist or life coach can help you create a plan that's tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Breaking free from abuse can be a long and difficult journey, but it's a journey worth taking. You're worthy of love and respect, and you deserve to be happy. Believe in yourself and your own strength, and know that you're not alone. There are resources and support available to help you get to safety and start your journey of healing and self-discovery.

In my book "Boot Straps and Bra Straps," I share my story of overcoming abuse and other rock bottom situations. I offer practical advice and guidance for those looking to break free from abuse and regain control of their lives. Remember, you don't have to stay where you are not treated with kindness. With the right support and resources, you can release yourself from abuse and return to safety and self-love.

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About the author ?? Sheila guides entrepreneurs and working professionals through the profitable steps of building a business while also living there best life: from creation of expansion; marketing from planning to implementation; wealth building and preservation through real estate investing; and strategic planning all so that you can get back to the business of living your best life. Learn more at?www.SheilaMac.com