And So It Begins

Anastasia Malcolm reflects on the failed relationships emotional abuse and the unseen wounds that define the life journey of many women.As a mental health support worker she has heard and witnessed heartbreaking stories including from women who began relationships with hope only to confront violence and deep emotional trauma.She has seen cigarette burns on a woman's back left by someone who claimed to love her - and she's listened to survivors of rape and manipulation by partners who used them to satisfy their own desires or fund their addictions.For years she helped others heal unaware that she was trapped. Although she did not sustain any physical injuries she suffered significant emotional distress - facing manipulation invalidation and a loss of confidence and sense of identity. She mistook her intuition as something else entirely.Abuse doesn't always leave visible scars. It can chip away at your soul until you forget your identity. Manipulators use fear shame and confusion to keep you silent and small. Join the author as she reflects on how essential it is to listen to your inner voice and your body as they often speak truths that our hearts are not ready to accept.