Its scary but so worth it!!

It's hard enough being a mom to two young daughters - the sleepless nights, the tantrums, the constant balancing act of work and home life. But adding domestic violence into the mix? It's a whole other level of difficulty.

I know from personal experience just how tough it can be to survive domestic violence while also trying to be the best mom possible. My ex-husband was abusive, both physically and emotionally, and it took me a long time to gather the courage to leave him. But when I finally did, I realized that my journey to healing had only just begun.

For starters, there was the trauma of it all. Living with domestic violence can leave lasting scars, both visible and invisible. It's not just the bruises and broken bones - it's the anxiety, the fear, the feeling of helplessness. And as a mom, I had to find a way to work through my own trauma while also being a source of strength for my daughters.

Then there were the practical challenges. Suddenly, I was a single parent with no financial support from my ex-husband. I had to figure out how to pay the bills, put food on the table, and keep a roof over our heads. This was especially difficult because I had to start from scratch - I had no job, no savings, nothing to fall back on.

But the hardest part of all was seeing the impact that the abuse had on my daughters. They were so young at the time, but even then I could see the fear in their eyes. They had been witness to so much violence and instability, and it broke my heart every day to think that they had to grow up in that kind of environment.

Despite all these challenges, I knew that I had to keep going. My daughters were counting on me, and I couldn't let them down. It wasn't easy - far from it - but I found that there were things that helped. Talking to a therapist, finding support from other survivors, and rediscovering my passions (like volunteering at a local shelter) all gave me a sense of purpose and helped me move forward.

And while the road has been long and difficult, I can say with confidence that we made it through. My daughters are both thriving, and I feel like I've finally found my place in life as a mom. Domestic violence is never an easy issue to face, but with the right support and mindset, it is possible to survive and to thrive - both as a survivor, and as a mother