Leaving a toxic relationship is one of the hardest decisions you can make, but it’s also one of the most empowering. For me, it was the first step toward reclaiming my life, my identity, and my happiness. 

When I finally realized that my relationship was toxic, I knew I had to leave. But what I didn’t realize was how much healing I would need afterwards. The journey to finding myself again was filled with emotions, challenges, and growth. 

Today, I want to share my healing process and the lessons I learned along the way, in the hope that it inspires others in similar situations to choose themselves and take that brave first step toward freedom. 

When I made the decision to leave, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I felt foolish for not seeing the signs earlier and angry for allowing myself to be manipulated in so many situations. Dealing with narcissism had left me feeling empty, unworthy, and disconnected from who I truly was. During the relationship, I had lost touch with the things that made me *me*. I wasn’t growing or developing as a person—instead, I was shrinking, trying to fit into a mould that wasn’t mine.

Leaving was the first step toward reclaiming my power, but it was also the beginning of a long healing process. I knew I needed to heal, but I didn’t realize just how deep the wounds were until I was out of the relationship. That’s when I truly understood how much the constant narcissism had affected me.

Healing from a toxic relationship isn’t linear. It’s messy, emotional, and often exhausting. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here’s how I navigated my healing journey:

In the beginning, I was filled with anger and sadness. I cried often, and instead of suppressing those emotions, I let them out. I would talk to myself about how I felt, cry when I needed to, and allow myself to process the pain. Over time, this helped me release the heavy emotions and feel lighter.

I realized that healing wasn’t something I could rush. I allowed myself to take the time I needed, even if it meant having intense down moments from time to time. Gradually, those moments became less frequent, and I started to feel more like myself again.

One of the most important steps in my healing process was setting boundaries. It was hard, especially with someone who was used to having access to my time and energy. But sticking to those boundaries was crucial for my well-being. It helped me protect my peace and rebuild my sense of self.

I spent a lot of time researching and learning about narcissism, toxic relationships, and how to move on. This knowledge was empowering—it helped me understand what I had been through and gave me the tools to heal. I also used resources like Google, AI tools, and platforms like TikTok and YouTube to learn more about self-care, skincare, and mental health.

I worked on reconnecting with the things I had lost during the relationship, like my appearance and mental health. I made looking and feeling better a priority, whether it was through skincare, weight loss, or simply doing things that made me happy. I also set goals and created a vision board to visualize the life I wanted. This gave me a sense of direction and purpose.

Through this journey, I learned some valuable lessons that I hope will inspire others:

No one deserves to be in a relationship that makes them feel small, unworthy, or unhappy. Choosing yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.

Be patient with yourself. Healing is a journey, and taking it one step at a time is okay. Celebrate the small wins along the way.

Setting boundaries is one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Educating yourself about what you’ve been through can be incredibly empowering. It helps you understand your experience and gives you the tools to move forward.

Make your happiness a priority. Do things that make you feel good, set goals, and create a life that aligns with your values and desires.