<p>Too often we find ourselves not realizing we are in a nightmare until it is far too late. Those cloaked teeth of heartbreak sink their teeth so deep that you wonder how it took so long to start feeling their depth. Leaving an emotionally abusive relationship is difficult and can sometimes seem impossible. I spent almost five years in a relationship like this, and it was a hard and long journey to crawl out of. The ability to mentally unravel became easier while looking at myself in the mirror became harder. As time went on, pieces of me were slowly taken away and replaced with sadness and confusion. I wanted to take the hand of my readers and show them that no matter how unique or terrible they feel their situation is, someone out there understands. These awful actions and falsified promises of safety and love have the power to turn our world upside down, but the important thing to do is find a way to turn it right side up again. I hope that my story can give a sense of hope and clarity to those that find themselves in a dark situation, and don't know which way they need to go. The road back to yourself is never the same road that got you lost. </p><p><br></p>