It is heartbreaking when someone spends their life in anger and resentment, spreading pain instead of love. It’s an incredibly courageous step to recognize when you’ve had enough and decide that you deserve better. Years of enduring abuse takes a toll, and stepping out from under it is an act of immense strength. Many people may never find that resolve, remaining trapped in cycles of manipulation or cruelty, often out of fear, low self-worth, or just the exhaustion that abuse brings.

What’s sadder still is that those who engage in hurtful behaviors often see the world through a warped lens—holding onto bitterness and refusing to allow healing into their lives. They may never experience the joy of true connection or inner peace, instead finding themselves constantly at odds with the world and those closest to them. It’s not an excuse for their behavior, but it’s worth remembering that their actions stem from unaddressed pain of their own.

But here’s the beautiful part: stepping away from such a toxic dynamic opens the door to reclaiming your life, your joy, and your peace. That freedom can feel daunting at first, but it’s also liberating. In that space, there’s room for new, positive relationships to grow—ones that will honor your worth, bring you fulfillment, and allow you to thrive. You’ve chosen to break free from someone else’s darkness, and in doing so, you’re choosing light for yourself.

Navigating those feelings—the hurt, the sadness, even the anger—is natural, and seeking ways to process them can help you truly release them.