It’s an incredibly heavy weight to carry when the memories of hurt overshadow what should have been love and kindness. It’s not your fault, and it’s a testament to your strength that you’ve survived and taken steps toward healing.

Sometimes, abusive relationships have a way of eroding the good moments or making them feel tainted. Your brain prioritizes survival, so it clings to the negative experiences to protect you from being hurt again. That’s not a failure on your part—it’s your mind doing its best to shield you.

Even if those good memories feel distant or buried right now, it doesn’t diminish the wonderful parts of who you are. The fact that you loved deeply and gave yourself to the relationship speaks volumes about your capacity for care and commitment.

Healing takes time, and as you continue to rebuild and process, you may discover small glimpses of what was once good. Not to excuse the bad, but to reclaim the moments of your life that were bright, no matter how fleeting. You deserve to hold onto the parts of yourself that gave love, even if they weren’t appreciated.

If this thought feels overwhelming today, that’s okay. It’s okay to grieve, to feel sadness for what you hoped for and what wasn’t. But it’s also okay to focus on where you are now—on the strength you’ve built, the freedom you’ve reclaimed, and the brighter, healthier future you are creating. 💛