Today, as I sit and reflect on everything I have lived through, I feel something stronger than pain, stronger than anger, stronger even than the scars left behind:
I feel freedom.
I feel gratitude.
I feel love.

After years — decades — of living under control, manipulation, fear, and emotional deprivation, I am finally free to live my life on my own terms.
I am proudly single. I am making my own choices and decisions, guided by my instincts, my wisdom, and the unconditional love of my daughter — who has become my greatest supporter, my closest friend, and a true source of strength.

Money may be tight — yes, the reality is the abuser left me saddled with debts and tried to strip me of security.
But what they could never take — and what they will never understand — is the wealth of love and loyalty that surrounds me now.

• My daughter is ensuring I have warmth and comfort through the winter.
• She is making sure my cupboards are filled, that my basic needs are met without fear or shame.
• She has even booked a family holiday to help me heal, to create new, joyful memories that wash away the shadows of the past.

I have survived worse than this.
I have survived cruelty, abuse, betrayal, and lies.
And now — I am not just surviving. I am thriving.

No amount of harassment, bullying, false accusations, or broken restraining orders can change the truth.
The truth is simple:

• I am living a better life today than I ever did during those long, dark years.
• I am laughing again.
• I am loving and being loved, truly and freely.
• I am making my own decisions without fear.
• I am healing more with each sunrise.
• I am living in truth, while others are still hiding behind lies.

And that truth is unshakable.
It doesn’t matter what is whispered behind closed doors. It doesn’t matter what lies are spread or what desperate attempts are made to tarnish my reputation.
The truth always stands, and I stand with it.

Over the next year, I have so much to look forward to:

• Time with family who genuinely love and respect me.
• Quiet evenings in my own safe space, filled with laughter, peace, and music.
• Travels, adventures, and new experiences.
• Healing, growing, and building a beautiful life where I am in control — no longer controlled.

I have left the prison of abuse behind.
I have stepped into the light of freedom.
And nothing — absolutely nothing — will ever drag me back into the darkness.

To anyone reading who feels trapped, hopeless, or afraid:
Hold on. Freedom is real. Healing is possible. Love exists. Happiness is waiting for you on the other side of fear.

I am living proof of that.
And I am only just beginning.

#FreedomAfterAbuse #HealingJourney #LoveOverFear #LivingInTruth #NewBeginnings

— Linda C J Turner

Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment