By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate
For years, I lived under a regime of “NO.”
No to joy.
No to family.
No to freedom.
No to me.
I was told “no” so often — it became the background noise of my life.
No, you can’t buy that.
No, we’re not seeing your family.
No, your birthday doesn’t matter.
No, you don’t get a say.
No, you’re imagining it.
But here’s the truth:
He doesn’t get to say “NO” anymore.
Now, I decide.
Now, I choose.
Now, I say YES — to myself, to my happiness, to my peace, to my future.
He Can Do What He Likes — But It Doesn’t Involve Me
He’s free to continue living however he chooses.
But I am not a participant in his story anymore.
I’m no longer the vulnerable, silenced, manipulated woman I once was.
The fog has cleared. The strength has returned. The boundaries are firm.
Because I love my life now.
Because I am in control of my life now.
Because this — this clarity, this peace, this independence — is what life was meant to be all along.
And when I look back, I ask myself:
Where was I for the past 32 years?
The answer?
I was surviving.
Now, I’m living.
To Anyone Still Trapped in the Cycle:
You don’t have to stay there.
You don’t have to keep believing the lies that say you’re powerless, too broken, too trapped.
You are not weak. You are not alone.
And when the time is right — when you step out, even just a little — you’ll see the truth:
There is a whole life waiting for you.
A life where you make the choices.
Where no one controls your joy.
Where you finally say:
“NO, you don’t get to control me anymore. I’m taking it from here.”
This Is My Life. And I’m Just Getting Started.
#FreedomLooksGoodOnMe
#ReclaimYourLife
#SurvivorStrong
#NoMoreNos
#YesToMe
— Linda C J Turner
Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
