You might not know that how your significant other treats you is considered abuse until months later. You might know from the start and not know how to get away. You might be afraid, or you might make excuses as to why they treat you the way they do. It doesn’t matter how you realized it; what matters is that you did, and now you’re ready for the other side of it.

There’s going to be a lot of confusion. You’re not going to remember who you were at first, and that’s okay. You might have forgotten your favorite things, or feel like you don’t have any close friends. You might just feel numb. All of these things are okay, because this is the first step to finding yourself once more.

There’s going to be times where you still feel you have to ask to do things, or go places. This is a small, refreshing step into seeing you’re free to do you, whatever that may be. You can go out with friends, eat whatever you want, and do things for yourself.

You will find joy in being alone. Your once safe place is now the most comfortable and welcoming place in your life. You have your own thoughts, and you’re genuinely okay with being alone. It’s healthy to enjoy your alone time and it gives you time to reflect on the past and things you can do differently for your own happiness.

You might feel anger, at yourself or the person. This may be for what they did to you, or that you didn’t leave sooner. Try not to focus on those things. It creates unnecessary pain for yourself. Remember that you’re free and you know the signs for your next relationships.

Above all else, you and your life are entirely your's again. You no longer have to fear going home, or what you say might set someone off. You don’t have to stress about what you eat or who you spend time with. You now have your own thoughts, feelings, and ideas back. The best part of that is, the world is ready and waiting for you with open arms.

Generally, the grass is greener where you water it, but sometimes it really is greener on the other side.