Dreaming Again
Blog series Part 5 - Thriving beyond Trauma
When you’re in the middle of a toxic, abusive relationship, people often don’t see what’s really happening behind closed doors. They may see you smiling, working, parenting, or keeping up appearances—but inside, you’re consumed. Abuse eats away at your very existence. It chips at your confidence, your spirit, your energy.
No matter how much you try to hold on to your dreams or keep life looking “normal,” survival takes over. Each day becomes about getting through, keeping the peace, and protecting yourself. Dreaming feels like a luxury you can’t afford.
But then one day you leave.
And everything shifts.
At first, it feels like stepping into the unknown, shaky and uncertain. But slowly, you begin to realize that the world is so much bigger than the cage you were trapped in. The heaviness begins to lift, and with every breath, you start to see life in a new light.
Dreams that were once pushed aside begin to resurface. Passions that were buried under years of fear and control start to flicker back to life. And for the first time in a long time, you feel the spark of possibility.
You ask yourself questions you once thought you’d never ask again:
What do I want for my future?
What passions do I want to explore?
What kind of life do I want to create and build?
This is the beauty of life after domestic violence. It’s not only about surviving—it’s about reclaiming your freedom, your voice, and your power to dream again.
Your healing becomes the foundation for a new beginning. Your past no longer defines you. Instead, it strengthens you. And now, the life you choose to build can be one filled with peace, purpose, and joy.
Because when survival is no longer the only goal, you finally have the freedom to dream—and the courage to make those dreams a reality.
Reflection for You
If you’re walking this path yourself, take a gentle moment to pause and dream. Ask yourself:
✨ What is one dream I silenced while I was surviving?
✨ What small step can I take this week toward bringing it back to life?
Remember: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Healing is a journey, and dreaming again is part of the process. Give yourself permission to start small, to rediscover what lights you up, and to know that you are worthy of every dream your heart holds.