This will likely be my last post here. 
 
I haven't posted here in a very long time, but I felt inclined to this morning babies so many of you were so kind to me at a time I didn't know how much I truly needed kindness. 
 

I joined this forum a few years ago when I was experiencing (what I thought were) minor stepparenting issues. I soon after realised what an abusive marriage I was in, and after a horrible experience trying to secure a final restraining order against my (now) ex-husband, I fled to another state, leaving behind the home, step kids, and life id hoped to build for myself. 
 

I wanted to check in to say that I'm ok - better than ok. I am still waiting on my green card, but my residency has been approved. I also work with a domestic violence charity now to bring awareness to those navigating DV, and I have no contact with my ex or my former stepkids. I go no-contact for their saftey, because their father is so irrational and violent that I wouldn't want him to feel that they're outside his control where I am concerned. One day, when they're legal adults, I hope they'll find me so I can tell them that it wasn't their fault that I left, and why I've had to stay away. 
 

I learned over the past 21 months since I left, that my ex was a criminal, had multiple women on the go, and was abusive to his ex wife (the one I was lead to believe was crazy). She has been a great source of support for me, and it's astonishing how similar our experiences with our ex are. 
 

When I left my ex, I was a fragile, broken shell of a young woman. Since leaving, I released a book which became a number 1 bestseller in multiple categories, my YouTube channel continues to grow strong and recently surpassed  over 730K subscribers, I was hired as a VP in a company I could only ever have dreamed of working in 21 months ago, and I have surrounded myself with strong, likeminded entrepreneurial women who have been such great supports in helping me get back on my feet, and live the life I deserve. 

My coach, who I worked with weekly for over 3 years now finally told me I was ready to fly, and I've now got the tools to help me make good decisions, and the ability to really understand how and why I (and others) behave and make decisions in certain ways. 

And I'm in a very harmonious and loving relationship with a guy who is uncomplicated, positive, patient, kind, and who doesn't have a malicious bone in his body. We take things one day at a time and enjoy each other's company. He isn't the 'exciting' type I used to look for, and I had to learn that for a long time chaos and disorder went hand in hand with what I thought love was. Now, love is more like a lazy river rather than a stormy sea, and I like it very much. 

Although I have become a step parent again... to his two dogs. Aside from the copious amounts of fur, I think I can handle these two step-pup. 
 

Thank you all so much for your kindness. There was a time I didn't think I'd make it out the other side, but im so glad, and proud, that I did. 
 

Best,

Anime