Replace Toxic Behaviors – It’s critical to recognize the abusive patterns and behaviors that were modeled and replace them with positive and healthy habits. It can be challenging to break free from learned behaviors but with practice, it’s possible to shift away from abusive patterns. Identify the negative patterns and replace them with positive ones. For instance, if yelling and screaming were prevalent in your household growing up, try to learn positive communication skills.
Practice Self-Care – Self-care is crucial for survivors because physical, emotional, and psychological trauma can take a toll on the body and mind. Practicing self-care is a way of showing yourself kindness and compassion. This may include daily habits such as eating healthily, exercising, getting enough sleep, or meditation. Additionally, practicing self-care can often lead to a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-love.
Break The Silence – Cultivate relationships with people who can hear you and affirm your experience. Often, survivors of abuse stay silent out of shame or fear of not being believed or being. Breaking the cycle means breaking the silence, speaking up, and sharing your story with trusted individuals. Sharing your story can be both liberating and empowering and show that you are not alone.
Forgive Yourself It Was Not Your Fault – Forgiving yourself is vital to healing. You are not nor were you ever responsible for what was done to you. Survivors suffer from guilt. That guilt does not belong to you. It belongs to the people who abused you. The system that failed you. You are not responsible for what was done to you, this is worth saying twice. Breaking the cycle of abuse requires a great deal of self-reflection, commitment, and support.
It’s a continuous journey that starts with acknowledging the reality of what happened, replacing toxic behaviors with positive ones, practicing self-care, breaking the silence, and forgiving yourself. It’s never too late to start the healing process. The cycle of abuse can be broken, and survivors have the potential to create healthier and happier relationships with themselves and with others. Remember, healing is a journey, trust yourself, and be kind to yourself along the way.
