TRIGGER WARNING: DV/Abuse I’ve alluded a bit on my page that I was previously in an DV relationship. I want to bring awareness, support, and inspire others through my journey to others who haven’t been in, are in or have been in a DV relationship. I’m no longer in this relationship but I still deal with ptsd & have recognized what my triggers are up to now. This year I had encountered for the first time since this relationship, someone that reminded me a lot of this person (personality trait wise), even worse.. they were in my circle. My circle was something that I have worked so hard to keep positive & fruitful. I feel like we focus so much on avoiding this type of person as a significant other but we forget that they can show as friends, family, co-workers, bosses, mentors, etc. too. I found myself having panic attacks/flash backs, severe depression, trust issues, & falling into their manipulation without realizing it. Unfortunately bodybuilding & caring for myself went on the back burner in the midst of this time. Which if you know me, that is NOT like me. The only energy I had, I poured into getting by to survive the day. I can actually remember the moment I realized what was happening, I was so mad at myself for allowing someone like that in again. Why didn’t I recognize it? How did I get here? Why did I allow them to dim my light? Then I remembered, it was just like how I didn’t recognize what was going on before. I also remembered I had the power to remove this person from my life. I had the power to change everything. So I did :) Since then, I’ve been working on myself again. I currently feel A LOT better, not 100%, but way better. I’m in therapy, I’m enjoying life, & getting back to my biggest passion, competing in bodybuilding. We all know social media is often a highlight reel. I think it’s important to show what I’ve conquered, so I have, but this is also me showing when I get knocked down. This is reality, this is healing 🫶🏼 • • 📸: @thompson_visions • #dvawareness #healingjourney #fitnessmotivation #enddomesticviolence #breakthesilence #standwithsurvivors #youarenotalone