First, I sought out support from friends and family, confiding in them about my decision to change my life. Their encouragement bolstered my determination, giving me the courage to face what was to come. I also started therapy, where I began to unravel years of emotional suppression. It wasn’t easy facing the truths about my marriage, but it was a necessary step towards healing and empowerment.

Simultaneously, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement. I joined a fitness class, not to conform to my husband’s ideal but to reclaim my health and strength. Each drop of sweat was a drop of defiance, each stride was a step towards independence. I also rekindled old passions, signing up for a creative writing workshop, something I had always wanted to do but never found the time or courage for.