Growing up, my (25F) parents were horrifically abusive. They beat me forcefully for hours until I had bruises and broken fingers my entire life. Most of the time I didn’t even understand or know what I had done to provoke their anger. They accused me of suffering from a disability I don’t actually suffer from (confirmed by mental health professionals, although because of their behavior I have acquired some other mental illnesses) and because of that made my life HELL. I lived in a shitty, racist white small town.

I moved out when I was 19, went to a big city, became financially independent from them. I cut all contact with my family a year later. For that, they sent the police after me twice, but I held firm. Today, after so much hard work, lots of therapy, and lots of awesome support from many people in my life, I am living my dream life. I make a good living from running my own business & I have amazing work life balance. I live with my amazing partner who makes our little home a place full of love and support. I have so many people in my life who love me, hang out with me all the time, and support me. I have been able to do hobbies I wanted to do for years (like dancing) that I couldn’t do because of a lack of time and money. I paid off all my debt. How many other people can say they’ve achieve all their dreams at 25? I’m so lucky and grateful.

I wrote this hoping it will give hope to someone. A good life is possible, and you don’t have to live under your parents’ dictatorship forever. Sending strength & solidarity!