My first relationship lasted 8 years. It started in my second year in college and he was verbally abusive, but I did not realise it then. It took a long, long time (6 years later) to realise that the relationship was toxic, but it took me 2 years to finally decide to make a clean cut in order to start healing. It was a difficult choice, especially since we shared many mutual friends and many of them left after the breakup.

It is not something I want to experience again, neither is it something I wish for anyone to go through, but it shook my core and I questioned myself - Who am I living my life for?

Leaving was a painful step, and my family did not understand why I would "leave a stable relationship" and "cut off friendships". I spent that 2 years alone. During this time, I tried different activities; I joined various groups; I started working out. I even signed up for my first women's 5km run with a friend and joined running communities later on. One thing I admired about the group is that everyone looks so happy, even when the run is tough. I realised I have every right to choose my feelings.

And I chose to be happy. I still choose to be happy. And I choose to be me.