Opening up about my Naked Truth has been hard. It took me a while to pen this because writing about it brought back the memories - I hope this sharing will help anyone who is going through or have gone through a similar experience.

I was in an abusive relationship for eight years. During this period, the person I was ceased to exist and became hidden behind this new “me”. Everything I did was controlled and directed by my ex. I was in a foreign land, could not speak the native language and had no support network. I cut my hair short and wore baggy T-shirts and nerms all the time “to look more decent and appropriate”. I became quiet and measured in everything I said, constantly carrying the fear of saying the wrong thing that will incite the explosions of anger and violence, flying ash trays, punches, kicks - and on one occasion - a brandished knife.

When I finally managed to break free, It took me close to four years to completely recover and emerge from the shadows. I went back to diving to gain courage of conquering the depths of the oceans. I started running to gain confidence to become stronger and better at an activity I used to hate. I recovered my outspoken personality to some degree, as I gained back the boldness to speak my mind safely, with no fear of repercussions. Most importantly, I am learning to love myself more and more every day.