A friend described the choice and steps you take to remove yourself from an extremely difficult and (emotionally) harmful situation is like the birth of a baby….
….starting with the onset of labor-you’ve decided to remove yourself from the situation, you’ve developed the steps necessary to move out of your situation, and now you are putting your plan into motion;
….actual labor /contractions-implementing your steps, moving through a dark place, feeling despair, not able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, feeling as you are moving through this place all alone;
….the birth canal-experiencing the pain of moving out of the situation, overcoming the pressures of your choice, experiencing pain so great you just want to give up, maybe feeling some distress;
….the birth-your rebirth, the new you, accomplishment of survival, pleased with your choice, HAPPINESS!
As with labor, everyone’s experiences are hugely different, but the process is the same. We recognize when a situation is harmful, feel the pain and know what is needed to live pain free. We have to go through “some things” to get to a happier place. But sometimes we live in our situations because it’s easier and no effort is needed.
But your happiness is necessary! Why not seek it and attain it.