Two years ago today I ended a toxic relationship. I still don't know how things went so wrong, it wasn't any one thing but a slow almost insidious change that was so easy to miss. Even when I saw it, I didn't want to believe it.

How can someone you knew for years, someone who was there for so much, someone who said they love you, stab you in the back and then play the victim?

Walking away was not easy. After everything that happened, part of me still blamed myself. The lies, the guilt trips and the fact my Ex managed to turn several so-called friends into flying monkeys didn't help. But if I didn't leave, things would have been a lot worse.

Because change is messy, I may second guessed myself daily, thought about everything I could have done differently but at some point I had to accept that he didn't love me anymore, he didn't even respect me. You don't cheat on someone you love.

It was pretty lonely at first. My confidence was shattered and I pretty much gave up on being social. Then as time went on, my energy returned. I rebuilt routines, hobbies and got to know myself again. Somewhere along the line, without even realizing it, I started making friends again.

I still have major trust issues and Im not even going to consider pursuing a romantic relationship anytime soon but things are getting better. Now I likely spot red flags faster. I ask better questions. That wisdom came from doing the brave thing once, then protecting that choice every day after.

If your going through the same thing, I know it feels like you're whole world just burned to the ground around you. But it will get better, sometimes your heart has to hurt as it heals. Sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest thing you'll ever do, but it's worth it in the end.