If you are in a toxic relationship summoning the strength to leave can be complicated, conflicting, and courageous. Your sense of self and self-worth has been chipped away at and you are most likely exhausted from the constant manipulation. On a positive note, realizing that you need to get out is the hardest step of them all. However, getting there is not always easy. Here are some ways to begin building yourself back up to help you leave that person behind.

LISTEN & TRACK

Begin to keep a journal. Write in it daily. Practicing tracking your emotions and what you are thinking will assist in you creating a strong sense of self. Write as often as you would like. There are some days you will want to avoid it. Push through, I recommend starting off with a stream of consciousness or what I call a brain dump. Write whatever comes to your mind for a minimum of 5 minutes per day. No reason to read it when you have completed it.

IS THIS WHAT I WANT

We all enter into relationships with the highest of hopes. We may even imagine a Disney fairytale. These expectations keep us in relationships with the hope they will improve. With toxic relationships, however, that is not a possibility. It is important to fully pay attention to how you are being treated and asking yourself if this is what you want? Is this how you want to be treated? Do you feel that you deserve to be disrespected? Don’t you get tired of always trying so hard? Along with the writing, keeping these questions present will help increase your confidence and make you present to the reality of your relationship.

MEND THOSE RELATIONSHIPS

Part of the manipulation in toxic relationships is isolating you from other relationships. There is also a hiding aspect to this. You do not necessarily want to see these people because you have to lie and hide from the truth. Begin to reach out. Finding the strength to leave helps when you have a support system to turn to. It is better, to be honest, and share but if it is too much at the beginning that is fine as well. Just so you have people that you trust and care about back in your life.

STOP FIGHTING

The main behavior that keeps the toxicity moving in a relationship is fighting. Not only with your partner but within yourself. Finding a way to put an end to that will allow your brain to settle down and begin to think more clearly.

Really, try to give yourself time to rebuild yourself back up before making any sort of a move. The last thing you want to do is leave before you are ready. You could risk going back.

Are you in a toxic relationship? Looking to build your sense of self back up? Schedule your free, no-strings-attached session today. You are not alone!