I used to have a very hard time looking at this picture. Yes it's blurry but it was like that on purpose. I was trying to hide the hand print bruises around my neck that weren't completely healed. I was trying to hide the blood still pooled in my eyes from the strangulation. I was trying to hide how alone I was feeling and how terrified I was. I was trying to hide the shame.

A lot has happened in the ten years since this picture was taken. I've come a long way from this space, literally and figuratively. Now, I'm happily married to a wonderful man. We are raising two beautiful girls. I started my own business. Things are good. Real good. I have a happy ending to a rocky journey.

The fear that I was living with is gone but the scars that it left will be a part of who I am forever.

That's why I felt compelled to share my story on my blog. What I quickly learned was that I wasn't telling a story that was unique. I was one of many women who have lived through abuse and thankfully made it through.

It's heartbreaking to think of the women who still only feel safe behind a blurry selfie. My hope is that by sharing a part of who I am helps someone not feel so alone. That they too can get to the point of looking back on their blurry selfies and not feel shame or loneliness but strength and pride.