My name is Jasmine, and I never knew emotional scars could run so deep until I found myself caught in Daniel’s toxic web. The cruelty was subtle yet devastating. The constant criticism, the silent treatments, the feeling that I was always failing—no matter how hard I tried—eroded my sense of self entirely.

I started journaling after an evening when his words left me broken and curled up on the bathroom floor. My friend, Latrice, suggested I write down my feelings as a way to recognize patterns and reclaim my voice. At first, it was painful to see my truth laid bare on paper. I realized how deeply I had internalized his abuse. Journaling slowly helped me distinguish my true voice from his cruel whispers.

Today, my journal is a testament to my bravery. It reminds me daily that healing from emotional abuse isn't linear, but it is possible, one honest sentence at a time.        - Jasmine