When I married my abuser, he promised me amazing celebrations for our anniversary and my birthday, convincing me to get married the day after my birthday. I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate the two biggest milestones in my life, all wrapped into one beautiful package. But instead of joy, he stole that celebration from me, taking his girlfriend on our honeymoon trip to Paris.
For years, I cried, convinced that Paris was not for me—that the city of love would always be a reminder of betrayal and heartache. It wasn’t just about the trip; it was about the dreams, the promises, the pieces of my life that were shattered and tossed aside. Every time I thought of Paris, my heart would ache with the memories of broken vows.
But then I made a decision: Paris would not belong to my past, to that painful chapter of my life. I would take Paris back, and it would be mine in the way I wanted to remember it. I booked a trip to the city that had once symbolized heartache and betrayal, and I went there on my own terms—my way. In front of the magnificent Notre Dame, I reclaimed the city, not as a reminder of pain but as a symbol of my strength, resilience, and joy.
This was no longer about what had been done to me; it was about what I could create. The pain of the past didn’t define me, and Paris, the city I once dreaded, became a new memory—a celebration of me. I walked the streets with freedom in my heart, building new, happy moments that had nothing to do with him and everything to do with me.
Taking back those painful memories and transforming them into joyful ones is a powerful part of healing. It reminds us that we are not stuck in our past. We are not bound to the heartbreak, the loss, or the pain that once consumed us. We can rewrite the story—create new experiences that reflect our growth, our resilience, and our right to happiness.
For me, Paris is no longer tied to him or to the sorrow he left behind. It’s now a symbol of my journey to reclaim my life and my power. It’s about the strength to take back what was stolen and transform it into something beautiful.
So, if there’s a place, a moment, or a memory in your life that feels tainted by the pain of your past, know that you have the power to create something new. You can turn that painful memory into a celebration of how far you’ve come, just like I did in Paris.
Because this life—your life—is yours to shape and fill with joy, on your own terms.
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I’m celebrating my birthday with YOU! I’ve opened up 20 1-hour coaching sessions for you to pay what you can. Let’s break free from the past and create a future you love. 💪✨
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Happy Birthday Susan.