Therapy Activity: Goodbye Letter

This is hard for me to share, but I feel like putting it out there in the universe will reinforce my declaration to move forward and say, “goodbye.” It’s my mission to heal from my past and fight back against this PTSD I’ve been left with. And I hope that it helps someone else to do the same. I found the format for this letter in a therapy board on Pinterest. Please feel free to use this outline to make your own letter and let go. Happy Healing, friends.

To: My Ex

I am saying goodbye because: I am tired of feeling hurt, anxious, angry, and scared. I want to be truly happy again and I can’t do that until I completely let go of all things connected to you.

Saying goodbye makes me feel: nervous, because you’ve so deeply affected who I am today. I’m scared this won’t help the PTSD, but hopeful that I’ll find positive closure and be able to let go of my pain.

I remember a time when we: were happy; before all the bad things came about. Back then I truly loved you and believed you loved me too. My heart was full then. You made me feel beautiful.

You taught me: to trust my instincts. And to leave when things are wrong and not improving. You taught me to stand up for myself; to always put my children first; to know when enough is enough and to demand respect.

Something I want you to know is: I do not forgive you, but I will choose to forget you and move on. You hurt me deeply, but I choose to stop feeling the pain. I do not forgive you, because you do not deserve it. But I choose to no longer be aware of your existence, because I deserve happiness.

I will always remember: that I was not the problem. You were. The way you treated me was a reflection of who you are, not me. I am a good and lovable person. But you were a bad person who wasn’t capable of those feelings and that was not my fault.

From: Mandy

Domestic abuse is real and takes on many forms. Mental abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Gas lighting and so on. Help is out there. If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse please seek help. You can reach The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. This number is open 24/7 and is confidential. Reach out. Don’t give up. It’s not too late.

I will be okay someday...