Choosing Self and Pursuing Healing – Reflections on "It Ends With Us"

We saw the movie *It Ends With Us* inspired bu the book of the same name by Colleen Hoover, and having many things hit home for us, we decided to do an episode focused on a movie review.

It shares a blend of reflection on the story, the similarities in our own story, and practical advice for you our listeners while empowering those who may be in similar situations.

To open the episode, we provide a summary and core story themes of the movie:

Lily’s love story with Ryle, the unraveling of his abusive behavior, and her reconnection with young love, Atlas.

We saw the story as a portrayal of the complexities of love and abuse coexisting in a relationship.

Main Thoughts and Questions:

- What did we see Lily’s do on her emotional journey as she comes to terms with Ryle’s violent behavior, despite their initial love and connection.

- Taking the courage it takes to acknowledge abuse, especially when love is involved, as seen in Lily’s internal struggle.

- Real-world parallels: why it is difficult for many to leave abusive relationships, and the societal or emotional pressures that often prevent it.

- Choosing Self Over Toxic Love:

Lily’s decision to prioritize her well-being and that of her child over her love for Ryle- our own decisions to choose our selves.

- We empathize the importance of self-worth and how choosing oneself is an act of reclaiming power in the face of manipulation and control.

- What did beginning that healing journey that Lily embarks on after leaving Ryle look like?

- Breaking free from an abusive relationship can set a powerful example for others, especially children, about self-worth and boundaries.

Closing Thoughts

- Closing reflection on Lily’s story as an inspiration for anyone facing the decision to leave a harmful relationship.

- A reminder to listeners: Healing is possible, and choosing self is an act of reclaiming life and future.

In Conclusion, you will hear how we’ll be ending things, and SoothingH.E.R this week.