Leaving an emotionally abusive relationship isn’t just about walking away — and it’s never as simple as having a plan. When fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty feel overwhelming, it’s often because your sense of safety and self-trust has been shaped over time.

In this episode of Single Parent Success Stories, Schalee Sanchez shares what it was really like to leave a 20-year emotionally abusive marriage with four children — and no clear plan for what came next.

She didn’t have security.

She didn’t have answers.

She just knew she had to go.

And what happened after she left… changed everything.

This conversation explores what it really takes to leave a toxic relationship, rebuild your life as a single mom, and begin trusting yourself again — even when you feel completely unprepared.

If you feel stuck…

If you’ve been telling yourself “maybe it’s not that bad”…

If you’re waiting until you feel ready…

This episode will meet you there.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it actually feels like to leave an emotionally abusive relationship

• Why fear and self-doubt feel so overwhelming in that moment

• How she left with no job, no plan, and four children

• The role of support and community in starting over

• How to begin rebuilding self-worth after emotional abuse

• What her children said that confirmed she made the right decision

This episode is a reminder that you don’t need certainty to take the first step.

Sometimes, the decision to leave is where everything begins.

📚 Her Book

If this conversation resonated with you — Schalee goes deeper into these ideas in her book:

The Humility You Want and the World Needs

A powerful guide to rebuilding self-worth, navigating relationships, and leading with strength instead of fear.

👉 https://amzn.to/4ckeTHs

🤍 Reconnect With You

If this episode feels close to home — if you’ve been carrying this quietly and trying to figure it out on your own — you don’t have to.

Book a free clarity call:

https://calendly.com/coachirina/clarity

Learn more:

https://www.irinashehovsov.com/

🔗 Connect with Schalee Sanchez:

Website: http://www.schaleesanchez.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schalee.sanchez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schalee.sanchez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schalee-sanchez-7207a7181/

About Single Parent Success Stories

Single Parent Success Stories shares real stories of navigating life after divorce, emotional hardship, and major transitions — and what becomes possible when you begin again.

☕ Support the podcast:

https://account.venmo.com/u/Irina-Shehovsov

↗️ Join Podmatch to find guests or become a guest on other podcasts:

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/irina