The Lonely Road Project

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In this episode of The Lonely Road Project, I'm opening up about past relationships that had a lasting impact on how I see myself.

I talk about the emotional and physical abuse I experienced, the constant put-downs, the arguments, and the cycle of being hurt, receiving apologies, and believing things might finally change. I look back at why I stayed, why I went back, and how behaviours that should never have felt normal gradually became part of everyday life.

I'll also talk about the damage those experiences did to my confidence, self-esteem and body image, and how the things people say to you can eventually become the things you start believing about yourself.

For a long time, I thought being strong meant not letting anyone see how much they had hurt me. Looking back, I can see that surviving something and understanding how it has affected you are two very different things.

I'll share how those experiences may have shaped the way I saw myself going into a later relationship, and why I'm now trying to understand the difference between taking responsibility for my own mistakes and blaming myself for everything that goes wrong.

This isn't about naming names, pointing fingers or pretending I have all the answers. It's about being honest about what happened, what it did to me, and what I'm trying to learn as I rebuild my life.

If any of this feels familiar, I hope hearing someone else talk openly about it helps you feel a little less alone.

A note before listening: This episode discusses domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse and the effects of repeated criticism. Please take care of yourself while listening.

NEED SUPPORT?

If you're a man experiencing, or recovering from, domestic abuse, you don't have to deal with it alone.

Men's Advice Line offers confidential support, practical advice and information for men experiencing domestic abuse.

• Telephone: 0808 801 0327
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
• Phone support: Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm
• Webchat: Check the website for current availability.

Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles. You can talk to someone without having all the answers or knowing what to do next.

Source: Men's Advice Line official contact information. https://mensadviceline.org.uk/contact-us/

The Lonely Road Project
Starting over. One day at a time.

You're not the only one on this road, so don't walk it alone.

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Episode 1: Starting Over Again | The Lonely Road Project

What happens when life doesn't turn out the way you expected, and you have to figure out where to go next?

I'm starting over, and trying to work out what the next chapter of my life looks like. In this first episode, I talk about why I started The Lonely Road Project, where I am in life right now, and why I want to start sharing the journey — the good days, the bad days, and everything in between.

We'll talk about men's mental health, relationships, heartbreak, rebuilding confidence, and learning to enjoy life again. I'll also share how something as simple as starting to run has become a big part of that process. Just seven weeks ago, I was struggling to run for 30 seconds. Now, I've completed my first 5K.

I'm not a mental health professional, a fitness expert, or someone who has all the answers. I'm just a bloke trying to make sense of things, make some positive changes, and be honest about what that looks like.

If you're going through a difficult time, starting over yourself, or just trying to find your feet again, I hope you find something here that helps.

Contacts - 

MIND - www.mind.org.uk. 

Samaritans - www.samaritans.org. Call - 116 123

Starting over. One day at a time.

You're not the only one on this road, so don't walk it alone.