You rarely hear about this kind of addiction, but it is just as real as alcoholism, drug addiction, or gambling. Have you ever wondered why some people repeatedly choose toxic, abusive partners — and stay with them, even when it’s deeply harmful? I was one of those people. I chose a partner who treated me in ways nobody deserves: with gaslighting and psychological abuse.

Justyna Lyzwa’s journey from growing up in the shadow of addiction to becoming a beacon of healing and empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. In this heartfelt interview, she shares how embracing her pain became the catalyst for transformation, not just in her own life, but in the lives of those she now helps through her coaching method, UR a CURE. Her story is a powerful reminder that everything we need to heal is already within us.

Motivation and self-confidence are two sides of the same psychological coin, each feeding into and fueling the other. When you don’t trust yourself, your motivation often drops. And when you feel stuck, it usually stems from a lack of self-confidence. Motivation builds self-confidence, and self-confidence, in turn, sparks motivation. This inner currency is minted either by love and passion or by fear and trauma. Whichever force forges that coin ultimately shapes not only what we pursue but who we become in the process.

Adult Children of Alcoholics: How To Love Yourself So You Can Find Your True Purpose

For years, I carried the belief that I was unworthy of love. Not because I chose to, but because it had been ingrained in me before I ever thought to question it. Love, at its purest, is first reflected in the eyes of our parents—in their voices, in the way they hold us. When that reflection is absent or distorted, it leaves an emptiness so vast and consuming that we spend a lifetime trying to fill it.

What is self-love, really? Often, self-love is portrayed as spa days, social outings, affirmations, and boundary-setting. Social media reinforces images of confidence and curated perfection. But deep, true self-love is far beyond these surface-level portrayals. It requires radical honesty, courage, and an unwavering commitment to face the parts of yourself that have long been hidden away.

Healing the wounded inner child In families affected by addiction, children quickly learn that their needs are secondary. They mold themselves into roles dictated by unspoken family dynamics, suppressing parts of who they are to maintain an illusion of stability. In doing so, they may begin to believe that certain aspects of themselves are unworthy of love—leading to a lifetime of searching for external validation.

True healing begins when we quiet the mind, observe our emotions, and reconnect with the forgotten parts of ourselves. Meditation, nature, and intentional reflection can create the space to hear the voices we once silenced. More than anything, self-love is about meeting the inner child within us with unconditional acceptance.

Your purpose emerges not from chasing success but from embracing the entirety of who you are. The talents and gifts you once hid will surface when you allow every part of yourself to be seen, heard, and loved.