Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, doesn’t it? But what if those challenges felt like they were tearing you apart from the inside? Rosie Aiello’s story is one of courage, grit, and transformation. After spending 25 years in an emotionally abusive marriage, she made the brave choice to escape with her daughter and start over. Her journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark things seem, there’s always a way forward.

Silent Struggles You Can’t Ignore

Abuse isn’t always about bruises. Often, it’s the words, the manipulation, and the isolation that leave the deepest scars. For Rosie, it took 18 years to realize she was living in an abusive marriage.

Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve felt something’s off but blamed yourself, thinking you’re the problem. That’s exactly how Rosie felt—until she picked up Patricia Evans’s book, The Verbally Abusive Relationship. It was a game-changer. Suddenly, she could see what was really happening. It was like a lightbulb went on, shining into all the dark corners she’d been too scared to look at.

The Escape That Changed Everything

Here’s a tip from Rosie: Never tell an abuser you’re planning to leave. It can make things so much worse. For Rosie, living in the Middle East where laws heavily favored her husband, her escape had to be carefully planned down to the last detail.

Her moment of freedom came at San Francisco International Airport. With her brother by her side, she walked away from her husband for good. It wasn’t easy—far from it—but with preparation and support, she made it happen.

The takeaway? Freedom is possible. It takes courage and planning, but you can do it.

Healing Takes Time—And That’s Okay

Walking away was just the beginning. Rosie and her daughter both faced severe PTSD after leaving. It was a long road of therapy, support, and rediscovery. Rosie had to relearn how to trust, smile, and even believe in herself again.

Healing isn’t a straight line, but with the right people in your corner, it’s absolutely possible.

Are You Seeing the Signs?

It’s not always easy to recognize abuse, especially when you’re in the middle of it. Rosie shares some red flags to look out for:

• Making Excuses for Them: Are you constantly justifying their behavior to yourself or others?
• Erosion of Confidence: Do their words or actions make you doubt your worth?
• Control Over Money: Do they control the finances or make you account for every penny?
• Two-Faced Behavior: Are they kind and charming in public but a completely different person behind closed doors?

If any of this resonates, trust your gut. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.

A Life Filled with Kindness

Rosie lives by a simple mantra: You deserve kindness, always. This belief inspired her Love is Kind movement, which she created with her daughter. Together, they’re helping women and children break free from abuse and build joyful, respectful lives.

Steps You Can Take Today

Feeling stuck? Here are some things you can do right now:

1. Reach Out: Talk to a therapist, counselor, or organization that specializes in domestic abuse. They’ll know how to help.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of incidents, messages, and anything else that could be important.
3. Build a Support System: Find people who believe in you—friends, family, or even online communities.
4. Plan Your Exit: Work with professionals to create a safe and actionable escape plan.

A Fresh Start

Today, Rosie is thriving. She’s in a loving relationship, running a business with her daughter, and even enjoying bike rides—something she hadn’t done in years. Her story is proof that it’s never too late to find happiness.

Join the Love is Kind Movement

Want to connect with Rosie? Check out her Love is Kind Movement on Facebook, where you’ll find a community of support. She’s also offering a free guide on confidently asking for what you want. You can grab it at 11hourstofreedom.com/gift.

You Deserve Joy

Rosie’s story is a powerful reminder that you deserve love, respect, and happiness. If her journey speaks to you, take that first step. Reach out for help, connect with a community, or simply remind yourself that you’re worth it.

For more inspiring stories and resources, join the Boss Mom community at bossmom.com/facebook. Let’s lift each other up and create lives we truly love.

Guest Bio

After a 25 year marriage, Rosie Aiello engineered an international escape to save her daughter and herself from domestic violence.

Nearly mentally destroyed,  within four years of arriving back in the United States, she reinvented herself since started her own business, and became a speaker, best-selling author and an international awarding-winning entrepreneur.

Visit www.11hourstofreedom.com to learn more about Rosie’s empowerment program for women.