I Went Viral - But That's Not the Story

Written By Fiona Bool

I posted a short, honest video on TikTok recently. Clips of me on my own. Some quiet. Some a bit sad. Some joyful, playing with Luca. Moments that might look full on the outside - but carry a deeper truth underneath.

And layered over it all was this:

You can know you're not alone... and still feel lonely. That's something I don't think we talk about enough. You've got friends, family and people that check in on you. But there's a quiet part of you that still feels... separate. Like no one really gets it. Not fully.

Being a single mum is one thing. But being a single mum and a survivor? It's just... different. You carry so much. Not just the day-to-day stuff, but the stuff no one sees. The memories, the guilt, the fear, the second-guessing, the rebuilding, the ongoing abuse. The pretending you're fine, when you're absolutely not.

It's a weird kind of in between - you know you're lucky to have people, but you still feel isolated in your experience.

It went viral. Fast. Comments, shares, likes and saves. But what mattered most were the messages.

The Same Ache, Everywhere

Women I've never met wrote to say: "Same".

This wasn't a performance. It wasn't content made to get clicks. It was a truth I've lived, quietly. One I know so many women live every day.

Single mums. Survivors. Those rebuilding a life after emotional abuse or a toxic relationship. The ones who are "never alone" - because of the children, or people, or routines - but still carry that silent ache inside.

We're Not Made to Do This Alone

Going viral reminded me why I created The Dandelion Project. Because healing doesn't happen through pretending.  "Fake it 'til you make it" will only get you so far.

Healing happens in the spaces where you can be real. Where your loneliness is not dismissed with "but you're not alone", but heard. Held.

Where movement, community and connection help you come back to yourself step by step.

If This Resonated With You

You're not broken.

You're not failing.

You're not alone in your loneliness

If my video found you at the right moment, and something in it made you exhale and whisper "Me Too", then come find me.

Instagram: @_TheDandelionProject | TikTok @BeMoreDandelion

www.thedandelionproject.co.uk

We're building something here - gentle, trauma-aware, empowering. For women just like you.

Because going viral isn't the goal. But reminding someone they're not alone? That's everything.

With Love,

Fi xx


Support Services for Survivors

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are people and organisations ready to help: 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK)

Refuge

Women’s Aid

Galop (Support for LGBTQ+ Survivors)

  • National helpline for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing abuse

  • Call: 0800 999 5428

  • www.galop.org.uk

Next Chapter (Essex)

RESPECT Men’s Advice Line

Fiona Bool
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