I’ve been referred to as a "freedom fighter" or a "chain breaker", which made me think about what those terms really mean and boom just like that I realized how fitting those terms are to my life journey. Again reminding me that perhaps the purpose of my struggles are to prove that anything is possible, that if I can do it, so can you!
Living in freedom from the chains that have kept you wrapped so tightly doesn’t come without going to war, into battle, and coming out with some scars. Nothing worth fighting for is free. You ask, what is it you feel you need to fight for...:your marriage, your children, your finances, or your health... Whatever it is that your struggling with, an idealistic vision of what it would be like that your not living up to, a devastating termination, an oppressive gender role, or even a imprisoning prognosis!
I’m grateful to my past self that years ago decided to get up and fight through sexual, physical, and mental abuse.
I’m grateful to my adolescent self that fought through educational set back, emotional issues, rebellion, and peer pressure!!! She didn’t give up hope but continued believing in herself.
I’m grateful to my broken self that decided to trust again and deal with the pain of the past in order to heal and choose to create a brighter future.
I'm grateful for my hesitant self that pushed through my comfort zone to travel and experience new things.
I’m grateful to my unhealthy self who decided to rise from the ashes, ask for help in a FB messenger thread and go to battle with unhealthy habits, mindsets, emotional eating, self sabotage, self neglect, gluttony, and say "NO" MORE!!!
When you see my current pictures, don’t think that my life or my freedom came without a cost. Many days, I was waging war fighting for a brighter future, believing in myself against all odds, prevailing while others were convinced I would fail.
Many battles have been won, there are shackles undone laying at me feet, but the truth is there are still battles, yet I contend to be the best version of myself EVERYDAY. No one is harder on me, than I am on myself. I do not blame or become a victim. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone, in any way, shape, or form. I am not perfect. I just aim to improve myself and be better than I was yesterday.
That's ME and I'm free. I am on a quest to create the life I DESIRE!!! I may not be able to control everything in life, but I can control my actions and reactions and that is what shapes our future. Do you take personal responsibility for your life? You have everything you need within you, waiting for you to unlock the light within. Believe in yourself.
It’s hard. It’s painful. The stretching, growing, and refining process isn’t unicorns and rainbows...But it is worth it. The little girl that was stripped of self worth spent years healing and I am thankful that she fought to become me today and I know my future self will thank the me later for continuing to fight.
To me friends, you have the power to do the same within you. Rise, Fight, Contend for your best self. Join me and stretch beyond impossible, showing others just what is possible all along the way! Be the example, set the bar for living your best life despite all odds and post all the pretty pictures later and be proud of all your scar, all you have accomplished, and how far you have come. Don’t even care what others are thinking they have no idea what it’s like to walk in your shoes! Never give up on yourself... YOU are so worth the effort! Share this with someone that might need to hear these words today.
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