I have never had an easy life as such, it's been hard – beyond hard at times – and a few times I ended up wanting to give up because sometimes I didn't feel strong enough to deal with it all. Everyone goes through tough times. It's purely attitude and determination that gets you through.
I run a support group not only for women who are currently suffering, but for anyone ready to make a positive change in their life. But I want to do more – I'm 25, I'm young and I am still finding myself and I am still striving to find and create opportunities to grow and further my success because as a survivor of sexual abuse, abusive relationships, weight gain, bullying and hair loss… I realised my strength.
Thing is, you can talk to someone, they will give you the best advice they can and nine times out of ten through no fault of their own they don't have a clue what to say, you leave with no new helpful information and no hand pulling you further out of the hole you have fallen into. (That's what I believe I'm here for.)
Anyway, for all I've been through myself I don't feel sorry for myself anymore. I used to feel bad for myself for all I went through; for all the pain, all of the struggle and all of the strength that was ripped from me. The weakness I felt….
Then suddenly…..BAM!!!
I decided myself that I was not going to carry on the way I was. DECIDED – it was a decision. I was not going to try… I WAS going to change my own life because nobody else could.
There were two choices:
- Wallow in self pity, become a poisonous negative person, let depression engulf my existence and live life day to day suffering because of my past.
- Do something about it. Realise how beautiful and strong you are!
People will often hear me say “keep your smile”
To me there is nothing stronger than a smile. It's a physical natural reaction to happiness. And no matter how hard things get. How bad or dark, if you can smile once on an otherwise hopeless day. You know there is still a little bit of light inside you. Why not let that get brighter? Create hope and smiles. Spread a message of survival and resilience to the pain you've suffered. Whoever made you feel the pain. Whatever illness you've suffered from, you are still here and you matter. – I repeat- YOU MATTER!
Pressure deep in the earth creates a diamond that is valuable and unique. Those of us who have had to deal with difficulties and pressure in our lives can emerge stronger. Or you could remain hidden with no idea of what you're capable of becoming. It is a choice. You choose to survive.
I'll finish with one of my favourite quotes-
“When we long for a life without difficulties, remember oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” – Peter Marshall
