Before my life became a fairytale, I faced numerous challenges. There were many nights spent crying. I had many days spent in my car screaming and singing at the top of my lungs. Toxic relationships and low self-esteem affected me. I experienced co-dependency issues, depression, and anxiety. I just felt sadness. I had many happy times throughout my life. The happiest moment was when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. Another was when she was born.

I had a good childhood with a mother who loved my sister and me with her whole being. My father loved us deeply. He was overall a good dad. He struggled with drinking for years. Staying sober was difficult for him. However, he got sober and has now stayed sober for 22 years. He went through a divorce. During this time, our mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, after three years of battling, she lost her fight. My sister had just turned 12 the day before and I was 14. My sister and I couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishment, especially through the teenage years. I gave him a hell of a time when I was a teenager. I grieved the loss of my mom in the only way I knew how.

my mother was my best friend. She was my everything. When I lost her, I lost a piece of myself. It took me a long time to find who I am. I struggled with depression and co-dependency for a long time. Then, I started going to a therapist who truly helped me. I had spoken to other therapists in the past. When my mother passed, I especially tried. I wasn’t open to talking to anyone then. I didn’t connect with any of them to get the help I needed.

I have learned through my experiences with life’s traumas that you must make a choice. If you want to make changes, you must choose to talk to someone who can help guide you. To become better or heal from your trauma, seek guidance to heal your heart, mind, and soul. Life is too short to live in a constant state of stress and chaos. You need to learn to be happy and love life. But most importantly, love who you are!