You are amazing, vibrant and full of life. Even if you can't feel it, I can see it. Underneath all the heartbreak, anxiety, depression and trauma is a strong, confident, vivacious, beautiful human! The universe is brighter and better off because you're alive! Thank you for being born.

I don’t feel timid and afraid. I feel in control. They won't get what I don't give them. Unfortunately, I used to feel the opposite. I was afraid they'd get whatever they wanted even if I didn't want to give it…. Why had I concluded that? Where did it all begin? I had no idea until I was 18… I was attending a conference that would help with the crisis coaching I was beginning.  One of the speakers, a Licensed Professional Counselor, covered the topic of abuse. As she began to speak on sexual abuse, for the first time ever, I actually sat there considering that perhaps I had been sexually abused.

Growing up I can remember countless times I would have thoughts about myself and my body that were downright mean. The reflection we see when we look at the mirror isn't always the true version of ourselves.