“The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.” – Unknown

I pride myself on being a positive person but I must admit, life has always been a struggle. As an adult, as I look back on my life, it’s obvious that my parents did a great job of masking our adversity.

We moved around a lot, but I never knew it was because of financial woes, I thought it was normal. My mom would go away for long periods of time and I never knew that she was in and out of prison; I thought she was on a modeling assignment or a business trip.

Even when we were homeless and lived in a hotel for some time, I never knew we were struggling; despite what we went through we always had food on the table and clothes on our back.

“The Struggle”

It wasn’t until 2005, when I was in high school, that “the struggle” became as clear as day. Me, my dad, mom, and 4 younger siblings were homeless and moved into a shelter.

I never told any of my friends in high school because I was too embarrassed and ashamed. During our time in that one bedroom shelter I had made up my mind that I would do whatever I needed to do to provide a better life for my family.

I became laser focused and I wasn’t letting anything or anyone get in my way. I was hungry. I was driven. I was desperate.

I Made Up My Mind

Once I made up my mind to succeed, it seems that things got even worse. We had some good times yes, but the bad times were disheartening almost beyond repair.

In 2007, a month before I went away to college, my dad passed away, which as you can imagine devastated our family. In 2008 my mom was sentenced to four years in prison; I guess you can say that her past caught up with her.

In the midst of trying to raise my siblings, pay for college, and deal with life, I felt like throwing in the towel on numerous occasions.

I can’t pretend to be a superhero and act like I made it to where I am today all by myself. I got here with the help of amazing pastors who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, grandparents and family that held us down, incredible best friends that let me vent and cry during my darkest moments, and a host of other supporters who provided encouragement along the way.

I’m The Happiest I’ve Ever Been

I can honestly say that right now, I am the happiest that I’ve ever been in my life. Life is by no means perfect, but I appreciate the good times after having been through the bad times.

I recently graduated with my Master’s degree, I have a job lined up where I’ll be able to use my gifts and talents, I’m in a healthy place mentally, and I’m surrounded by love. 

It took almost 8 years to get to this point but it did get better. There were times when I couldn’t’ see the light at the end of the tunnel and I had to depend on the vision that my support system saw for me, because I couldn’t see it myself.

So, I’m just writing this post to encourage you to keep pressing, keep trying, keep working, because it will get better. I promise. I’m a living witness. Yes, you’ll have to work your butt off but it’s worth it!

 Below are a few statements that have not only become principles that I live by, but principles that have helped me get to where I am today:

1. Yes, I’ve been through hell and back however, I refuse to be a victim. I will work hard for what I want just like everybody else. If not harder.
 
2. No one in this world owes me anything. We’re all given a certain “hand” in life but it’s up to us to figure out how to play the hand.
 
3. No matter what happens, I will never give up. I will fail myself to success, if necessary.

What or who motivates you to keep going when the going gets tough? Do you have any principles that guide your life during difficult times?

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