If I had a penny for everytime someone has said this to me within the past three months, I could probably buy a big kids happy meal by now.

Not only am I making changes, I'm doing it on my own and at my own pace. Typically, I would be alone when it came to any kind of change, possibly with the help of a therapist or professional. But this time is different. This time I am focused on right now, where I am, and how I get to where I want to be. It may sound cliche, but it actually does work.

There have been incredible things happening in my life. For once, I am standing up for me and believing in myself to go the extra mile. I am not allowing anyone's opinion to persuade my decisions.

I am not taking "no" for an answer, and I am taking the necessary actions to get what is fair, instead of reverting to my habit of letting people walk all over me.

I can't say it's easy, because it is hard as ever. I also can't say it's worth it, because I haven't gotten to that point yet. What I can say is its invigorating. Exciting. Motivating.

For anyone reading this who may have been taken advantage of, I challenge you to take care of yourself, and confront the issues that you're dealing with.

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