Experience is not what happens to you. Experience is what you do with what happens to you. We all have a past. Yet, if you look ahead, striving to reach goals, stay ambitious, keep faith and remain teachable, I say that is success. We have to be the change we want to be in the world. We should focus on treating the root of our traumas instead of the rippling effect such as the addictions and compulsions that are only the surface issues. Our prison sentences are referred to as our time. It’s what we do with this time that truly counts. Are we going to use this time to stay the same and keep backsliding or are we going to use it to put in practice our newfound knowledge while growing to our true potential, our destiny?

I believe enduring struggle reveals your strength. In utilizing all the tools we have been given, a transformation will be undeniable. At times we may feel weak for having to ask for help. I know I did. But in reality, setting your pride aside and realizing you can’t do everything or know everything on your own is very humbling. This is true strength. Constantly trying to understand ways we can tweak our faults to better ourselves is never giving up on believing it is possible to better yourself. Having flaws and making mistakes is a normal part of life and maturing. It doesn’t make you a failure or broken. It only makes you human. Who better to get advice from than those that have been there, done that, and surpassed expectations – a survivor, a conqueror!

A major key to the success of healing is being willing to receive advice and knowing you’re not the only one. Honestly, how much more likely are you to listen to someone who has been through the struggle you relate to rather than a person with the knowledge and degree? Acknowledge the fact that you’re not useless or worthless but quite the contrary. You’re the perfect person because every unique experience made you the person you are to help everyone just like you. In closing, don’t let this time you have missed with your loved ones or spent in captivity go by in vain. Change is inevitable but you are the captain of your own ship. So, you decide, are you steering towards growth and reaching goals to be better than your yesterday or are you gonna let your past keep you headed towards sinking your ship?

Your voice is your choice.

More reminders of hope