I’ve had my spirit crushed, my dreams shattered, and my heart broken.. many times.

Guess what ? I’m still here. And I’m stronger than ever.

There have been days when I didn’t think I’d make it through. I’m not a warrior. I’m a survivor.

I’m that person that doesn’t know how to quit. And won’t quit, EVER.

So, when love tried to break my heart, life tried to burn me down and people tried to tear me apart, I just smiled and kept on going. There’s strength and wisdom in the silence.

I’m stronger than anyone will ever know.

It’ll take a lot more to bring me down than bad days, mean people and wrong choices.

I’ve cried countless tears.

And yet, I still keep getting up, showing up and rising up.

This is who I am and will always be.

I keep high walls around my heart, and I’m selective about who I let in, but once you’re in, I’ll be there for you whenever you need me.

I love hard when there’s love to be had, but I don’t sacrifice my self-esteem for anyone that doesn’t deserve it.

If love doesn’t come to me on my terms, with respect and truth, then I’m walking the other way. I shut doors. I never ever open them again. When I’m done with you, there are no second chances. No takesy backsies EVER.

I don’t have time for games or recycling.

So, when you see my bright smile, know that it came with a price.

I know my worth, because I paid for it dearly.

And if you want to know me- the real me- be prepared to be patient and sincere.

I don’t give my love easily. My trust must be earned.

I realize that I’m not everyone’s favorite flavor, and I’m good with that.

I love me, and that’s what matters most.

That self – love came with a price at the end of a long journey that I’m still walking, and I’m never letting anyone treat me less than I deserve.

So, yes, I’m a beautiful mess.

But that’s what makes me one of a kind.

I may be a lot of things both good and bad, but I’ll always be

secure, strong, steady and real.

I am a lot. A lot of fabulous. A lot of kindness. A lot of joy. A lot of curves. A lot of creativity. A lot of stubborn. A lot of too much over giving. A lot of putting others before myself. A lot of integrity and humbleness. A lot of confidence.

God’s still writing my story.