I spent almost the entire year not being able to work. This was difficult in so many levels. I felt misunderstood by about everyone, including myself!

I chose to finally look at the internal damage that trauma left behind in my life. I had tried to do this before on and off through years of counseling. I had two major breakthroughs in my life this year, that have propelled me forward.

I met someone who could counsel me and work with me through trauma on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual way. I also met a physical therapist who has 35 years of experience and wrote a book called, “A World or Hurt: A Guide to Classifying Pain.”

These two people have helped me understand the nuances of pain. They also helped me understand it is ok to take time to get the help I needed. As I’ve been on this journey, I’ve been empowered and been realizing I can believe and live by new messages.

I had so many messages I was trying to live by and many messages I was trying to shove aside. However, I realized there were messages that I had heard but never believed until recently. These are the messages that have set me free.

The biggest message I started to believe is that I can do what I feel called to do with or without the support of my family. They may be able to support me to some capacity but in another capacity they can’t. I accepted that it is ok to do what I believe I need to do whether they understand or not.

Whatever you need to do for you to better yourself, go for it. Don’t let others’ opinions hold you back!