In my life, I will honor my family, my fellow veterans and myself by continuing to volunteer for those in need.

I will be loving and supportive to friends and family. I will start by forgiving myself for all the years of self-neglect, self-doubt, self-harm, negative self-talk, missed opportunities and not realizing my worth all based on the words and actions of others

My self-discovery/self-care journey is a process that will be my priority. I will “live” the rest of my life, not just exist. I will travel, I will laugh, I will accept myself as I am and will find peace within. I will continue to surround myself with other veterans who lift my spirit, who I feel connected with, who make me feel accepted, seen and heard.

I will continue to be the best Mom and Gramma to my boys, Derek and Nathan, along with Desmond, my beautiful grandson. Desmond truly is my happy place, my pure joy.

I will honor the memory of my siblings Timmy, Denise and David, who have left this world way too soon. I will slow down, take time to be present, see and appreciate the signs sent to me.

I will not feel lazy when my body needs rest. I will learn that food is NOT the enemy. I will realize that my body is a temple that needs nutrients to function, I will appreciate my body for what it has done for me. It has given me two  amazing children; it saved my life when I almost died. I will set healthy boundaries.

I will look back at myself as a little girl and give her all the love, guidance and compassion that she deserved but never got. I will remind myself that I didn’t deserve the traumas I suffered starting in childhood, throughout my military career and until now. I was naïve, trusting; I am not to blame. I do not have to carry the shame, guilt, disgust with me any longer.

I am a warrior. I am worthy. I am enough!