Something I have learned in my 23 years on Earth is that life is hard as fuck. It seems that you take one step forward and something always comes along to bring you two steps backwards. I've been through many hard times. I've been through things that I would have never thought I would make it through. I have been doubted and told I would never succeed or that my life was ruined. I have been told that I was hopeless or a lost cause.

Nothing feels better than to prove these people wrong and to even prove myself wrong. Sometimes when I am down or having a rough time I let these people's cruel words get to me. But there's always a voice in the back of my head telling me that I'm better than that and that I need to keep fighting to prove them wrong.

To all the people that told me I wasnt going anywhere and that I ruined my life after becoming a teen Mom; I wish you could see me now. I have a good job at a bank making more money than most people my age. I am a full time student working towards a degree to land a career that I have always dreamed of doing. I have my own place, pay my own bills, and take care of my family. Most importantly my son is doing amazing. He is one of the top students in his class and he is growing up to be the sweetest boy ever. They thought I would never be able to do any of this. They thought my life was over when in fact it was just getting started. Young Parenthood taught me to grow up, taught me responsibility, and gave me the motivation to go and get what I want and deserve.

To all the people that abandoned me at my lowest points, dismissed my mental illness, and told me I was hopeless and weak; I am still hear fighting this battle everyday. But I am not and never will be hopeless. My mental illness does not define or limit me. It only makes me stronger. I am finally receiving very effective treatment. I see myself getting stronger everyday. If I were as weak as they said I was, do you think I would be balancing mental illness, parenthood, being a full time student, and full time employee? That is a lot for even strong minded individuals and I am succeeding at it. I will continue to be an advocate for others who go through similar things. No one deserves to be dismissed or alone through it. I now have a new and better support system and I don't need people in my life that tear me down.

The moral to this is don't let people or statistics tell you can't do something. You truly can do anything you set your mind to. It has to come from you. Nothing is impossible. You can make it happen. ♥️