Hurt people hurt people, but they don't have to hurt you.

I went back and forth about posting this.
About being THIS transparent.
But, this isn’t mine to keep.
This is a real photo that I took recently after a good friend sent me the most uplifting and perfect article after a really hard day.
It was so perfect and broke me in the best way.
I’ll be honest, I have a good life.
Most days are great.
Of course it’s never easy but there are days that look more like this.
When deep down you believe the terrible things people say or try to make you feel instead of the truth.
When people try to cheer you up and you squash it because you’re too sad.
When I’ve been knocked down and hurt to my core left with more questions than anything at the end of the day.
I’ve been in this place many times in my life mostly because I’m conditioned to being in a place where I have to work for someone to like me or love me.
Where I often feel not enough or lacking.
I’ve been the girl that walks in a room of people I thought were friends to have them turn their backs on me or whisper and giggle as I walk by.
And then continue to hang out with them. (makes a lot of sense, right?!)
I’ve been the family member that’s had to endure things no one should ever have to endure.
But guess what?
This isn’t normal.
This isn’t okay.
People that tear others down to make themselves bigger are hurt deep down.
I’m here to tell you, there’s light on the other side of it.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Gods working in my life and has something big in store because the enemy has been working so hard to distract me and remind me of all my hurts.
It’s taken therapy, an amazing group of friends/family, prayer and healthy boundaries for me to get to a place where I can speak nicely about myself and believe it.
Where I can boldly say this is what I deserve and I won’t accept anything less.
Where I show up for me, not anyone else.
Where I expect to be treated with love by people around me and by myself.
Where I run fiercely after God and my purpose.
.
I say all of this to that woman out there who’s feeling this way.
I’m sending you a virtual hug and letting you know that if you do the work it gets better.
If you’re struggling to feel you’re worth it, I promise, you are!