Courage

It Takes Courage
--(Author Unknown)

It takes courage
To refrain from gossip, when others delight in it,
To stand up for the absent person, who is being abused.

It takes courage
To live honestly, within your means,
And not dishonestly, on the means of others.

It takes courage
To be a REAL man, or a TRUE woman,
To hold fast to your ideas,
When it causes you
To be looked upon as strange and peculiar.

It takes courage
To be talked about, and remain silent,
When a word would justify you, in the eyes of others,
But which you dare not speak,
Because it would injure another.

It takes courage
To refuse to do something that is wrong
Although everyone else may be doing it
With attitudes as carefree, as a summer song.

It takes courage
To live according to your own convictions,
To deny yourself, that which you cannot afford.
To love your neighbor - as yourself!

One Year Anniversary

It has now been one year since I was yelled at, hit, and belittled by the one who said he 'loved' me.  This is my first year in the past 12 that I have lived without walking on eggshells, afraid of doing something wrong, intense tension, and being forced to do things against my will. This past year has set new precedent, new dreams, new goals, and new freedoms for the rest of my life.

I will never go back to that old life and situation again.

I choose how my life goes.  I am responsible for me, and my children.  We are safe.  We are loved.  We are free.  I will do whatever I have to for those things to remain - safety, love and freedom.

It's hard to believe it's been a year.  I am such a different girl than I was 365 days ago.  My kids are different, too. 

Are things still messy? You bet.  Are we stronger because of it? Most definitely.

Thank God we are out... Not every woman and child makes it out.

If you are being abused, get support and get help.  You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  YOU ARE WORTH IT.