Even if it's just ONE.

You are so strong. Or

I don't know how you do it.

This is what I am often told when they learn about what I have been through.

But, what do you say to that? How do you respond?

I mean, sometimes I just give a smile; and sometimes I say I had/have no other choice.

and when I think about it, I guess I do have a choice. I can let it consume me and break down, which I do at times, and just drown myself in my sorrows. Or I can use it as fuel to keep pushing.

Keep pushing.

When you have little ones, you have to keep going.

I can't check out on them. I have to be present for them, for my family, for me.

Life is always going to throw curveballs your way.

It's up to you to decide if you are going to let it define you or refine you.

If you fall, get right back up and keep pushing.

There's no shame in that.

Use your struggles to strengthen you.

Learn from your mistakes.

Like Steve Maraboli said, "My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthen me."

I hope to inspire others.

I want others, even if it's just ONE person, to look at me and say because of YOU I didn't give up.

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