I stand quietly in front of the mirror, studying the lines of my face intently.

The passing of time shows gently in my smile, a reminder of the memories of the bellyaching laughs, harsh pain and even the tears I’ve cried.
I wouldn’t change any of it, no matter how hard things have been or what I’ve been through.
I’ve learned from my past, grown from my experiences and always emerged braver, wiser and stronger from the fires of life that tried to consume me.
Sure, it’s been hard to keep getting back up after I’ve been knocked down.
Sure, I’ve not always known how I would make
it through some of my days.
Sure, I’ve wondered how I would be okay after so much hurt, pain and disappointment.
But I was, every time…
Somehow, I picked myself up, dusted myself off and rose again, defiantly.
I never dwelled on the things that went wrong and I found a silver lining in every emotional storm that tried to tear me down.
And the most beautiful part of it was that I fought through it all by myself, without help from anyone else.
My loved ones were always there to cheer me on, but when the cards fell and it was time to ante up or fold, I played my hand as the strong resilient person that I am.
I won’t pretend that there aren’t still days that bring me down and reduce me to momentary tears, because there are.
I’ll never say that I don’t wish that I had someone beside me to share the journey…
Even though I have proved that I can make it alone over and over again.
So, don’t look at me with pity or concern, see me for the warrior I’ve become, brave and brash with the victories and peace that I’ve fought to claim.
I’ve healed myself from the pain I’ve felt, I’ve made peace with the past that still tries to visit me and I’ve finally figured out who I am.
I have earned every single thing I have and every beautiful part of my life through hard work, perseverance and determination…
And I did all myself.
That’s what I’ll always be most proud of-
The independence and fight that pushed me forward and helped me rise from the ashes, every time.
So, as a proud smile creeps across my face in the mirror as I prepare for my day, it’s a beautiful mix of courage, strength and confidence…
Because I know there’s nothing I can’t handle and nothing I can’t do.
With the wind at my back and my face towards the sunlight, happiness fills my soul and my heart smiles.
I got this and I always will.
Some might say I’m dangerous because I can’t be kept down.
I’d say I’m anything but dangerous…
Except to the people and obstacles that try to stand in my way.
Because they don’t stand a chance, because I’m a strong woman…
And today, like all others,
I’m unstoppable.

|ravenwolf