I grow up as a child and live with parents who would fight and with a brother who thought it was okay for a boy to hit a girl. I only knew those kinds of behavior, therefore, it led me to men who abused their women. And to me, I thought of it as normal. My self-esteem was next to nothing because of the men who I was involved with, so I stayed in the relationship because I didn't think that I deserved anything better. It wasn't until I was in my late forties that I finally realized that I am beautiful both inside and outside, and I deserve all that life has to offer me. Now I won't settle for anything less. The words I speak are from true life experience, and they come from my heart. So please don't feel sorry for me for any of my tribulations. Recognize me for who I am today, and I can only hope that I can inspire someone out there to stand proud and stand tall because you are so much stronger than you think. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.