The year 2018 was hard on so many people, I was starting to think it was a cursed year. But, maybe not. Maybe it was a year for teaching lessons and making people stronger than the person they were at the beginning of the year 2018.

I went through countless rough times last year and I think it just made me stronger. I might be buried in ash but I will soon make my ascent as a Phoenix, rising shiny and new.

I've suffered so many years with all kinds of shitty luck and just sick of it. Every time I climb from that pit of despair that has held me down I feel a bit greater than before. And I ask myself, who got you through this? It wasn't anyone but yourself. My family supported but they couldn't do it for me.

I've learned the tough lesson that if you need something done, the work and tears and long nights worrying aren't done by anyone else. YOU, yourself has to be the one to say I'M FINISHED WITH THE BS! Whether it be a struggle at home, mental struggles, work problems, being broke. NO ONE can put a stop to it but YOU.

YOU have the power to say enough and make the changes necessary for your own well-being. Sure, therapy, medication, they help; and finding people that will be in your corner, but not to dig you out of the mess but to be there for you when times get tough and you need someone to talk it out with, vent the frustrations.

I've walked out of many bad situations and came out smarter and more aware on the other side. But now this is different. Before it was just me, no other responsibilities, but I have a son now and NOTHING will keep me from taking care of him and putting him first.

So, not only for myself do I need to be strong and persevere but I have a handsome son that needs to know that his mother won't let him and will do whatever it takes to make sure that he is ok and life is joyful for him.

Life is meant to test us to see what we're made out of. Our personal life tests just happen to surprise us all whenever they hit. Their purpose is to mold us into who we should be. Don't wimp out and give up or into temptation and the "Woe is me". It won't get you anywhere.

Don't blame others for your shortcomings because it's not their fault that they rose above their challenges and you chose to sink, be strong! Fight the problems that you face head on! Think positive, Act positive! You have to be strong because life wants nothing more than to trip you up and make you fail.

It's ok to have yourself a pity party just don't get stuck there. You can have the time to feel sorry for yourself you just can't stay there. Rise up and face the challenges that life gives you head on! It might get hard, but that's where the support comes in.

Make life what you want it to be!