To anyone who ever doubted my abilities,

Thank you. I know it sounds strange for someone to thank an individual for doubting them, but when you stop to think about it, it's really not all that strange. Those who don't believe in you and doubt you are the ones that help make your progress and personal victories even more exciting. Because of that, I feel it is time to properly thank you for the many ways that you helped me. To those who didn't believe I would graduate high school, thank you. Your disbelief helped push me to graduate and seek higher education. To those who thought that I would only make it a few semesters in college, thank you. You helped drive me to want to continue seeking my degree, especially on the days when frustration was high and I was ready to throw in the towel. To those who thought that I would never make something out of myself, thank you. I have pushed myself incredibly hard over the years just to prove you wrong. Thank you for your disbelief because, aside from my awesome support system, you also helped push me to continue seeking bigger and better things. To those who believe that I will never "get it together" or doubt my ability to reach healing, thank you. You are helping me see how important it is to continue the road I am on to prove you wrong and ultimately reach a place of healing and restoration.

While it definitely hurt hearing your doubt and disbelief over the years, I refused to give up. I refused to let you win. So, while your goal might have been meant to tear me down, you created the opposite effect. Thank you.

P.S. I finally learned that I never needed your approval anyway. I do not need anyone's approval, and I am stronger for figuring that out. Your words no longer bother me, and you make me all the more thankful for the wonderful support system that I do have.