I believe in faith and action. In 2013 we had nothing! It was the year I gained my freedom and started building my life up from rock bottom. I worked, saved to replace the cardboard wall with French doors. Instantly my heating bills were reduced to a third. We felt safe and less nervous. The doors led into our garden. Our front door, which after being kicked in, stood weakly hanging off its hinges. It was a rough looking old wooden door. I managed to replace it with a strong white PVC door. A multiple locking system. We felt so safe now. When we entered home it felt good. Slowly, one by one, I fixed everything. We shopped for clothes, shoes, toys and food. Activities for the kids to attend. It was hard working and trying to manage things paying on a credit card . When you hit rock bottom there’s only two ways to go. Either stay down or climb up. I chose to climb up no matter how many tears I shed at night when the kids were asleep. Along the way there were many who laughed, saw me as a single mother struggling and all they saw was a young girl on her own struggling. That’s all they saw. Inside, I held on to the insults, I held on to people’s doubting comments, ridicule and hearing I would never 'make it'. It all fuelled me. The more I was told I can’t, the more I told myself 'I will'. I have to for myself, the kids. Leading by example was the best I could do for my little ones.
The lesson life has taught me is never look down on someone. You never know what God has planned for them. Karma, beware what goes around comes around. Treat everyone with respect, you just never know what’s going to happen in life. Be humble, be kind, don’t try to squash someone else's dream because you don’t have the courage to achieve yours.
I’m not ashamed of where I have come from. Rather, I’m grateful for everything because it’s made me the person I am today: A survivor with a brave heart, a dreamer who dreams first and achieves next. Someone who defies the odds and strives to achieve whatever they put their mind to, as you can see.
Watch this space!
This blog was first published on my LinkedIn channel earlier this year.
