It has been hard to not pull the “why me” card the past few years. 

We dealt with my ex having PTSD and ITP
My brothers tragic murder
A house fire
The trial of my stepfather for my brothers murder
My ex volunteering to work out of the country for the Army and leaving me to care for our 1 year old
Struggling to get off my baby weight
Discovering my ex had several inappropriate relationships
A rather nasty and ugly divorce

It is easy let personal tragedy wear you down.  Negative emotion will consume you, and all the joy life has to offer. I have ultimately had to spend my time reflecting on my triumphs, most of which happened in the last year instead of the tragedies . 

The birth of my son, Gabriel Christian.  He is the love of my life. 
I was selected to represent the General Federation of Women’s Clubs with the United Nations Foundation Shot@Life campaign.
I completed a Tough Mudder
I have ran several half marathons
I was chosen as a Shot@Life campaign spotlight champion.
I have worked with my congressman’s office on veterans affairs.
I attended the Mom 2.0 Summit
I was chosen by HLN’s Raising America during the Shark Tank panel to represent mom bloggers.
I went to BlogHer. 
I went to Mom + Social. 
I have been mentioned a New York Times and a Washington Post publication. 
I started writing for Ask Miss A and became the Outreach Director. 
I met Amanda Peet, J Lo, Brandy, Nigel Barker, and Gene Gurkoff (Bet you never saw that sentence coming Gene)
I went to NYC and LA in the same week. 
I just started two new campaigns with LeapFrog and Chick-fil-a
I realized the best kind of revenge is karma. 

I have decided to live my life unapologetically, and without hesitation.  I have everything I truly need with my son.  He loves me unconditionally.  I have realized that I can’t determine my personal worth on the opinions of others.  I must love myself first before anyone else can love me.