Love is Always the Answer

     For as long as I can remember, I have been a victim of abuse by others.  It began with my mother and continued through two bad marriages, numerous horrible relationships, a host of frienemies, and toxic jobs.  It was at that most recent toxic job that it finally hit me:  the pattern was continuing, 51 years after it all began.  This is when I truly discovered that you really must know yourself and love yourself or you are doomed.

     I have spent years trying to figure out why people behaved they way they did to me.  I could not wrap my head around the fact that I, who had been so abused for so long, still know what love is.  How could they not?  Guess what:  they don't matter and their behavior is a choice.  I will not forget what has happened to me, but I do forgive them all.  After all, I am left with the gift of what I made out of the pain.  Strength, beauty, and the sure certain knowledge that love is real and true and is always the answer.  Becoming a mother validated that for me.  

     My belief in love is what has always saved me, helped me recover from each horrible period in my life.  Hope is a great stepping-stone, too.  Hope becomes faith.  Faith moves mountains.  I love mountains.  ;)  

     Have a groovy day!