One of the first really positive things that has come up for me, amid all my issues as I work on them, is that I feel a sense of pride in the child, teenager, and young adult (she says at the ripe old age of 32) that I was when I went through painful events.

I was surprised how strongly proud I felt at realizing the depth of the pain and fear I went through and survived. Like, that was some intense stuff for a little person! But I made it through, and look at me now. I'm not perfect by any means, but I have a good heart, I try hard, I am kind to others, and I'm learning to work toward a better life for myself.

I have very poor self-esteem and am terrible at knowing how to say no to people, and I know that it's going to take more than just one moment of pride to get me out of the rut. But I wanted to share that pride and extend hopes that maybe feeling pride in the fact that you have survived everything you have lived through up to this point, can help you feel a moment of pride in yourself, too.