My life has been rife with challenges. I was born into an abusive marriage and conceived in marital rape. I went on to be abused and neglected by both my parents in different ways. I was homeless from right after my 15th birthday until I was 17. In that period, I was groomed and taken in, then sexually trafficked, by people I trusted. I escaped at age 17 and went into group homes to help me get on my feet. I was emancipated and got my first place at 17. I went on to be involved in multiple abusive marriages./relationships. Now in my mid forties, I have benefited from perspective, solitude, and therapy tremendously. I have learned how to listen to my gut, avoid entanglement with or leave toxic relationships, and find peace, healing and personal fulfillment. I have learned to assert and maintain firm, healthy boundaries. Today I thrive!