How Did You Get Here?

I am so fortunate to live the life I live. But I didn't get here by chance. I have consciously worked my ass off for 25+ years: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I wasn't born into a family that had great boundaries and no stigmas on sexually. I wasn't the cool, popular kid in school. I didn't grow up in a church that saw the value of every human regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, skin color, etc.
I once had a friend tell me, "you just don't understand because you've never had to overcome obstacles!" First off, we know that kind of blanket statement is never accurate. Second, I have had my fair share of obstacles. (Let me state, I do understand that as I white person I certainly have privilege that others do not.) I grew up in a family where boundaries were neither taught nor encouraged. I was sexually assaulted by the age of 5. I faced physical and emotional abuse at home and at school.
People assume that the person they experience today is the result of ease in life. Nothing could be farther from the truth in my experience.
Every person I admire has faced some pretty horrific circumstances. They did not allow others actions or their fears to define them or how they go forward in their lives. They chose for themselves and show up by doing the work necessary to move beyond these experiences and people.