Notes by La'Rue

I don’t know where I get my strength from. If I had to attribute it to someone or anything, for that matter, it’d have to be God and my unfortunate life circumstances. I didn’t come from a family of strong men, women, or leaders. I didn’t have sit-downs or talks on how to be a woman or “the facts of life”. Truthfully speaking, the many things I lacked when I was younger, are still needed now. Although most people would say, you’re an adult, so you should just let the past be the past, but I’ve tried that. In fact, I’ve tried a lot of things. I’ve tried to let it go. I’ve tried to forget about it. I’ve tried to suppress it. I’ve tried to medicate it. I’ve tried to counsel it, and I can honestly say, out of all attempts, therapy has helped me the most. However, sometimes I feel that all I did was put a band aid on my wounds, expecting them to heal, only to remove the bandage and see the scars, which reminds me of the pain, while hurting me still. Yet, all it did was make me tougher, powerful, and resilient. I no longer reside where my past misfortunes are, because I decided to change the narrative. When I’m met with harsh criticism or jokes by what previously took place in my life, I smile and say, “That was then, but look at me now!” What I went through is where I’m from, but it’s not who I am!

Do not be bound or defined by your life circumstances. Just because it’s your story, doesn’t mean you can’t change it!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue