You are you and I am I. In this world, we are all different whether it's our skin color, eye color, or the way our teeth align. From the start, I learned that life could be as fragile as it is unpredictable. There were times when I felt completely powerless. A near-kidnapping, a traumatic assault-experiences that left me feeling stripped of my security, unsure of what could be trusted in the world. I've faced loss-grief from a miscarriage, a love unfulfilled, and the emotional toll that can leave a person feeling like they're drifting without an anchor. That pain, though raw, became a silent teacher, helping me understand the depth of both my vulnerability and my strength. Though my past will always be a part of me, I no longer let it define me. I choose to carry forward the wisdom from those dark times, and in doing so, I find strength, gratitude, and the courage to live fully, even with all the imperfections.