Yvonne M.

I did not want my past to define me.

At a very young age, I came to understand that life is full of hardships and downfalls. I grew up with my parents doing the best they could for both me and my siblings. Unfortunately, within my own family, I had to deal with molestation, drug use, and several other emotional disturbances. At the age of 16, I knew something had to change in order for me to have the future I deserved. I did not want my past to define me.

Fortunately, with the help of therapy, the support my loved ones, and the practice of yoga, I found the proper tools that eventually aided me in overcoming the obstacles of my past. I chose to work on myself and my future. I can honestly say that with proper focus, a positive attitude and good support system, you can accomplish anything you want.

No matter how bad things get, you always have a choice, whether to sink further into the unhappy situation you find yourself in, or to rise above it. I chose to rise.