I am not a failure. What a great thing to be able to say. It may sound a little strange to some, but to me, finally being able to acknowledge that I am not a failure, that I am not a worthless piece of excrement, that I am not an unworthy loser, is a big step.

It is both interesting and sad how easy it is to fall into a pattern of self-deprecation and low self-worth. I spent years in an abusive relationship and I felt like a worthless failure. Unworthy of all the blessings and promises that were waiting out there for me. Are still out there waiting. I felt unworthy, so I shied away from those blessings. I refused to acknowledge the positives, and I certainly didn’t feel like I deserved for anything good to come my way.

Today I can look in the mirror and I don’t see a failure. I see slightly unsure woman who is getting stronger every single day. A woman who is working toward an outlook that allows good things, and blessings to fill her life.

I am not there yet, not by any stretch of the imagination. But today I see myself walking steadily down the path toward joy, happiness, and success.