As I am writing this, it is hard to believe. I have been living in the same home for six years. Even though I had doubted myself in the beginning, I made it through some pretty bad things. I overcame them and am now in a much better place. Now, I am looking to make things even better as I move ahead in my life.

Six years ago, I signed paperwork and got the keys to what is now my current home. It is still hard to believe. This happened at a time when the world was in turmoil because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seemed like the world was against me and was not willing to give me a chance. I had been in a bad situation months before. I needed to see that I was deserving of a fresh start. It was difficult to realize I had an opportunity for a fresh start. Nonetheless, I don’t take it for granted even today. Each morning, I wake up, I thank the Lord. I am grateful for my home when my feet hit the floor.

The world was in a state of chaos. It seemed like there was so much going against me. I had a bad time with some things in the past that were beyond my control. I was also not caring for my mental health. This issue continued when I moved back in with my parents. It lasted for nearly five more years. The problem wasn’t solved until I accepted things for what they were. I had to see them how they needed to be. It was essential for me to exist in a world that was already hard for me.

Over time I had seen that living independently was the best choice for me. I struggled with things for many years. However, I learned many things and made it through some hard times. I did not allow myself to fall into total decline or let go of everything. I certainly did not let things get as bad as they did in the first apartment. That was non-debatable for me. I had to learn to improve at cleaning.

Even in those early days, when my family helped, it felt impossible to be there with them. I would make them feel bad by thinking their interference was too much for me. Nonetheless, having family members clean and help improved things over time. I began to see that I had to make a difference in my home. I wanted it to be a place where I wanted to live for personal fulfillment. I saw that it was worth keeping and not allowing things to decline as they once did.

I have learned and experienced a lot in the past six years. I feel blessed to live where I live. I sometimes had doubts about living on my own. But, I made it through some pretty tough times here. I overcame my battles by doing what I needed to do all along. I chose not to fall in line with doing things that were not the best things to do. I made my home what it is. I have learned and grown to be a better person because of the opportunity that I was given.