“But I had the strength within me and around me to be a better man.”
I Was Released From Prison 11 Years Ago—That Night, All I Could Think About Was Going Back
‘I hated my life, hated being different. I’d hit rock bottom, to the point where I didn’t want to live anymore.’: Mom survives sexual assault, toxic marriage to find self-love
“This little baby woke up a dormant side of me I had been too afraid to show to the world. I knew then that I couldn’t be the best mom to my child by living in fear. It was time for me to learn to live authentically.”
‘I was refused service. I lost my wallet, most of a weekend. More importantly though, I lost patience with the whole cycle.’: Woman shares journey to 6 months sober
“I drank to oblivion almost every day and woke up often not knowing whose house I’d slept in until I opened my eyes. But with my wedding coming up, I wanted a clean break.”
‘You’re going to die at any moment.’ All I could say was, ‘Good.’: Anorexia warrior shares journey to recovery, ‘I deserve this life’
“Living in a malnourished state made me OBSESSED with food. I would spend my spare time walking around supermarkets staring at food, picking food up, and buying food for other people to fill some sort of void.”
‘Mommy, can you give me one of your arms so I can have two real ones like my friends?’: Mom shares lessons from child born with Amniotic Band Syndrome
“I gulped back tears and explained it wasn’t medically possible. His reply would be my first lesson.”
I Lost A Life-Saving 130 Pounds, And Fad Diets Had Nothing To Do With It
“263 lbs, I loaded the stroller and walked 3 miles a day. Rain, wind, or shine.”
‘Yes, I’m so lucky. I only had to sacrifice my hormones, my social life, and mental wellbeing. But hey, at least I’m lean!’: Woman shares anorexia recovery, road to healthy pregnancy
“It didn’t hit me when my heart rate was at 40 bpm and the doctor called cardiology in a panic. Or when I was freezing cold in the summer heat. Or when I woke up at 3 a.m. every morning, dripping in sweat. I finally realized something was wrong when I stopped loving my dog.”
‘She said no one would ever hire me again. I quit college and gave up on my dreams.’: Woman with amniotic band syndrome shares story, ‘I wouldn’t change anything’
“I thought my family and friends would be better off without me. Living with scars and all of the pain, insecurities, and fears they caused felt too hard. I felt like a burden, without purpose or worth.”
‘I went to uncurl the fingers on her left hand and realized she had none. I couldn’t sleep not knowing what this meant for her.’: Mom shares journey learning about daughter’s limb difference
“‘At least you know she’ll be right-handed!’ the nurse joked. There was a wave of grief when I realized someone may pull back their outstretched hand when her nubbins reached for it. Education is the key out of the shadows.”
‘How can I feel so much loss at a time I am the most grateful?’: Postpartum mom shares ‘paradoxical emotions’ after giving birth to second child
“Nothing prepares you for how hard postpartum hits. With the colossal love for this new life comes grief our world has changed.”