For a long time, I lived my life dependent on cause and effect. My joy, happiness, love, worth, and pain was dependent on some external event or someone. I was in perpetual turmoil and felt disposable.

It was only until I decided to take accountability for my feelings and my actions that I began to swim above water. I took a deep breath in and realized that to swim or sink was my choice. Obviously, I chose the latter.

Now I live to inspire. I’ve forgiven those that have broken their integrity toward me. Because in the end, their broken integrity is with themselves and has nothing to do with me.

I realize that there is so many amazing things that I have to offer this world and that my happiness resides in my hands. And so whatever comes next, I will continue in peace, open, loving, sharing, and engaging.

So here is my take away after stopping and restarting. Remember that #lifegetsbetter.