My Twenties

What’s a chapter of your life you’d title “The Hard Years” — and what got you through it?

I would title my twenties as “The Hard Years” of my life. Actually, it all began the night I graduated from high school in 1991. I was 17 years old—just a kid.

That night, the guy who would eventually become my first boyfriend, showed up on his Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, and life as I knew it changed. I spent those few years before my twenties and nearly the entire decade of my twenties on what seemed like a nonstop emotional roller coaster. During that time, I also joined the military and became a single mother. Honestly, life back then was just HARD.

So, how did I make it through?

1) Journaling– At the time, I had been journaling (keeping a diary) since childhood. I always wrote out my thoughts as if I were having conversations with God. Y’all, journaling got me through some tough times.

2) God– My relationship with God always remained constant. Even when I wasn’t at my best spiritually, I had faith that whatever I was going through would eventually get better. Don’t get me wrong, I probably cried the majority of my twenties, but I never lost faith in God.

3) Therapy– At 20 years old, I was smart enough to know I needed therapy and found a therapist at the base clinic. Even though I would spend the next several years crying and struggling, the coping techniques my therapist gave me were invaluable. I still use them today. Shout out to Ms. Elaine!

The hardest years of my life ended around age 28 when I had finished my second enlistment as an active duty airman. When I left active duty, I joined the reserves and enrolled in college. I would be lying if I said the tears and struggles stopped there, because they didn’t. However, life was far better than it had been, and it became even better in my 30s. Then my 40s hit and that was a whole-nother story! Smile.

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Thank you for asking the question and allowing me to share. Wishing everyone a beautiful day!

Signed and sealed with gratitude and love,

Shaun♥️

**By the way, if you need a little inspiration or motivation to get you through the day, stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration.