I’ve taken a lot of crap in my life.

Disrespect.

Discrimination.

There have been times when I’ve continued in relationships where I had to minimize myself, or jobs where I felt that I was stuck even though I was being mistreated.

I’ve second guessed and short changed myself.

Lowered my expectations.

Been in situations where I was the only one fighting. And the only casualty.

My heart has been broken.

All of these things that I’ve gone through, that I put myself through, or that I welcomed into my life, they’re done.

I have a daughter that looks up to me. She’s observing the way I react in situations, and watching how I treat others, and how I allow them to treat me. She notices when I’m not happy, or when I’m stressed or frustrated, and she’s looking at me for clues on what she should do whenever she’s feeling the same way.

She also thinks I’m the best Mom in the world.

I don’t care what people think of me. 

I care what she thinks of me. And what she learns from me. 

I care that she knows that she is worthy of respect, and that it’s her right to expect it.

I care that she treats others with grace and kindness,

And that she never allows fear to dictate her next move.

And I care that she knows I love her more than anything, and will always be here for her.

That’s all that matters.