Happy Anniversary – Celebrating the Decision that Changed My Life Forever
STOP! DON’T NEGOTIATE!
September 1, 2016
After Action Report / Review of Performance
October 30, 2016
Happy Anniversary to a decision that changed my life forever.
On this date many years ago I raised my right hand and took the oath of enlistment to join the Air Force. A high school dropout with a childhood of chronic trauma and abuse, I had no idea how this would shape my life. I simply thought it sounded like a “great way of life.”
I joined the Air Force with a plan of only staying 4 years. It suited me, the discipline was what I had missed in my childhood. I worked hard and despite experiencing the “woman in a male dominated world,” I stayed 23. I got a few degrees and learned some great skills in contracting, negotiation, leadership and computer system administration. I found out that I was not stupid or a loser after all like I had been told as a kid.
The person I see in the photo was still carrying the brokenness of growing up with alcoholic parents and being abused and beaten by a boyfriend and giving up on life because no one cared. I unfortunately continued that pattern of choosing the wrong people and would experience a lot more pain and heartache.
Thankfully today, I have left all that behind and choose to remember the many good times and wonderful experiences I had vs the bad stuff that happened in my life.
The best part is I value my talents, love myself and love God.
I don’t write these kind of posts to get any sympathy for what I went through but to let those of you who still struggle with stuff from your past know that you can heal from it, release it and leave it behind you. It takes work and it is possible. The Power is in The Work. You do The Work you will have The Power.
Happy Anniversary Eldonna Lewis. I am proud of who you have become.
