push through

I grew up in a house where we barely had enough money to keep our utilities on, let alone go on vacation or buy a brand new car. We received our medical insurance and food through the government. I either wore handy down clothes, used clothes, or Walmart clothing for most of my life. I did not own a pair of Nike shoes (or any shoes that weren't from Payless) until I was 16 years old. I did not have a cell phone until I had my first job and I paid the bill.

My mom drank. My dad drank. My sisters and brother did things they weren't supposed to do and also drank well before they were legally allowed. Both of my older sisters had their own children before they were even 20. I (and my twin) was the first one to graduate high school out of 5 children and also the first to attend college.

I started working at 15 because I needed money. I was not saving for a car or college, I just wanted to be able to buy tampons and shampoo and maybe go to a movie once in a while.

I never had friends stay at my house. I never even really had friends just come to my house. I kept my life a secret from all of my friends because it is something that is very hard to explain whenever you are young. It was embarrassing and I was ashamed to be who I was and come from the place I did.

I could have gotten pregnant as a teenager and moved into government housing. I could have became an alcoholic or a drug addict. I could have used my upbringing as an excuse, instead I used it as motivation to do better.

I am not a doctor or a lawyer. I'm not raking in the millions or changing the world. I am happy though. I live my life the way I want to live my life. I went to college and tried to find myself and find my path. I started my very own small business. I met an amazing man and fell in love. I have the best, best friend in the entire world that I have known forever and been best friends with her for 15 years. I have a twin who is literally God's answer to giving me parents that were not the best. I have the 2 best dogs in the entire world and a beautiful house with a pool in the backyard.

Do not let your life make you a victim. You do not have to fall into the life that most people think you will fall into because of your upbringing. Do what makes you happy and what you think feels right. If you want to stay on people's couches while traveling the world, go for it! If your dream is to open a pizza shop or bar or nail salon, do it. You don't have to make millions to be successful, you just have to be happy.