I used to hate the way I looked. I had no clue what to do with my hair — and clearly, neither did my mom. Kids called me names like poodle and caveman. With tear-filled eyes, I begged God to make me the prettiest, most popular girl in the world. I prayed that same prayer for years. I just wanted to be liked... to have friends... to stop being bullied. My home life was a mess, so I chased outside relationships to fill the void — but it never worked. The friends I did have meant everything to me. Even now, people from different seasons of my life still hold a special place in my heart. For years, I was an outcast just trying to belong — desperate to be seen and included. That deep need to be accepted? It’s one of the biggest reasons I turned to drugs. Because with drugs, I didn’t have to wonder if I fit in. I wasn’t paralyzed by anxiety. I could show up confidently — even if it wasn’t real. Drugs became my safety net... my armor. But today? Life looks completely different. Now, I thank God for the way He created me — inside and out. I thank Him for the calling on my life that’s allowed me to connect with and inspire hundreds of people. Not because I’m special, but because He is. It humbles me to know the same brokenness that once ruled my life... has been transformed into Kintsugi — pieces mended with gold. Beauty from disaster. Purpose from pain. Today, I walk with my head held high. Grateful. Confident. At peace in my own skin — curly, poodle-caveman hair and all. I wouldn’t change a thing about me. And the things I can change? Those are in my control. I no longer beg God to make me beautiful — I thank Him for making me me. And the best part? It’s all come full circle. My passion now, as a personal trainer, is helping others feel like the most beautiful people in the world. And not stopping until they do. #lifeafterdrugs #lifeafterjesus #jesussaveslives #redeemedbygrace #redeemed #confidenceisbeauty #thankyoujesus