![]() The Story of Michelle Tatom- Logistics Specialist in the US Navy : As I got to my hotel room I took a glance in the mirror and this realization came over me that I've gone off course of myself by going along with others definition of my life. I've let myself bullied into silence. There I was, with every breath suffocating and not understanding WTF was going on. There I was, gasping for air battling my inner self to control anger, pain, anxiety, love, tears, wickedness that I've lost sight of the teachings of my upbringing. I was raised to believe in the greatness of one's individuality, that I shall bow to no one but God and to not let anyone control my own destiny. So those words of Eleanor Roosevelt resonate in my mind, " You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself I've lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along". So there I was, still looking in the mirror, emotional and I felt embraced by this energy that I can't explain, but like a new found comfort and drive, I slowly felt that knot around my throat dissolve. All of the things that didn't make sense, now do. I've lost sight of what I've accomplished and lost faith in myself, the Lord and my dreams. Now ,that girl within me is singing to God again and asking for forgiveness that I've lost faith in him and given power to my life to mortals. There, [In my hotel room] I was thinking how the hell did I let my life not be my own? How is it that the written chapters of [my life] that I haven't even lived is being publicized as verified facts? This I blame to absurdity and the waste of the mind. For the first time I laughed and realized that if I was of no significance ( to others) then why all the trouble? So, I shall channel the energy of my ancestors and all those who have fought, died, been beaten, and have been humiliated so I can have the liberties I have today. With reaffirmation I've come to find in myself, I will never give up. |
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AuthorMy name is Kylila (Ka-lee-la) which means beloved. I am one who loves, or at least tries to. I have had many titles, Poet, Photographer, Videographer, Writer, Cadet, Private, Athlete, Leader, Director, etc. I have learned that the greatest successes are born from the most tremendous trials. Everyone has beauty in their life story. |