Not Just Another Year

Around my birthday it is normal for me to write a summation of what I have learned the past year... This year I'm not even sure where to begin.
Early in the year I stopped letting fear control me. I learned that giving up on my dreams of a happy, and bright future was not an option anymore.

This year I went from being abused, to taking control of my own life. Now I am a surviver.

It doesn't seem real that my birthday is only two days away. It doesn't seem real that this year is almost over. I felt like it was just getting started, only to realize that because of my abuser the first 5/6 month of this year have seemed to disappear somewhere in my mind.
In and out of court, fighting slander and seeking protection. Canvasing the area for a job.
I went from over a year of unemployment to having a job that I absolutely love. I went from being told I was lazy, stupid, and worthless to being praised and admired for my hard work and determination.

I have so many wonderful people in my life, that I never would have met if this year had gone differently... People who very quickly signed their names on a piece of my heart.
I learned that love surrounds me whereever I go. I learned that I love deeply and fully and with everything in me, every time.

I learned my own strength. I can overcome any thing that life throws at me.

I look forward to 2013 and the lessons to come. There are great things in the works for me, it's just up to me to make things how I want them to be.