Empowering vs. Crippling

 


Empowering vs. Crippling



With everything happening in our political world—and the recent government shutdown—I felt inspired to share my story. Life often comes down to one choice: sink or swim.


I’ve been there. I’ve seen every diagnosis imaginable in my medical records—bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder. For years, people crippled me with their labels. They treated me like I was my disability, and for a long time, I used that as a crutch. When people treat you like a disability, you start to believe it.


Even my own mother once told me I was too mentally ill to go to college. It broke me—but it didn’t stop me. The only people who believed in me were my high school teachers and college professors, and I give them full credit for seeing my potential.


At my lowest, I applied for SSI and Section 8. But let me tell you—being denied was one of the greatest blessings of my life. That moment pushed me to choose empowerment over victimhood, ambition over pity, and determination over dependence.


I worked as a waitress, sales associate, and caregiver—all while attending school full-time. I survived on red-eye coffee from Starbucks, studying in the middle of the night because it was the only time I had. Through sheer perseverance, I graduated with honors, earned every scholarship I applied for, and completed my Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Rio Hondo College and my Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Public Relations) from California State University.


My first job after college was as an Activities Director for the Orange County Department of Mental Health. From there, I built a career as a Medical Case Worker for L.A. County Department of Mental Health. By the time my name finally came up for Section 8, I was already in escrow for my condo.


Within two years, I remodeled and sold that condo for a profit and bought a three-bedroom home with a view of the mountains and stars. I went on to publish five books and launch my own e-commerce business on Amazon.


Today, I work as a Marketing Director and recently purchased my dream car—a BMW.


This isn’t about boasting—it’s about inspiring. If there’s a government shutdown, remember: it’s sink or swim. Don’t wait for the world to save you. Use your talents, skills, and creativity to find a side hustle. Do everything in your power to swim.


I know what it’s like to struggle. I’ve lived in my car. I’ve cried in silence. But through it all, I prayed, believed, and kept my faith. You can, too.


Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”


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