I am not sure how to begin, but it all started when I moved to New York from Virginia at the age of 13. On my first day in my new home, I went out to explore the neighborhood and found a playground around the corner. While I was playing in the sandbox, two boys started throwing sand at me. Right then, I knew that New York might not be the place for me. After going home in tears, I was reassured that things would get better, so I tried to forget about the incident and make friends with the boys.

Years later and still living in New York, I found myself trapped in unhealthy relationships, struggling to leave them due to their controlling nature. I had become accustomed to the abuse they inflicted on me. Watching the movie The Secret gave me hope for a fresh start somewhere else.

I try to keep a gratitude journal to document my thoughts and feelings, along with my goals. My goal is to save enough money to move away. Hopefully, things will turn around for me as I work to keep my head above water.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for The Secret movie! It is truly inspiring. It made me realize a lot about my life and that I don’t have to settle for controlling abusive relationships.