Excuse-free living is my mantra, but it’s not easy to employ it. My story exemplifies this reality. It’s been a tumultuous journey that included actively fighting against racism, grappling with the trauma of military service, and struggling to free myself from the grip of toxic relationships. These experiences tested my spirit and forced me to develop my strength and resilience. Things were far from smooth, yet I got hit with a debilitating illness in the midst of it all. But you know what? I refused to let circumstances define reality. This story is one of resilience and determination. It’s definitely not a one-paragraph story, but trust me, it’s worth hearing.