I'm a strong independent woman. I take care of myself. (Aside from the occasional phone calls to my family asking questions.) I am self-efficient. I make my own meals and dress myself every day. (Even if I choose to wear pajamas all day). I speak my mind and create my own thoughts. (Although I know when to hold my tongue at inappropriate moments.)

No, I do not need someone by my side to help me along. I do not need a man or a woman to be my helping hand. (However, I do appreciate when I am offered help.) No, I do not strive to be alone my entire life. I appreciate my family and friends, but I want to stay independent.

I was raised this way. I was born this way. I was created to stand for what I believe in and to never take no for an answer. I understand some things may be difficult for me to achieve, but I will still try my hardest to reach these goals. (With or without a helping hand.)

I believe my words have meaning behind them. I believe I have the right to speak up when I choose to. However, I also understand that there are moments that I should not release the fire from within me. I must hold my tongue and wait for the proper moment, or else my words will not have a meaning.

My words are given meaning by the way they are expressed and the way I express myself. With dignity. With grace. And with a whole-hearted approach. I always dive head first into what I believe in... after I determine I have solid ground beneath my feet and open water ahead of me. This is the way I am and they way I plan to stay. People may not always appreciate what I have to say, but as long as respect is given and my words are heard, my job is done. My message has been sent, whether or not it has been received is something different for everyone.

I plan to continue to take care of myself and design a world that I am proud to live in. I do not want to be fearful of my home or the people in it. I plan to strive for greatness and move forward during all of my adventures. (Until the roads tell me to turn back to where I began.) I cannot succeed in everything, but as the person I am, I can succeed in most of what I chose to strive for.

I want my future children to understand that they mean something to someone. They mean the world to me and they have the opportunity to make their lives incredible. I plan to raise them to continue to be independent to the extent that I am. I hope they know who they are as a person and who they want to become. However, I also hope they realize when it is time to return to their roots and center themselves again.

I am a strong, independent woman and that is all you need to know about me. Not who I support, who I dislike, or anything else. I will speak my mind and offer my opinions to you. Whether or not you agree is something completely different. I will not change who I am... I have become who I want to be and how I want to be seen.