Our Journey Continues….

The seasons turn, and there are new adventures yet to come. Still I strive toward a better life, a more solid future. My loyal pup remains by my side, ever patient as we make our way forward, slowly but surely, toward our goals.

I am trying very hard to lift myself out of poverty. Some days it seems impossible. But I have a vision for my future and I know that I can get there.

It is not easy for some people to ask for help when they need it. I am such a person. I was raised never to show weakness, and never to display my problems to others. Be stoic, be strong. Be independent. This was the philosophy that I always lived by.

I hold a college degree, and I have ample work experience, and yet at this point, it is difficult to even get a chance for an interview for the positions I am applying to. Competition for jobs is impossibly tough, and if you go through a rough time and take time off, it becomes a steep climb up a slippery hill to try to get back onto a good career path and find some financial stability again. Most of us live our lives on perpetually shaky ground financially, and a few missteps can lead to exactly where I am today. I try to treat every experience, no matter how devastating it is, as a lesson. Try to be stronger and adapt to new circumstances. There are times when I feel like I am about to break, but I just take a deep breath, hug my dog, and go on. A bit wiser today than I was one year ago, I am now taking small steps forward with courage and caution.

Having to survive through this process without much help from social services and without any family or support system is indeed a challenge. Most of the time, I feel 2 steps short of reaching my goals. Having heartfelt moments with my pup and giving myself daily pep talks is the only way to stay strong.

I am thus now advocating for myself, raising these funds for my life in the hope of making things come together simultaneously and regaining some ground. This fundraiser is for me and my dog (not for an organization or charity); so far we have been merely surviving during my job search. Now, I am ready to take steps forward to elevate our lives! I have to fight for myself in every way I can. I have undergone a lot of stresses, struggles, and grief, and physical and emotional disabilities, and yet I am still here. So I intend to fight with everything I have to make a good life for myself, and to continue my journey onward.

I know that I can make a difference in this world. And I hope that when I improve my life and get to better circumstances, that I can make a positive impact on the world around me. I hope that you will find my situation worthy to contribute to. And I hope that one day I can pay forward the kindness that I have received here and help others take steps forward as well.

From the depths of my heart, I want to thank you for your kindness and your compassion.