The example my father set for me was essential in shaping my healthy self-esteem. Watching him treat others with kindness, respect, and confidence taught me to value myself and believe in my worth. His actions demonstrated what it means to be strong yet compassionate, which has helped me face challenges with resilience and self-assurance.

I moved into my home several years ago. The kitchen was the only area I didn’t change before moving in. I thought, “I’ll do it within the first year.”  The first year comprised finding a new church and a new job. The second year involved finding a new job and getting involved at my church. In the third and fourth years, I returned to the challenge of finding the next job. In year five, water problems (a hole in a well pipe, an issue with my home water filtration system, and a flooded yard)...

My friend invited me to pick lemons from a tree. I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived at our destination, I looked at the tree an