The past does not define us...it prepares us

The thing that really sucks (or is really great) about mistakes is that you need to make them in order to learn and grow and become a better person. I have been thinking a lot lately about my past mistakes (far far past and recent), and the thing is I have no one else to blame except myself. I think that I tend to talk myself into how someone pressured me to do something our how my "circumstances" lead me to make a bad decision- but who ultimately made the decision? I don't want to beat myself up for things that I have done wrong- thats not productive or healthy- but admitting we were wrong to someone is freeing. I would not be where I am today- healthy, strong, confident in my faith, a loving mother, a good role model, and in Montana- without the journey (sometimes painful) to get here. In a way I am thankful for the pain and struggles that brought me to a better place. I am thankful to God for my journey closer to Him.