"Growing old is a privilege denied to many".

Brandy Stringer, 49

My favorite quote is "Growing old is a privilege denied to many". The biggest challenge I have faced is leaving an abusive marriage and rebuilding my life afterwards. I had spent so long in that situation that I did not realize how much of myself I had lost and how much it had changed me as a person. It took me a long time afterwards to find "me" again. I would tell my younger self to be BRAVE! Brave enough to be true to yourself and honor who you are as a person. Brave enough to say no and to stand up to others when needed. Brave enough to follow your dreams and not to settle for what others want for you. Be brave in all things!

My most transformative experience was being in and leaving my abusive marriage. It shaped every part of me. It affected my relationship with my friends and family. It changed the way I saw myself as a person and affected the confidence I had in myself. Luckily I found the strength to leave and a good counselor to help me through the situation.