Throughout my entire life, I have fought not just for what is socially accepted, but for what is morally right. Sadly, I found myself surrounded by a demographic where illegal and deceitful actions were prevalent. Due to my unwavering sense of social justice, I was silenced from a young age, unable to speak out against the injustices I witnessed. The challenges I faced only intensified when my first partner had an affair, leading me to question my worth and sanity. Searching for answers, I self-diagnosed as "crazy," shouldering the scapegoat label. The cycle continued as I experienced abuse in subsequent relationships, causing me to adopt the label of bipolar disorder. Manipulated by a family member, I allowed myself to be diagnosed with this condition. These accounts may sound exaggerated, but the heartbreaking truth is that they are all painfully real. It is difficult to comprehend the magnitude of these experiences, but I assure you they are true.

In addition to everything I have shared, it is crucial to emphasize that I am absolutely not bipolar. I am a highly intelligent woman who is educated, respected, and who has a limited tolerance for corruption and injustice. My mind is an asset, allowing me to navigate complex situations and stand up against wrongdoing. While others may struggle, I have found the strength within myself to survive and thrive. Addiction, a label often placed upon me, does not resonate with my being. It repulses me, and I strongly disagree with the notion that it is solely a disease. I believe it is a result of circumstance and conditioning, influenced by parental upbringing and kinship dynamics. It is time for women to come forward and share their stories, breaking the silence that has held us captive for far too long. Together, we can bring about change, challenge societal norms, and reclaim our power.

In summary, I refuse to be defined solely by the labels imposed upon me. I am an educated individual with a wealth of life skills, ready to confront the mess that professionals often overlook or choose to ignore. My journey has taught me the importance of speaking truth and empowering others to do the same. It is time to dismantle the systems that perpetuate suffering and create a world where authenticity and justice prevail.

As I reflect on my 42 years of life, I have come to a profound realization. I have been living as a scapegoat, carrying the weight of blame for far too long. Additionally, I have identified as an addict in recovery, but amidst the challenges and trials I have faced, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to wellness. Today, I want to share my story, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding addiction and the strength I have discovered within myself.

Breaking Free from the Scapegoat Role:

Throughout my life, I have found myself shouldering the blame for circumstances beyond my control. It seemed that everything wrong was conveniently attributed to me. But as I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, I realized that I had unknowingly allowed myself to be the scapegoat for those around me. I had falsely believed that if I couldn't beat them, I should join them. However, this mindset only perpetuated a cycle of blame and hindered my personal growth.

Reevaluating Addiction:

One label that I adopted was that of an addict. I believed I was bound to my drug of choice, and society reinforced this notion. However, amidst the storm of adversity, I have remained resolute. Despite the trauma, loss, and abuse that have marred my path, I have never once turned to my past vices. This revelation led me to question the very essence of addiction in my life.

Rediscovering True Strength:

In the face of unimaginable challenges, I discovered my true strength. The strength to resist the allure of addiction and the courage to confront my past head-on. It became evident that addiction was not my identity; it was merely a label that had been assigned to me. By shattering this misconception, I embraced the power within myself to overcome any obstacle.

The Journey to Wellness:

Over the past 12 years, I have been on a transformative journey towards wellness. I have liberated myself from the grips of addiction, not because I was an addict, but because I refused to let it define me. Through therapy, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth, I have reached a point where I no longer rely on substances to navigate life's challenges.

Empowering Others:

My story is not just about personal triumph; it is about empowering others who may find themselves in similar situations. I want to challenge the stereotypes associated with addiction and encourage a shift in perspective. No one deserves to be labelled a scapegoat or defined solely by their past struggles. We are all capable of rewriting our narratives and embracing the strength within ourselves.

Conclusion:

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience I have discovered within myself. I am no longer the scapegoat, nor am I defined by addiction. I am a survivor, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to break free from the limitations imposed upon them and embrace their true potential. Together, we can challenge societal perceptions, foster understanding, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.