“When I was a child I was extremely shy and insecure. I was petrified every moment I was in my own skin. The only relief I felt was when I was dancing, roller skating, playing sports, or being alone. I was terrified of judgment and rejection by all peers and adults. I could not comfortably speak in front of people until my late 20s. This started to change when I took a job as a substance abuse counselor at age 27, and I had to be in front of as many as 80 male inmates at a time.

Through the guidance of a supervisor, I found my voice and I improved my confidence in this area quickly, first professionally, and more slowly, personally. Now I know I am called to speak to others, and when I know what I'm talking about, I am very confident in my own skin. When I don't know what I am talking about, I am comfortable admitting as much and I no longer feel the need to be perfect. I credit first that one supervisor, but subsequently, the help of God, many mentors, therapy, and my 12 step recovery program has accelerated my progress. Now it actually feels pretty cozy living in the skin I’m in. I can now laugh at myself, make jokes, speak up, and trust my gut. It's been an amazing transformation.”