Recent months have brought newfound clarity. I’ve awakened to the fact that I allowed myself to become a victim of this illness rather than standing up for myself. Unfortunately, this disease can erode one’s self-esteem to the point where we endure mistreatment without asserting our worth. I’ve decided that I will no longer beg for acceptance, love, or understanding. For the first time in years, I feel liberated. I refuse to apologize for having challenging days, for advocating for myself, or for removing individuals from my life who perpetuate pain through their ignorance and deceit.