I have spent many years and much soul searching working through the blockages that prevented me from taking a feeling of pride from my life journey, I looked as objectively as possible,  at the full picture of my life walk.

I am not sure how yet to put the feelings I feel into words, it is a bittersweet sensation for sure and definitely paradoxical, sublime, contentment, and peace. Probably more just plain gratitude that I have lived to tell the story. Pride is an emotion I am not familiar with on my interior. The same is true for the emotion of Hate.

I have not experienced either in my life.
I feel whole, authentic, satisfied and at peace at this juncture in my life. That is surely enough for me.

Lori  Ellis-McKinney  (2018)