Last night I saw the new Mike Mills film 20th Century Women, starring Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, and Elle Fanning. At one point in the film, Fanning’s character remarks that she believes the best quality a person can possess is strength. Looking back on the last few years of my life, I can easily say that strength is what has brought me to the present day. A few years ago, I moved to LA after the death of my boyfriend Dave. I was thoroughly depressed and lost. I was unsure of what the future held. Things got even worse for me when I entered an abusive relationship, the worst details of which I have never shared with another soul. Fast forward to the end of 2015, after breaking free of those horrifying bonds. It look me a few more months to completely rid my mind of the negative thinking associated with being in such an insidious situation, complete with emotional and verbal abuse.
In the year that has followed, it has been my strength that has truly emerged as my most valuable quality. It was strength that allowed me to move forward when I lost my best friend to death; it was strength that pushed me to find freedom from someone who had broken me; it was strength that allowed me to forge a new life in Los Angeles. Strength is what propels me forward; we can all be more strong. In the upcoming year, we will have to be.
2016 was a great year for me. I accomplished many things in stand up, including performing in my first major festival and making my debut on Roast Battle, which lead to other amazing opportunities. I feel my growth not only as a comic, but as a woman. At the age of 27, I think I really began to feel like a real woman. I became someone who had seen things, felt pain, known heartbreak, felt despair. Throughout my life (beginnging in childhood I’ve been pushed down by others, insulted for things outside of my control, and hurt. But I can say that I always get up again. I will keep doing the same thing in the future. Strength is the most important quality of all.
As I head into 2017 and my 30th year, I have a great life. I have family and friends who love me. a great job that provides for me, a blossoming career in stand up, and I’m dating someone who treats me with total respect. A lot can change in a year. Have faith that it will if you are in a low place. Get back up and keep moving. Be strong. Blessings in 2017 and beyond.
H
Fixed Air 
Glad to hear and know that you are in a better place, wishing you the best for a truly Happy New Year, Love Mom