Well, I have survived so much in my life. Physical brutality, rape, infidelity, infertility due to a medical condition, living with a parent who was addicted to drugs and alcohol.

And you know, when it came down to it, through despair and grief, I survived by knowing I am not a victim, I am not what other's have done to me or the circumstances at any time in my life. They are not what makes me who I am.

And if I am being honest, when it all became too much for me to bear on my own, I did turn to my spiritual beliefs to gain comfort. Without this, don't think I would have made it through those times in life.

Yet, I also must say, each episode taught me to be strong, taught me a lesson to be learned, and made me a more compassionate, giving and understanding individual.

I'd love to hear what others have faced in their lives.