“I was terrified of relationships, with anyone. I hated myself and thought that everyone else did too. I thought everyone has out to hurt me and that no was safe or trust worthy. I screamed at my adoptive parents…about how much I hated everyone and that all I needed in this life was me. I was carrying around so much fear and hurt, but as a little girl around 5 or 6 years old, I promised myself that I would never let anyone see me weak, hurting, scared, or anything less than independent. I wanted so badly to feel loved and to love others, but I couldn’t let myself reach out for those relationships that I wanted so badly, for the longest time, I gave up what I wanted most because I was letting fear drive me.

Elk Mountain taught me to no longer fear others and to accept myself the way that I am. I have made some really strong relationships since.”