The reason the negativity surrounding me about me never succeeded in diminishing my peace, passion and purpose is quite simply because it was not me.

Anything that originated from me as a shortcoming, weakness or blind spot as soon as I became aware of it operating in my life I began to intentionally, consciously and with great honesty and rigor attempt to heal it, remove it, or build a life that took me away from the temptation of it.

I have been living this way my entire adult life.

Lori Ellis-McKinney (2018)