No one is bound by yesterday. It is gone, a day in history never to be lived again. However, our history is a part of our character. We carry the burdens of yesterday into each of our tomorrows until we discover the strength to move beyond them, learn from them, and grow from them. The old saying “forget the past” isn’t rational. Each day that we live, we are writing a piece of a chapter of the novel that is our lives. Everyone’s book is unique and her own story to tell. Without the past, the writing is incomplete, and the novel doesn’t make sense. With the omission of devastating details, our book isn’t a true reflection of how we live, what we know, or who we are. We conceal our scars, self-inflicted or not, to project a sense of perfection that does not exist. We deny those significant moments that challenge our self worth their rightful place in our legacy. Personally speaking, I know my novel would not be understandable without the adversity. I have attempted to rewrite and erase entire sections of my memoir at the expense of my character and integrity. But I am learning to embrace my choices and traumatic circumstances I didn't intend to write as my distinct novel, my legacy. Every chapter written has led to the beautiful disaster that is me, and I am grateful for this life I have been given to live.